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Iguazu Falls: Why This Natural Wonder Deserves a Spot on Your South America Bucket List

Iguazu Falls in Argentina

When you think of a rainforest in South America, your mind probably goes straight to the Amazon. Iguazu Falls is one of the New 7 Natural Wonders, but perhaps the one that few people know. This tropical rainforest environment is home to the world’s largest waterfalls system, forming a horseshoe shape between Argentina and Brazil. I was lucky enough to visit this lush natural paradise when visiting Argentina.

 

No photos or viral videos will prepare you for seeing the Iguazu Falls in real life. The Devil’s Throat is the tallest waterfall at 240 ft tall, making it considerably taller than Niagara Falls , with millions of gallons of water passing through the 275 different waterfalls every second.

 

I visited Iguazu Falls as part of a hosted FAM trip that also included Buenos Aires to discover this unique section of Latin America and its tropical rainforest. This trip was a special opportunity to learn about the Guarani people and the local community. I’m sharing what I learnt about Iguazu Falls and how to navigate the Brazilian/Argentine border. 


What Are The Iguazu Falls?


The Iguazu Falls is the world’s largest waterfall system and the second richest biodiversity region in South America after the Amazon. There’s no true dry season here as it rains almost daily, while temperatures in summer can reach 100°F with high humidity. There are over 450 species of birds and 800 species of butterflies at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spans across Argentina and Brazil.

 

The diverse wildlife ranges from jaguars and pumas to monkeys and raccoons. You’ll get the best views of the entire waterfall system from the Brazilian side, known as Foz do Iguaçu. Meanwhile, the Argentine side, known as Puerto Iguazú, gives you a more immersive experience.


The Argentine Side of Iguazu Falls


We started our visit to the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side with a private guide, starting on the upper and lower circuits before walking alongside some of the waterfalls. The panoramic views on your way to the Devil’s Throat feel like they’re straight out of a David Attenborough documentary.

 

If mobility is an issue, you can take a 15-minute train to Devil’s Throat instead of walking. We had lunch at the Grand Meliá Iguazu, which overlooks the falls and is another great alternative if you’re concerned about accessibility.

 

What makes the Argentine side unique is that you’re able to have a more immersive experience, getting as close to the falls as possible. If sailing near a waterfall is on your bucket list, then the Iguazu Falls is one of your best options!


Great Adventure Boat Tour


The highlight of my day was “The Great Adventure”, which combines a jungle drive and boat tour along the Iguazu River. You’ll get to feel the water spray on your face as you get up close and personal with the cascading falls. It’s an adrenaline rush that’s guaranteed to make the photo album!

 

This experience is limited to 500 people a day, and waterproof bags are provided (a must for keeping valuables dry!). You’ll want to change into rainproof trousers and a jacket for this tour to keep yourself dry as well. Kids must be over 12 years old to take part in this tour. If you prefer to stay dry, you can get similar views from the Lower Circuit without needing an outfit change!

 

We ended our time on the Argentine side by having dinner at Yabuticaba Mercadito de la Selva. This intimate restaurant celebrates the flavours of the Misiones rainforest with hyper-local ingredients in seasonal dishes.


The Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls


The Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park is more popular for one-day visits as it offers the best panoramic views with easier walkways and better photo opportunities. It’s also a good option for a 1 or 2-night stay, but there’s less to do near the park, especially compared to the Argentina side.

 

One of the main differences between the two sides is that there are smaller boats used on the Brazilian side, which also allow kids under 12. These boat tours only visit one waterfall section, but you could also book a helicopter tour for a stunning aerial view of the park.

 

The bird sanctuary, Parque das Aves, is also located on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. It’s one of the only institutions in the world that’s dedicated to conservation work for Atlantic Forest species.


How to Cross the Brazilian Border: What to Know

One of the most confusing aspects of visiting Iguazu Falls can be crossing the borders between Argentina and Brazil. Both countries meet near Iguazu Falls, making it the second biggest border control area in the world after the Mexico/USA border. Most visitors to Iguazu Falls will find themselves crossing at least one border.

 

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need a Brazilian visa to visit that side of the waterfalls, even for a day trip. It’s best to visit the Iguazu Falls with a tour guide, as they’ll usually help you navigate the border crossings to make them as seamless as possible.

 

When you’re crossing the border, you’ll typically go through a passport and visa checkpoint, followed by an additional immigration checkpoint. You must have your passport with you, and it’s best to set aside at least an hour to go through this process. You’ll get a stamp for leaving one country and another for entering the new one, whether you’re going from Brazil to Argentina or vice versa.


Where to Stay When Visiting the Iguazu Falls

You’ll want to stay as close to the national parks as possible – or even inside! After a full day of exploring, you’ll appreciate the comfort of a luxury hotel with on-site dining options. Below, I’m spotlighting 3 of the best accommodation options for a bucket list trip to Iguazu Falls.


Glamping Selva Iguazu


I was lucky enough to stay at Glamping Selva Iguazu, my first ever experience of glamping. This accommodation takes luxury glamping to the next level with only 10 domes, which face Paraguay.

 

If you’re coming to South America for a digital detox, you can relax in your room without the distraction of Wi-Fi or a TV. Don’t stress if you still need your daily social media scrolling, as there’s Wi-Fi available in the main house. There’s an outdoor and lounge area there that’s ideal for solo downtime or if you’re part of a larger group.

 

I loved that this accommodation offered flexible lunch and dinner timings. You’re guaranteed to work up an appetite by dinner time, which is always a 3-course meal. Breakfast locations will vary throughout the glamping site with a continental style breakfast menu comprising of pastries, eggs, yogurt, and fruit.

 

I wish we had more time to explore the on-site activities, which included ziplining, jungle walks, suspension bridges, and water rappelling. If you’re an outdoor person, you could fill a week-long itinerary with just the things you could do at this accommodation. I can book these experiences, even if you’re not staying on-site.

 

Guests who are staying for at least 3 nights will also have a special jungle dinner experience included as part of their stay.


Gran Meliá Iguazu


If Iguazu Falls is a bucket list experience for you, then the Gran Meliá Iguazu is where you’ll want to stay. It’s the only hotel inside Argentina’s national park and a 5-star resort that every outdoor enthusiast will feel right at home in.

 

Most of the rooms face the waterfalls, and it’s only 20 minutes from the airport, making it even more convenient for getting the most out of your time here. Hotel guests get first access to the national park, giving them the unique opportunity to beat the crowds and get to Devil’s Throat before the first train arrives.

 

RedLevel is the hotel’s splurge-worthy premium service, with rooms in this category located on the 3rd floor and above. You’ll get hydrotherapy included with guaranteed waterfall-facing rooms and private check-in.

 

When I visited the hotel, I got a chance to see the Junior, Grand, and Royal suites. The Royal Suite is my top recommendation for groups or families with a private pool that elevates your stay even further.


Belmond Hotel das Cataratas


The best hotel on the Brazilian side is the Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel. This historic luxury hotel offers old-world Brazilian glamour with distinctive Portuguese colonial interiors. It’s just 25 minutes from the main entrance to the falls and 40 minutes from town, making it ideal for those who want a split itinerary.

 

This 5-star hotel has 176 rooms, but only 18 of them offer a view of the falls. If you want a private plunge pool, there are 2 junior suites available. This hotel is another great option for families and groups, as I can help coordinate connecting rooms for larger bookings. I got a chance to tour the superior room, tower suite, and deluxe falls view room, which is worth the upgrade if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

 

As a historic hotel, it’s instantly recognizable for its pink walls, and the original tiles have been preserved through each of the recent renovations. One of the main perks of staying at this resort is the early morning and late evening access to the falls from the Brazilian side.

 

Amongst the highlights of this hotel are the Michelin-starred Brazilian restaurant, a weekly Sunday Brazilian BBQ with live music, and wine tastings. I can book my clients variety of activities when staying at this hotel, including helicopter and boat tours.


The Best National Park Experience Outside North America

Plan a Visit to Iguazu Falls: Where to Stay and Navigating the Border

If your dream vacation is to get outdoors and into nature, then the Iguazu Falls deserves a spot on your bucket list. Thank you to Ann&Palm for this hosted trip and showing me the different sides of Iguazu Falls, to share with my clients. It was an unforgettable experience and one that showed how this National Park could rival any of the ones in North America – even Yellowstone and Yosemite.

 

It’s an itinerary that requires a little extra planning (with the help of a travel stylist!) but is guaranteed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine the bragging rights after standing on the edge of Devil’s Throat!


 

Is a trip to the Iguazu Falls on your vision board this year? Schedule a consultation with a travel stylist at Travel Queen LLC to start curating an unforgettable trip to Argentina and South America that blends city living with the wonder of Mother Nature.


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