Where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls: Brazil or Argentina?

Still not sure where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls?

The two main cities to stay in when visiting Iguazu Falls are Puerto Iguazú on the Argentine side and Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side.

Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. The viewpoints to admire the magnificent waterfalls are also located in both Argentina and Brazil. So, to visit Iguazu Falls, your primary decision should be whether to stay on the Brazilian or Argentine side of the Falls.

The two cities differ greatly in terms of culture, services, and hotel options, but both are excellent choices for lodging when visiting Iguazu Falls. Below, we’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of each city and the best areas to stay in each.

In addition to the cities, you can also find hotels within Iguazu Falls, inside the Parque Nacional Iguazú (Iguazú National Park), where the falls are located.

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Discover Iguazu Falls

Parque Nacional do Iguaçu: This is the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.

Foz do Iguaçu: The closest Brazilian city to explore Parque Nacional do Iguaçu. It has good tourist infrastructure and a variety of hotels, resorts, and tours.

Parque Nacional Iguazú: This is the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls.

Puerto Iguazú: The closest Argentine city to explore Parque Nacional Iguazú. It is a small, cozy town with simpler accommodations and some tours.

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List of the best places to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls

Puerto Iguazú vs. Foz do Iguaçu: Which is the best area to stay?

Both cities are excellent options for lodging and exploring Iguazu Falls. Therefore, your choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and which country you will be arriving in and departing from.

The two cities are only 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) apart, making it easy to travel between them. Thus, choosing one city as your base does not prevent you from visiting the other side of the falls or the other city. The transportation coverage between Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu is very good, with options including buses, taxis, shuttles, and ride-share services.

Puerto Iguazú

• A small and quiet town where it’s possible to do almost everything on foot.
• Good restaurants with low prices.
• Most hotels in the city are quite simple and don’t even offer basic hotel services. However, it’s possible to find good hotels.
• The airport is far from the city and has limited flight options.
• Few sightseeing options in the city. Most of the more interesting activities are far away, in neighboring cities and regions.

Foz do Iguaçu

• City with a wide range of hotels and resorts, with both budget and luxury options.
• A good range of services, including bars, travel agencies, restaurants, shopping centers, and everything a tourist might need.
• A variety of tours in addition to Iguazu Falls.
• Airport with many flight options and closer to the city.

TIP: Regardless of where you choose to stay at Iguazu Falls, we recommend visiting both sides. The views from each side are entirely different, as is the experience. We found the view of the waterfall from the Argentine side to be more beautiful. However, both experiences were unique.

Where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls? Inside the National Park

If you’re looking for accommodation at Iguazu Falls, both on the Brazilian and Argentine sides, there is a luxurious hotel with magnificent views of the Falls located within the National Park. You won’t be short of options for where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls.

Hotel das Cataratas – Parque Nacional do Iguaçu

On the Brazilian side, there is the Hotel das Cataratas, a five-star hotel by the Belmond chain, offering all the luxury, comfort, and exclusive services that are standard for the chain. It’s an excellent choice for where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls.

The hotel is the best in Foz do Iguaçu and is located within the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu. It features rooms with views of the falls, as well as a beautiful pool, spa, restaurant, and outstanding service. Besides the falls, guests can explore the park’s trails at leisure, take night tours, and see the sunrise and sunset at the falls, among other exclusive experiences.

Gran Meliá Iguazú – Parque Nacional Iguazú

On the Argentine side, the best hotel option to stay at Iguazu Falls is the Gran Meliá Iguazú, a five-star hotel by the Meliá chain, offering modern and luxurious accommodations along with outstanding service.

The hotel is located within Parque Nacional Iguazú and features an infinity pool with a magnificent view of the falls from the highest point of Iguazu Falls. From various spots in the hotel, such as the breakfast lounge, restaurant, bar, and rooms, you can also enjoy views of Iguazu Falls.

The hotel offers experiences such as a spa, hiking trails, yoga classes, and night tours. Without a doubt, it is the best hotel to stay at on the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls.

Where to stay in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil?

Foz do Iguaçu is a relatively large city, so it has several interesting areas where you can stay. In the city, you’ll find budget hotels, ideal for a quick trip filled with sightseeing, as well as more luxurious resorts and hotels, perfect for relaxation and rest.

Foz do Iguaçu is also the central city of the Triple Frontier (formed by Puerto Iguazú, Foz do Iguaçu, and Ciudad del Este), making it easy to travel to both Argentina and Paraguay from there.

For quick trips, the best place to stay in Foz do Iguaçu is downtown. In this area, you’ll find good hotels for sleeping, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and all essential services. In the downtown, it’s also easy to take buses, call taxis, and use ride-sharing apps to get to any destination. Additionally, all tour transfers pick up from the hotels in this area.

If you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of downtown and the best bars and restaurants, choose a hotel located on or near Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng (Jorge Schimmelpfeng Avenue).

For those visiting the attractions of Foz do Iguaçu by bus, the area near the bus terminal and Shopping JL Cataratas is a good option in terms of convenience.

If you’re on a leisure trip and looking for a full-service hotel to relax, enjoy the pool, nature, or even unwind with a good massage at the spa, the best areas to stay are near Shopping Catuaí Palladium and along Avenida Cataratas (Cataratas Avenue).

The best hotels in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

• Bogari Hotel: This comfortable hotel is well-located near Avenida Brasil (Brazil Avenue). It offers a pool, a jacuzzi, a good breakfast, and friendly service. It’s ideal for those looking for an affordable and comfortable stay, making it an excellent choice for where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls.
• Ibis Foz do Iguaçu: This standard budget hotel offers all the basic hospitality services, a good breakfast, and good service. The hotel is in a wonderful location on Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng.
• Wyndham Golden Foz Suítes: This nice and modern hotel provides good service and complete entertainment. It’s located near the bus terminal and offers a sauna, pool, gym, bar, restaurant, and breakfast.
• Complexo Eco Cataratas Resort: Located on Avenida Cataratas, near the Dreams Ice Bar, this comprehensive resort is ideal for families and travelers looking to enjoy nature. It offers multiple pools, recreational activities, restaurants, and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Mabu Thermas Grand Resort: Situated near Shopping Catuaí Palladium, this somewhat luxurious resort boasts a wide range of services, including thermal pools, a spa, multiple restaurants, and activities for all ages. It’s perfect for a relaxing vacation.
• DoubleTree by Hilton: A modern and elegant hotel located near Shopping Catuaí Palladium, known for its excellent service and amenities. It features a pool, gym, restaurant, and a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a quality stay.

See more hotels in Foz do Iguaçu.

Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina?

Puerto Iguazú is a small city, but there are some strategic areas that are better for staying. If you don’t have a car, the best option is to stay near the bar area and the bus terminal. Therefore, choose hotels that are on Avenida Brasil, Avenida Misiones (Misiones Avenue), or nearby.

On Avenida Brasil, you’ll find most of the city’s bars and restaurants, and the limited nightlife in Puerto Iguazú is also concentrated in that area. The bus terminal, from which buses depart, including to the Falls, is on Avenida Misiones, just three blocks from Avenida Brasil. Everything is very close in this area, including supermarkets and travel agencies.

For those with a car or planning a longer trip to relax, hotels further from the downtown can be a good option. Especially if your goal is to rest, relax, and enjoy nature.

From Puerto Iguazú, it’s easy to visit Foz do Iguaçu, allowing you to take a trip to see the Brazilian side of the Falls or even explore the city. Although Foz do Iguaçu offers more sightseeing options, the most interesting plan is to split your trip and spend at least two days in the city.

The downside of staying in Puerto Iguazú is that the city doesn’t offer much to do besides visiting the Iguazu Falls. So, it’s mainly a place to sleep; it’s not worth staying more than three days in the city unless you plan on taking day trips to other regions.

During the summer, the city is very hot, so in this season, prefer hotels with a pool and air conditioning.

The best hotels in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

• O2 Hotel Iguazu: This four-star hotel is located just steps from Avenida Brasil. It offers all the basic services: a gym, air conditioning, spacious and well-lit rooms, and a terrace with a pool and river view.
• Hotel Saint George: A nice, well-lit hotel with spacious rooms. It is well located next to the bus terminal and has all the basic services, as well as two pools, a gym, and air conditioning.
• Panoramic Grand: This is the best hotel option in the region after the Gran Meliá Iguazú. The hotel is near Avenida Brasil and offers a beautiful view of the Río Iguazú (Iguazú River) and the Hito de las Tres Fronteras (Three Borders Landmark). It is elegant and well-decorated, with spacious rooms, two pools, and air conditioning, making it an excellent choice for staying in Iguazu Falls.
• Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel: A luxury hotel located in the midst of nature on the way to Iguazu Falls. The hotel’s highlights include its pools, beautiful wooden decor, and perfect views of nature. With a children’s area, it is a good option for those traveling with kids.
• Rincón Escondido B&B: An economical hotel with simple and rustic decor. The rooms have air conditioning, and the hotel features a small pool.

See more hotels in Puerto Iguazú.

Now that you know the best places to stay when visiting Iguazú Falls, choose the area that suits your trip and personal tastes. And for your trip, discover where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.