What to do at Iguazu Falls? Argentine and Brazilian sides

Iguazu Falls is situated in the National Park, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The magnificent waterfalls are considered a Natural World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Being on the border between two countries, there are many options for what to do at Iguazu Falls, both on the Argentine and Brazilian sides, including trails, boat rides, waterfalls, and cultural tours.

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Discover Iguazu Falls tourist attractions

Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Iguaçu National Park): The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. The park has fewer attractions compared to the Argentina side and can be explored in a day.

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

Parque Nacional Iguazú (Iguazú National Park): The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. This park has more trails and paths, so it may take two days to see everything.

Puerto Iguazú: The closest Argentine city to explore Iguazú National Park. It’s a small, cozy town with simpler accommodations.

Puerto Iguazú vs. Foz do Iguaçu: These two cities are very close, only 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) apart, and have good transportation connections. Therefore, you can stay in one city and take a day trip to the other. Alternatively, you can split your trip between the two cities.

Iguazu Falls: The best way to fully experience the falls is by staying at a hotel within the park. These hotels not only offer the best accommodations in the region but also provide exclusive experiences within the park, including rooms with views of the falls (see Brazilian Falls hotel | see Argentine Falls hotel).

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What to do at Iguazu Falls? Argentine side

Sendero Garganta del Diablo

This is the main trail on the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, featuring the largest waterfall and one of the best things to do at Iguazu Falls. From the Argentine side, you get a top-down view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) and can get very close to the cascades.

To reach the falls, you take an ecological train followed by a trail on steel walkways. Throughout the journey, there are viewpoints with beautiful vistas, and you might spot some wildlife like birds and coatis. This circuit takes about 2 hours to complete on average.

Sendero Circuito Superior

This trail offers views of the waterfalls from above and is one of the main Iguazu Falls tourist attractions. The Superior Circuit begins right after the falls station and spans about 1700 meters, featuring several viewpoints for waterfalls and cascades.

Sendero Circuito Inferior

This is the trail to explore the lower part of the Falls and an excellent option for what to do at Iguazu Falls. The route is approximately 1700 meters long and features flat areas, stairs, and ramps. It also has viewpoints for the waterfalls and cascades of Iguazú National Park.

Gran Aventura: Boat ride at Iguazu Falls

The most popular adventure tour is at Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side. This is a boat tour on the Río Iguazú (Iguazú River) that gets as close as possible to the waterfalls. The boat ride at Iguazu Falls is very thrilling, as the boat moves at high speed and gets very close to the cascades. Besides the adventure and adrenaline, it’s impossible not to get wet on this tour, so bring extra clothes to change into.

Full Moon Tour

A tour at Iguazu Falls is offered during full moon nights to appreciate the park and waterfalls at night, under the light of the moon and stars. This is one of the best things to do at Iguazu Falls and a unique experience, as the scenery of the falls looks very beautiful at night. The nighttime tour at Iguazu Falls is guided and lasts approximately 3 hours.

What to do at Iguazu Falls? Brazilian side

Trilha Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat Trail)

This is the only route on the Brazilian side to view the waterfalls and one of the best things to do at Iguazu Falls. The route is short and involves both bus and walking. Additionally, the site has an elevator with access to the walkway, accommodating people with mobility difficulties.

The view of the Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat) from the Brazilian side is also more panoramic, offering a frontal view of the waterfalls. Moreover, the walkway to the main viewpoint is much shorter than on the Argentine side.

Boat Ride (Macuco Safari)

The boat ride is very similar to the Great Adventure on the Argentine side, but with a bit less adrenaline. In the Macuco Safari, the boat usually goes a bit slower and doesn’t get as close to the waterfalls. Even so, it’s still quite an exciting ride.

Night at the Falls

Every Saturday, an exclusive experience is offered to visit the falls after the park closes. In addition to the nighttime visit to the falls’ viewpoint, the experience includes a dinner featuring cheeses and pasta at the local restauran,t undoubtedly one of the best things to do at Iguazu Falls.

Sunrise at the Falls

If you want to visit the park when it’s less crowded, this experience guarantees entry to see the sunrise before it officially opens. The experience also includes breakfast at the local restaurant, which you can enjoy after visiting the falls’ viewpoint.

During sunrise, the landscapes at the Falls are beautiful, and in summer, the temperatures are much more pleasant at that time, without the crowds and the hot sun. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and after breakfast, you can stay in the park as long as you want.

Sunset at the Falls

This special ticket allows you to see the sunset at the Falls. With it, you receive a wristband that lets you stay in the park after it closes. You can take the last bus at 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. to the falls’ viewpoint, or go earlier and stay until the park closes.

The ticket also includes a reception with sparkling wine, water, and juice. During sunset, the landscapes at the Falls are also beautiful, making it an excellent time for photos.

Bike Poço Preto

An 18 kilometers (11 miles) bike ride through Parque Nacional Iguaçu (Iguaçu National Park). It’s a great option to get to know more of the park and explore some of the wildlife and flora. The ride takes place every day and goes along a trail through the jungle that reaches the Rio Iguaçu (Iguaçu River).

This is a very fun way to explore Iguazu Falls and see various landscapes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the trail. The downside is that the tour doesn’t include the entrance fee to the Falls Park, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.

What to do in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil?

Parque das Aves

The Parque das Aves (Bird Park) is just 500 meters from the Iguazu Falls visitor center. You can visit it on the same day you plan to see the Falls.

The park was created to preserve endangered bird species. Here, you’ll find more than 1,400 birds for observation, including toucans, parakeets, and macaws. The birds are housed in aviaries where you can enter to see them up close and take photos.

Although the aviaries are designed for the birds’ preservation and well-being, the environment may feel similar to a zoo. Therefore, if you don’t like seeing animals in captivity, this visit in Foz do Iguaçu might not be for you.

Helicopter Ride

The helicopter ride offers a panoramic and privileged view of Iguazu Falls. In this 10-minute tour in Foz do Iguaçu, you will see the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides.

The ride is short, but it’s enough to appreciate the falls from a unique angle. However, make sure to do it on a clear day for the best visibility.

You can book the helicopter ride in Foz do Iguaçu through reservation websites, or go directly to the helipad in front of the Bird Park and book the flight with Helisul.

Itaipu Binational Dam

The Usina Hidrelétrica Itaipu (Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam) is located on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. It is the second-largest hydroelectric dam in the world and the leading one in energy production.

At the dam, you can take five types of tours: Itaipu Refuge, Itaipu Special, Itaipu Panoramic, Itaipu By Bike, and Itaipu Illuminated. The dam also has an ecomuseum with free entry.

• Itaipu Panoramic: A classic tour on a panoramic bus with an audio guide. The bus goes to the dam area and tells the history, construction of the dam, and some interesting facts. Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Tickets: R$ 58.00 (USD 10).
• Itaipu Special: This tour in Foz do Iguaçu covers both the exterior and interior of the dam, including the control room, turbines, and penstocks. It also includes a stop at the top of the dam, offering a privileged view from the height. Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets: R$ 165.00 (USD 29).
• Itaipu Biological Refuge: A tour through a protected Atlantic Forest area since the dam’s creation. Accompanied by a biologist, you’ll learn about the planting of native trees and see some rescued animals that cannot return to the wild. Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets: R$ 42.00 (USD 7).
• Itaipu Illuminated: A nighttime bus tour with an audio guide. You’ll have the opportunity to see the dam fully illuminated. This tour in Foz do Iguaçu has a special version that includes a visit to the penstocks and a dinner at Restaurante dos Barrageiros. Duration: 2 hours. Tickets start at R$ 48.00 (USD 8).
• Itaipu By Bike: A guided bike tour through the exterior area of the dam. The bike route is 17 kilometers (10 miles) and includes trails, bike paths, and beautiful views. Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Tickets: R$ 53.00 (USD 9).

Marco das Três Fronteiras

The Marco das Três Fronteiras (Three Borders Landmark) marks the Triple Frontier between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Here, you’ll find a small obelisk in green and yellow colors, as well as performances featuring dances and music.

The Brazilian side of the Three Borders Landmark has good infrastructure, with a restaurant, restrooms, and shows. It’s best to visit at sunset and stay until night, as those are the times when the place looks most beautiful.

Each country on the border has its landmark, and among the three, Brazil’s has the best tourist infrastructure and attractions, but it is the only one with an entrance fee.

Muslim Mosque

Inaugurated in 1983, the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque is a building with Islamic architecture featuring two 31-meter-high towers. The mosque offers guided tours where you can see its entire interior and learn a bit about Islamic culture.

Visits to the mosque are conducted every 30 minutes. For women to enter, it is necessary to wear a hijab. It is also recommended to wear a dress or long skirt or pants without rips if you prefer not to use the skirt they provide.

Chen Tien Buddhist Temple

The Chen Tien Buddhist Temple is situated atop a hill, offering views of downtown Foz do Iguaçu and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. Built in 1996, the temple features more than 120 statues, gardens, and a 7-meter-tall Buddha statue. While the temple’s interior can be visited, the most impressive parts are its gardens and sculptures.

Dreams Park Show

Dreams Park Show is a park in Foz do Iguaçu with many attractions. Tickets can be purchased individually for each attraction or as a passport for access to several attractions.

• Dreams Ice Bar: A bar with its interior entirely sculpted from ice and negative temperatures. The entry includes 30 minutes in the bar, thermal clothing, and beverages.
• Dreamland Wax Museum: A museum featuring various personalities sculpted in wax. The museum mixes sculptures of characters by Brazilian and international artists. Not all sculptures are perfect, but you will find some very well-crafted works.
• Vale dos Dinossauros: An outdoor park with replicas of dinosaurs, trails, a zip line, and an adventure course. This attraction in Foz do Iguaçu is very fun for those traveling with children.
• Dreams Motor Show: A museum dedicated to motorcycle enthusiasts. The museum exhibits various models of motorcycles, including rare ones. The venue also has a bar, restaurant, and hosts some rock shows.
• Wonders of the World: An area with exhibitions of models of famous places and monuments around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Taj Mahal, Big Ben, and others.

Blue Park Water Park

Blue Park is a thermal water park that belongs to the Mabu Thermas resort. The park is open to the public and features an artificial beach with waves, water slides, beach tennis sand, a lazy river, a children’s area, a zip line, and other attractions. It’s a great place to visit in Foz de Iguazú, especially in the summer when the city gets very hot.

FlyFoz Skydiving

Tandem skydiving with FlyFoz offers a beautiful view of the city, the Itaipú Dam, and the Falls. The jump is from an altitude of 20,000 feet, and the entire activity lasts about 3 hours. You can book this adventure through the FlyFoz website.

Yup Star Ferris Wheel

The Yup Star Ferris Wheel stands 88 meters tall, has 26 cabins, and can be seen from various parts of the city. It’s located next to the Three Borders Landmark, so you can enjoy both attractions on the same day. The ride on the Ferris wheel lasts about 20 minutes. While the view may not be very impressive, the ride itself is pleasant.

Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este is a city in Paraguay, located on the border with Brazil. It is a popular shopping destination for Brazilians looking for perfumes, electronics, makeup, and other items.

This is a recommended excursion from Foz de Iguazú for those who enjoy shopping, as the city has no other attractions, is not particularly beautiful, and is quite chaotic. If you plan to shop in the city, be cautious of counterfeit products and prefer to buy in reputable shopping centers.

Rafain Churrascaria

Rafain Churrascaria is a barbecue restaurant that also hosts cultural shows. The restaurant offers a dinner with a show, featuring a diverse buffet with Brazilian, Arabic, Italian, and seafood dishes, as well as traditional churrasco. The Latin American dance performances last about 90 minutes and showcase the culture and folklore of various Latin American countries.

What to do in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina?

Hito de las Tres Fronteras

The Hito de las Tres Fronteras (Three Borders Landmark) on the Argentinian side is a simpler attraction compared to the Brazilian side, with fewer attractions or shows. However, despite its simplicity, the place offers a very beautiful view, a small market, a restaurant, and an obelisk painted in Argentina’s colors. The attraction, though simple, is free and worth a visit.

Wanda Mines

The Wanda Mines are located 40 kilometers (24 miles) from Puerto Iguazú in Misiones. This site is known for its collection of gemstones such as quartz, amethysts, topaz, and other stones. At the mines, you can take a guided tour of approximately 45 minutes through the gemstone tunnels and the areas where the extracted stones are processed. The tour provides insights into the mining and extraction processes.

San Ignácio Miní

San Ignacio Miní is one of the best-preserved Jesuit missions in Argentina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it is located a bit further from Puerto Iguazú, it is a very interesting historical site worth visiting if you have the time. The visit will allow you to learn about the history of the Jesuit missions in the region and appreciate the architecture and remains of this ancient mission.

Guira Oga

Guira Oga is located at the entrance of Puerto Iguazú and serves as a rescue and reintroduction center for animals back into the wild. The facility is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of local wildlife, providing care for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. It is an educational and enriching visit to learn about local fauna and conservation efforts.

Duty Free Puerto Iguazú

Our next tip for what to do at Iguazu Falls is the Duty Free in Puerto Iguazu, ideal for those who enjoy shopping.

A shopping center located near the border between Argentina and Brazil, the Duty Free Puerto Iguazú is small but has some interesting stores with good prices. The shopping center features stores such as NYX, Victoria’s Secret, Apple, wine shops, electronics, and sweets.

This trip is more interesting for those living in countries where these stores are not available or where the prices of these brands are very high.

Now that you know the best things to do at Iguazu Falls, choose the tours that suit your personal preferences. And for your trip, find out where to stay when visiting Iguazu Falls.