When Dreams Come True

My Journey to the Iguazú Falls

In 2011, I traveled to Brazil for the first time. During this trip, I mainly stayed in the northern part of the country. Since then, I had the big dream of returning to visit the Iguazú Falls. It took me a full 13 years to fulfill that dream. From December 2024 to January 2025, I spent about 5 weeks in South America, traveling through Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

The Iguazú Falls are located on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. They can be visited from both countries.

My journey started in the impressive city of Rio de Janeiro, where I initially stayed for four days. From there, I took a domestic flight to 'Foz do Iguacu' to visit the national park on the Brazilian side the next day. From the town center, it is possible to take the public bus (line 110) for a small fee, which goes directly to the national park. The travel time is about 45 - 60 minutes. The entrance ticket for the park can be easily purchased at a machine on site. Payment with a credit card is possible. You also need to book a time slot for boarding the bus in the park. This bus travels through the park and takes you to the waterfall (final stop). Additionally, you can get off at earlier stops to hike a trail or book a boat tour that takes you under the waterfall.

From the final stop, you walk along a path next to the waterfall and can admire the incredible, breathtaking panorama. Unforgettable photos can be taken here, although it doesn't quite fit into images. You have to see it with your own eyes and enjoy the view. Along the way, you might encounter raccoons. On the platform, it is advisable to wear a rain jacket or just enjoy the cooling off :)

The path is quite simple. You only need to go up or down a few stairs. Generally, around 2 - 3 hours should be planned.

The next day, I took the international bus to 'Puerto Iguazú', the town on the Argentine side. The bus also departs from the bus station in 'Foz do Iguacu'. At the border, you need to briefly step off for immigration. Also from 'Puerto Iguazú', a public bus goes to the waterfalls. However, purchasing a ticket in the park is somewhat more complicated. At the counter, it is not possible to pay with a credit card. You must have your ID with you! However, you can scan a QR code and buy the ticket online, which really saved me that day! Moreover, the ticket here is very expensive, and for foreigners, there are extra high prices (I found Brazil much more appealing in that regard). The park in Argentina is significantly larger than in Brazil and has various levels. Here, it's advisable to take the little train that goes through the park.

Since the park is quite large, it's advisable to allocate the whole day for the trip.

My Conclusion:

I definitely recommend visiting both sides, as they are very different. In Brazil, you have a beautiful panorama, and in Argentina, you are deeper in nature.

My Tip:

I rented accommodations in both Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Iguazú. I wouldn’t do that again! I really liked the town of Foz do Iguacu. It is a nice, quiet small town. On the other hand, I didn’t like Puerto Iguazú as much. Therefore, you can also stay in Foz do Iguacu and simply take the international bus over the border, visit the park, and return in the evening.