- The Argentine side has more trails and gets you closest to the falls
- The Brazilian side gives the best panoramic view in two or three hours
- Arrive at opening time to reach the Devil's Throat before the tour groups
- You will get wet: bring a rain jacket and a dry bag for your phone
- Type
- Nature
- Where
- Argentina
- Time needed
- 1 full day on the Argentine side, plus half a day for the Brazilian side
- Admission
- from about ARS 45,000 for foreign adults on the Argentine side (2025 price, rises often), check before you go
The Iguazú Falls (Iguaçu in Portuguese) are a horseshoe of around 275 separate waterfalls stretching for nearly 3km along the Iguazú river, on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Both sides are UNESCO-listed national parks of protected rainforest.
Most of the falls lie on the Argentine side, which you explore up close on walkways. The Brazilian side, facing them across the gorge, gives the big picture. Ideally, see both.
What you'll see
On the Argentine side, the Upper Circuit runs along the top of the falls, the Lower Circuit brings you near their base, and a small train takes you to the start of a 1km walkway over the river to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), where a huge volume of water drops into a U-shaped chasm in a roar of spray. Look out for coatis (do not feed them), toucans and butterflies.
From the Brazilian side, a single 1.2km path leads past sweeping views of the Argentine falls to a walkway that stretches out into the spray below the Devil's Throat.
Tickets and tips
- Argentina: Parque Nacional Iguazú tickets are sold online and at the gate, priced in pesos, from about ARS 45,000 for foreign adults at the last price change we checked (2025), with a discount for a second consecutive day. Prices change often with inflation.
- Brazil: Parque Nacional do Iguaçu tickets are bought online or at the visitor centre, from around R$100 for foreigners, with a park bus to the trail.
- Boat trips: jet-boat rides take you right under the falls on both sides. Expect to be soaked.
- Timing: water levels are highest after rain, often from around December to March, but the falls are impressive year round. Occasional droughts or floods can close walkways, including the Devil's Throat.
Go to the Devil's Throat first thing, as the train queues build quickly from mid-morning.
Getting there
Fly to Puerto Iguazú (IGR) in Argentina, about 1h50 from Buenos Aires, or to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) in Brazil, with flights from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The two towns are about 30 minutes apart by road. Buses and taxis run to both parks; crossing the border is straightforward but bring your passport and allow time for immigration. Many people stay one night on each side, or in Puerto Iguazú and do a half-day trip to Brazil.
Where is Iguazú Falls?
Open in OpenStreetMap · -25.69595, -54.43668
Frequently asked questions
Which side of Iguazú Falls is better?
The Argentine side is better for being among the falls, with more walking and the Devil's Throat platform. The Brazilian side gives the classic panorama. If you only have one day, choose Argentina.
How many days do you need at Iguazú?
Two days is ideal: one full day in Argentina and half a day in Brazil, with time for a boat trip or the nearby Parque das Aves bird park.
Do I need a visa to visit the Brazilian side?
British passport holders do not currently need a visa for either country, but you still pass through immigration and need your passport. Check GOV.UK advice before you travel.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.