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Iguazu Falls
Hundreds of waterfalls on the Brazil–Argentina border, seen from walkways in subtropical rainforest
Hundreds of waterfalls on the Brazil–Argentina border, seen from walkways in subtropical rainforest
A park bus takes you to a trail of just over 1km along the canyon, ending at a walkway out over the river below the Devil’s Throat. Allow half a day.
Bring a rain jacket or poncho for the walkway spray.
Photo: Alexandre Ramos Ricardo, CC BY-SA 3.0
On the Argentine side, a small train and long walkway lead to the edge of the Devil’s Throat. Other trails pass close to many smaller falls. Allow a full day.
Take your passport to cross the border.
Photo: Spouse of Leonard G., Public domain
One of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, built by Brazil and Paraguay on the Paraná River, a short drive north of Foz do Iguaçu. Guided bus tours run daily.
Photo: Gabriel Resende Veiga, CC BY-SA 4.0
A bird park next to the national park entrance with large walk-through aviaries of macaws, toucans and other Atlantic Forest birds, many of them rescued.
Photo: Pedro Nardi, CC0
Foz do Iguaçu has many churrascarias (all-you-can-eat barbecue) and restaurants serving river fish such as surubim.
Across the border, Puerto Iguazú in Argentina is known for Argentine steak and wine.
Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) is about 10 minutes from the national park and around 20 minutes from the city centre. Buses run from the city to the park entrance. Organised tours and taxis cross to the Argentine side.
Citizens of the EU and the UK do not need a visa for a tourist stay. Since April 2025 citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, applied for online in advance. Stays are limited to 90 days per visit and 180 days in 12 months. Check current rules before you travel. Argentina has its own entry rules.
Entry tickets to both parks are the main expense and are higher for foreign visitors. Brazil uses the real (R$). Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, and Pix (instant bank transfer) is very common.
The Brazilian park has one hotel near the falls, letting guests see them before the crowds arrive.
Both sides of the falls and Itaipu.
Walk the trail and the Devil’s Throat walkway, then visit Parque das Aves next door.
Cross the border for a full day on the upper and lower circuits and the Devil’s Throat.
Tour the Itaipu Dam, then watch sunset at the Triple Frontier landmark where three countries meet.
You will get wet on the walkways; protect phones and cameras.
Do not feed the coatis; they are bold and can bite.
Carry your passport for the Argentine side and check entry rules for your nationality.
Arrive at opening time to avoid the tour-bus crowds.
Quick answers for planning time in Iguazu Falls.
EU and UK citizens do not for a tourist stay. Since April 2025 US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa, applied for online before travel.
Both: the Brazilian side has the best panoramas and takes half a day, while the Argentine side gets you closer and takes a full day.
Between about 150 and 275, depending on the river’s water level.
Yes, Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park was listed in 1986, and Argentina’s Iguazú National Park in 1984.
Two days covers both sides; three lets you add the Itaipu Dam and Parque das Aves.
Offline maps are useful; Google Maps and Waze work well in cities.
Free
Portuguese is the language of Brazil; English is limited outside hotels and tours.
Free
Almost everyone in Brazil, from hotels to tour guides and restaurants, uses WhatsApp.
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Planning a wider trip? Our Brazil travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.