To choose the best excursion to Iguazu Falls, you should combine the Argentinian side (full day) with the Brazilian side (half day) . Choose the Gran Aventura boat trip for ages 12 and up, or the Macuco Safari for families and seniors. Customs logistics are handled by booking tours with an exclusive tourist lane.
What to do in Iguazu and Foz do Iguaçu
- If you have 1 day: Book a combined Argentina-Brazil tour to use the fast customs lane.
- If you have 2 days: Dedicate Day 1 to the Argentinian side (+ Gran Aventura) and Day 2 to the Brazilian side (+ Parque das Aves).
- To walk under the waterfalls: Argentinian side (7 km of walkways and Devil's Throat).
- For the panoramic photo: Brazilian side (1.2 km of walkway and glass elevator).
- Park tickets: These are always purchased separately on official online sites (they are not included in the tours).
Argentine side, Brazilian side, or both?
If you're wondering which side is better for viewing Iguazu Falls, the short answer is that the two destinations complement each other. Brazil offers the best panoramic view of the falls, while Argentina allows you to walk over the cascades with its numerous walkways.
Excursion to Iguazu National Park, Argentina Side
- Recommended duration: 6 to 8 hours (Full day).
- Level of physical exertion: High. Requires walking more than 7 kilometers.
- Highlights: It features three main circuits (Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and the Devil's Throat footbridge, 1,100 meters high over the river). It includes internal transfers on the Ecological Jungle Train.
Excursion to Foz do Iguaçu National Park Brazil Side
- Recommended duration: 3 to 4 hours (Half day).
- Level of physical exertion: Low to moderate. It is traversed via a single linear walkway of approximately 1,200 meters.
- Highlights: It ends with the panoramic elevator of Salto Floriano, offering the classic postcard view that encompasses the entire waterfall system.
Is it advisable to do both sides in one day?
If your trip doesn't allow for two days to fully explore the falls, the best option is to visit the Argentinian side in one day. Be sure to book transfer services to your hotel or the airport.
Navigations under the falls: Great Adventure or Macuco Safari?
To fully experience the Iguazu Falls, a must-do activity is a boat tour under the cascades . The Gran Aventura option is the most popular in Argentina, while Macuco Safari is ideal for your visit to Brazil.
Sailing: The Great Adventure in Argentina
The classic "baptism under the falls" – pure adrenaline, fast-paced navigation, and a close-up experience. Includes a 4x4 ride through the jungle with a specialized guide. Minimum age 12 years required. Not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart conditions, or those who have recently undergone spinal surgery.
Macuco Safari Navigation in Brazil
A nautical alternative combined with ecological interpretation of the rainforest and views of smaller waterfalls. It's a more relaxed sailing experience, ideal for the whole family. It offers both "dry" and "wet" disembarkation options.
Experiences in Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil
If you want to experience the Brazilian side more fully, add the Cataratas Brasil tour with Parque das Aves to your visit. This immersive ecological sanctuary is located right in front of the national park entrance.
You can also take the exclusive helicopter tour of Iguazu Falls . A unique excursion in Brazil, with the best views of the Falls, the rainforest, and the surrounding area.
How much time do you have for your trip?
If you have 1 day: Prioritize the combined tour of both sides with guide and private transfer to resolve customs quickly.
If you have two days: Dedicate Day 1 to the Argentinian side (adding the Gran Aventura excursion). Day 2 to the Brazilian side combined with the Parque das Aves (Bird Park). And why not add the helicopter tour in Foz do Iguaçu?
If you have 3 days or more: In addition to both parks, you can add the full moon night tour at Iguazu Falls (subject to the lunar calendar). You can also take cultural excursions to the San Ignacio Ruins.
Things to consider before booking
- Ticket Purchase: Tours and transfers from agencies do not include park entrance tickets . You must purchase them on the official websites of Iguazu National Park (Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) .
- Hotel transfers: The distances between the city centers (Puerto Iguazú/Foz do Iguaçu) and the parks range from 18 to 30 km. Secure your Iguazu Falls excursion with door-to-door transfers and avoid extra taxi fares or delays on local buses.
- Documents at the border: Always carry your passport or valid identity document for customs controls between Argentina and Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iguazu Tours (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit the Devil's Throat?
Take the Jungle Ecological Train first thing in the morning (the park opens at 8:00 AM). Or take the trip in the late afternoon, ideal for better photos and scenery.
What clothes and accessories should I bring to the falls?
Wear athletic shoes with non-slip soles , as spray from jumping makes the metal walkways slippery. For Gran Aventura or Macuco Safari, bring a complete change of clothes and a bag to protect phones and cameras. Use biodegradable sunscreen.
Is it allowed to feed the animals inside the park?
No, feeding the coatis, birds, and capuchin monkeys is prohibited. Feeding them can result in fines from National Park authorities and poses a risk of bites, attacks, and disease transmission to visitors.
Check out all the available tours at Iguazu Falls and book your spot today!