Iguazu Falls - Everything You Need to Know About the Brazilian Side
First of all some practical information for this who need it. If you already have this covered then scroll on!
Where to Stay
You have two main options for accommodations:
1. Inside the National Park
For the ultimate convenience and a more luxurious experience, stay at Hotel das Cataratas, located within the park itself. Staying here allows you to access the trails before and after the park officially opens to the public, offering a peaceful, crowd-free experience. You can check prices and availability here.
2. In the City (Foz do Iguaçu)
A more budget-friendly option is to stay in Foz do Iguaçu, the nearby city, this is what I did. From the city center, it’s about a 25-minute Uber ride (approximately 70 BRL) to the park entrance. There are also buses available if you’re looking to save even more. Accommodations in the city range from hostels to mid-range hotels, catering to all types of travelers. We stayed at Hotel Viale Tower and found it really nice. The rooftop pool is a perfect way to end the day after seeing the falls. And there are lot of good restaurants in the area.
You can check prices and availability here.
How to Get to the Falls
The easiest way to reach Iguazu Falls is by Uber, which is affordable and reliable. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from the city center to the park entrance.
Once you arrive at the entrance, you’ll purchase a ticket for the activities you plan to do. The ticket includes access to the park’s shuttle buses, which are the only way to reach the start of the trail. You will purchase a ticket to a specific timeslot for when the bus will leave. However, based on my experience there is no need to book this in advance. It all went very smoothly even though it was high season and there are people there to help out if you need it.
Important Tips:
Boat Ride Stop: If you’re planning to take the boat ride, get off at the first shuttle stop before the trail begins.
Trail Stop: The majority of visitors get off at the trailhead, but if you prefer to skip the hike and head straight to the end for up-close views, you can stay on the bus until the final stop. However, I do recommend walking the whole trail. I actually found the beginning of the trail to have the most spectacular views!
What to do at the Falls
There’s something for every type of traveler at Iguazu Falls. Here are your main options:
Walk the Trail (Highly Recommended)
The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the falls from various angles, culminating in a stunning walkway where you can get close to the main cascades. This is included in your standard entrance ticket and is a must-do experience.
Take a Boat Ride
Get up close and personal with the falls from the water! The boat ride takes you to both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. You can choose between a “dry” or “wet” experience—if you opt for the wet one, prepare to get drenched! You buy the tickets for this at the entrance.
Helicopter Ride
For a bird’s-eye view, book a helicopter tour. The entrance for this activity is near the park’s main entrance, so don’t board the shuttle if you’re planning to do this first. Be sure to book this one in advance, as spots fill up quickly. You can check prices and book your tour here.
I chose to walk the trail and enjoyed every moment of it. I actually preferred the views from the beginning of the trail. Plus there are less people here so its easier to get good pictures! While I didn’t do the boat or helicopter rides, they were incredibly popular and looked like a lot of fun! I will save it for next time!
Food and Drinks
You won’t go hungry or thirsty during your visit!
At the main entrance, there are restaurants and snack bars where you can grab something before heading into the park. Along the trail, small kiosks sell snacks, drinks, and water. And at the end of the trail, you’ll find restaurants with stunning views of the falls, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Pro Tip: Try the açaí at the end of the trail—it’s delicious and refreshing after the hot hike! I had the biggest bowl of açaí I’ve ever seen, and it was absolutely worth it.
Whether you’re marveling at the panoramic views, feeling the spray of the water on your face, or indulging in local treats, Iguazu Falls is a magical experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders!
Let me know if you’d like to know more about the Argentinian side or need additional tips for your trip!
Until next time,
Ingrid :)