The Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Iguazu Falls Brazil

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Natalia

With spectacular waterfalls amongst a backdrop of dense rainforest, Iguazu Falls National Park is not only one of the most iconic travel destinations in South America, but one of the most beautiful too. Spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil, the falls are truly remarkable. When visiting Iguazu Falls in Brazil it’s best to stay in the nearby city of Foz de Iguacu. The Brazilian side of the falls gives a scenic perspective of this natural wonder from a distance. It’s truly astounding to witness the sheer scale of the thunderous waterfalls, which in total amount to roughly three times the size of the famed Niagara falls. Whilst visiting the Argentinian side gives you the chance to get up close to the waterfalls, the Brazilian side is better known for offering panoramic views across the falls – although you can still get close enough to get completely drenched! This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Iguazu Falls Brazil, from tickets prices to where to stay and much more!

How to get to Iguazu Falls Brazil/Foz de Iguacu

Flights – There are regular flights to the Iguazu Falls Brazil airport (Foz de Iguacu International airport) from both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo – with return flights available from around 320 Brazilian Reals. 

Prices will vary depending on how far in advance you make a booking; so the earlier you book, the better! Click here to find the best deal for flights on the Omio website!

Bus – If you’d prefer not to fly, buses are available from many major cities in Brazil, although they generally cost more for a return than a flight. We’d advise against paying more to spend an excessive amount of time on a bus. From Rio it will cost around 300 Reals one-way, with a journey time of around 24 hours.

View of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side

How long to spend visiting Iguazu Falls Brazil?

Ideally, give yourself 2 or 3 days here just in case. That way you can delay your trip to Iguazu Falls if the weather is bad. The Brazilian side of the falls consists of a singular trail, so even with a few hours you’ll have all the time you need.

Best time to visit Iguazu Falls

The falls are an amazing spectacle year round, so whenever you visit you’re in for a treat. Due to greater rainfall between December and February, this is when the falls are at their most powerful. This does mean it’s peak time to visit and it can be extremely hot too – so keep this in mind if you visit in these months.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, we advise visiting Iguazu Falls in March/April (although avoid Easter) or August/September. As these months are between the wet and dry seasons, you’ll have the advantage of fewer crowds but the waterfalls will still have added power.

How to get to Iguazu Falls from Foz de Iguacu

The best way to get from Foz de Iguacu to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is to take the 120 bus. Buses leave every 20-30 minutes from Terminal de Transporte Urbano and take around 30 minutes to reach the national park. Tickets for the 120 bus to Iguazu Falls cost 4.10 Reals one-way.

Alternatively, if you’re happy to pay more then you can take a taxi from Foz de Iguacu to the falls. A one-way taxi ride to the falls should cost around 40-50 Reals.

Iguazu Falls Brazil Entry Information

Iguazu Falls Brazil Entrance Fee 2024– Tickets cost 97 Reals for foreigners and 88 Reals for Brazilian nationals. You can find the latest prices and buy tickets by clicking here to visit the official website.

Iguazu Falls Brazil opening times – 9am-5pm

Close up of the powerful Iguazu falls Brazil

Iguazu Falls Brazil Walkway

With only one trail to explore, visiting the Brazilian side is a lot more manageable in a day. Upon arrival you will need to book a bus time, which will then transport you to the trail.

Self-service machines are available and when we visited queues were much shorter so utilise these to save time! If you want to beat the crowds, book yourself on the first bus of the day at 9am. That way the trail won’t already be busy when you get there!

Depending on your pace, the trail can take anything from an hour upwards. You’ll find yourself being led to astonishing viewpoints, allowing you to witness many of the parks different waterfalls.

Take your time to really enjoy it and make the most of your visit to this incredible destination. You may also see some animals on the Iguazu Falls walkway, although we saw more on the Argentinian side!

Although tours can be arranged for visiting the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls, we personally think you’re better off saving your money as there is only one trail, which you can easily navigate without a map or tour guide!

What to take for a day at Iguazu Falls Brazil

Take plenty of water and any snacks you need, as once on the trail there’s nowhere to buy these. You’ll also find it’s much cheaper than buying food and drink within the park so it’s a good way to save money!

You may also want to consider taking a raincoat. It’s possible to get close enough to feel the spray of some waterfalls, and if you’d prefer to stay relatively dry then this should do the job.

Panorama of the vast Iguazu Falls Brazil

Tours of Iguazu Falls Brazil

Standard tour – Learn more about the incredible Iguazu Falls by taking this brilliant tour offered by Get Your Guide. The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off as well as an English speaking guide, so you can learn more about the waterfalls as you marvel at their beauty!

Get Your Guide offer the tour for around 250 Reals per person, including the national park entrance fee.

Click here to book a convenient tour to Iguazu Falls from Foz de Iguacu!

Helicopter tours – Take a short helicopter ride to get incredible views of Iguazu Falls from above. Flights only last around 10 minutes, but it’s well worth the money to be able to appreciate the stunning beauty and vast scale of the falls from above.

Click here to book an amazing helicopter tour of the falls on the Viator website!

Things to do in Foz de Iguacu

Itaipu Dam – A gigantic dam with rushing waters reminiscent of the nearby falls. This remarkable feat of engineering borders Brazil and Paraguay, and there are a number of different tours available starting from 42 Reals per person.

Three borders landmark – With Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay bordering each other nearby, each country has a landmark to symbolise the shared borders. The Brazilian landmark is green, yellow, blue and white to symbolise the colours of their flag. Entrance to the landmark is 24 Reals and you can find more information here.

Border crossing in Iguacu

If you want to visit the Argentinian side, you’ll be able to catch a bus from Terminal de Transporte Urbano. They leave every half an hour, costing 4 Reals. Should you prefer, taxis are available and will wait while you pass through immigration, but will charge substantially more than the bus fare.

View of Iguazu Falls in Brazil with rainbow

Best places to stay in Foz de Iguacu

Mid-Range

Pietro Angelo Hotel

The Pietro Angel Hotel is a great mid-range accommodation option in Foz de Iguacu. All of the rooms at the property have air conditioning, and there’s also an outdoor pool at the property which is perfect for cooling off in!

Staff at the property are extremely helpful and will do their best to assist you with anything they can. The hotel is well-located in the town centre, meaning there are plenty of restaurants nearby.

Click here to see the latest prices at the Pietro Angelo Hotel on Booking.com!

Treat yourself!

Bourbon Foz do Iguacu

One of the nicest hotels to visit Iguazu Falls Brazil from is Bourbon Foz do Iguacu. It’s in a great location and has a lovely swimming pool, as well as comfortable rooms fitted with air con.

Click here to see the latest prices at the lovely Bourbon Foz do Iguacu on Booking.com!

Once-in-a-lifetime chance to stay in Iguazu National Park!

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Make your trip to Iguazu one to remember forever by booking a stay at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. This amazing 5-star hotel is located inside the national park and so you can get stunning views of the Iguazu Falls throughout your stay.

The hotel has everything you could possibly want, including a large swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar and more. Stays at the hotel do come at a high price, but it’s worth splashing out for an unforgettable stay at this luxurious property. If you’re wondering where to stay to visit Iguazu Falls and money is no object, then look no further!

Click here to treat yourself to a stay at the amazing Belmond Hotel das Cataratas on Booking.com!

Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel during your stay in Iguazu Falls in Brazil! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!

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