A Practical Guide to Iguazu Falls, Argentina Side

Eleanor Roosevelt uttered “Poor Niagara” upon seeing Iguazu Falls Argentina.

I’ve been to both and I have to agree with Mrs. Roosevelt on this one.

Iguazu blows Niagara out of the water (ba dum tsssss).

The falls in Iguazu are breathtaking and deserving of every hyperbolic term in the book. If you’re thinking, how exciting can a waterfall be?

Just wait.

For one, it isn’t A waterfall. Iguazu Falls is made up of 150 waterfalls. It is immense and you’ve never seen anything like it.

I’ve been to Iguazu in Argentina three times now and I’ll never tire of it.

This is easily one of Argentina’s most popular destinations. It is easy to get to and takes little time to see (compared to Argentina’s other landmarks).

So if you’re planning your trip, this guide will help you plan all the logistics for a seamless Iguazu Falls experience.

Visiting Iguazú National Park: The Important Details

• Iguazu National Park in Argentina is open every day of the year from 8 am. You can enter the park until 4:30 in the afternoon, but you need to be out by 6.
• Where to stay? → The Best Hotels in Iguazu Falls
• Read more about the national parks in Argentina here.
• The cost is $35,000 pesos for non-residents. If you validate your ticket at the ticket windows when leaving, you’ll receive a 50% discount on your second visit (must be next consecutive day).
• You can pay in cash (pesos), debit and credit card.
• Your ticket includes everything. It includes access to all walking paths to the falls (upper circuit, lower circuit & Devil’s Throat). It also includes the free ferry to cross over to San Martin Island and use of the Tren de la Selva.
• There are restaurants and facilities within the park.
• Lockers – Need to store bags? There are small and medium sized lockers at the entrance to the park. You can pay at the cashier in the gift shop to the left of the entrance and need to get your belongings out by 6 pm.
• READ NEXT: A Complete Guide to Iguazu Falls, Brazil Side

What to see in Iguazu Falls, Argentina Side

Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls is huge, there are multiple trails to see and you will spend hours here exploring.

Once you enter the park, you’ll walk quite a bit (or take the Tren de la Selva) to the actual trailheads.

It takes more time than you think so plan accordingly. For example, our taxi dropped us off at 8 am. We quickly got tickets (no line due to off season) and had a couple bathroom breaks (toddlers) and didn’t actually start walking our first circuit until 9 am.

This is why I recommend not trying to see both sides in one day, you will likely feel very rushed moving through Argentina’s large park that way.

And along the same note, you will walk around 10-12 kilometers throughout the day. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking, I felt great in my Teva hiking sandals.

Below are all of the trails and activities on Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls.

Tren de la Selva

The ecological train makes Iguazu Falls Argentina even more accessible by connecting the main portions of the park.

There are three stations – one at the park entrance, Estacion de las Cataratas (to access the upper and lower circuits) and the final station at the Devil’s Throat trail.

We skipped the train to start and instead walked to the lower circuit (via the Sendero Verde, a beautiful and short trail).

But I did find the train to the Devil’s Throat to be 100% worth it. The distance is large and the trail to walk is a dirt road next to the train tracks.

The train passes every 30 minutes and is free/included in your entrance fee.

Related: Argentina vs. Brazil: Which side of Iguazu Falls is best?

TIP: For our ride from the Cataratas station to the Devil’s Throat we needed to sign up for the next train (or next few trains if they were full). This keeps things orderly and avoids the rush of crowds pushing and running to get on the train.

But it does mean you need to remember to do that tiny little task! There’s a booth for this right by the train, you’ll see it.

We forgot and nearly had to wait an hour for our assigned train. But since so many people sign up and don’t go, you can just wait in line like an airline’s standby list and we got on right away that way.

This is why some walk but we had walked quite a bit by this point while lugging two toddlers. We wanted the train.

The Lower Circuit

The lower circuit is 2,500 meters long (1.5 miles). We started our day here and it took us one hour to complete.

Right at the start of the circuit are bathrooms and a snack bar. To get here you can take a series of stairs or a longer trail that is a ramp (concrete next to a dirt road).

The views from the lower circuit are largely panoramic as you’re viewing the falls from a little further back. This is why I like starting here, it gives you an idea of where you’ll be all day.

👩🏼‍🦽Accessibility: The lower circuit is the only trail that has stairs. Luckily, there aren’t many and they’re all located at the start so if you bring a stroller keep it empty and fold it up here.

Once you clear the stairs you can open the stroller and leave it that way for the rest of the day. For wheelchairs, I’d imagine they’d have you enter the trail from the exit and do the trail as an in-and-out walk to skip the stairs.

The Upper Circuit

The upper circuit is 1700 meters long (just over a mile) and it took us around an hour and fifteen minutes to complete.

It is completely flat with easy access for wheelchair users or families with strollers.

The upper circuit, as the name suggests, is on top of the falls. You walk along metal grate catwalks built on top of the falls’ edge.

This is where you feel the power and size of Iguazu, as you see the river rush under your feet and peer over the edge of the falls.

There are more viewpoints and groups can clog up here. Be patient to get a photo, the crowds will eventually move on (this is especially true if you visit in low season/not on holidays).

San Martin Island – There used to be a free ferry over to San Martin Island from the Lower Circuit, due to erosion on the beach this isn’t possible anymore. Instead, the park has constructed is a new addition to the upper circuit that offers a new view of San Martin Island from above.

The Devil’s Throat

🚨The Devil’s Throat is OPEN. After being closed due to storm damage in November 2023, the Garganta del Diablo trail has been completely repaired and re-opened since July 2024.

The Devil’s Throat is the belle of the ball. This massive canyon features the largest and more jaw-dropping waterfall in Iguazu.

On Brazil’s side you view Devil’s Throat from below but here on Argentina’s side you’re on top and at the very edge.

The trail to reach it is 2,200 meters (1.4 miles) long and is a long catwalk built over the river.

There is a lot of exposure to the sun here so put on your sunscreen. It is 100% accessible via wheelchair and for strollers.

They say to budget 90 minutes and I’d say that’s right on the nose. We did it in less but only because my 4 year old was throwing a tantrum about getting wet (one laughs now, after the fact).

The final train to depart Garganta de Diablo at the end of the day is at 5:30 for the park’s 6 pm closure.

Gran Aventura Boat Ride

One of the most popular things to do in Iguazu Argentina is the boat ride “under” the falls (you may not go under them but it sure feels like you do!).

The Gran Aventura costs $70,000 pesos, takes two hours, and does not allow children (minimum age is 12).

Will you get wet? You will get soaked to the bone. Pack a change of clothes or wear something that will dry quickly. They will give you a dry bag to protect your belongings.

Tip: Go on the boat excursion at the start of the day so you can dry off while walking the rest of the trails, this is a game changer if you go in the hot summer.

RESPECT THE WILDLIFE: You’ll see coatis everywhere, and if you’re lucky, monkeys. Do NOT feed them. Be very careful with your food as they will try to take your snacks. Don’t pet or touch the coatis. They may be cute but they bite and scratch.

Macuco Trail

This is a rustic trail ideal for hikers and those looking to get away from the crowds and into nature and the jungle.

It is 7 kilometers total (3.5 km each way as a there and back trail) and takes an average of 3 hours to complete.

The trail ends is a flat path through the jungle ending at Salto Arrechea, a 23 foot waterfall.

The trail’s entrance closes at 3 pm to allow for all hikers to return with daylight before the park closes.

As a hike it is easy but it isn’t on the same level of easy as the other paths in the park. This is a dirt trail and can get muddy and having visited after a lot of rain, we chose to skip it since we were with two tired toddlers.

FAQ: Iguazu Falls, Argentina Side

How long to spend here, when to go, and what to pack?

Here are all your questions answered about visiting Argentina’s Iguazu Falls.

Where to stay in Iguazu Falls, Argentina?

For more detail, I wrote an entire guide on where to stay in Iguazu Falls.

If you just want a quick list of the best hotels, here are my picks:

• Best Overall | Gran Melia Iguazu | Luxury hotel inside the national park
• My Favorite Jungle Lodge | La Aldea de la Selva
• Best Luxury Jungle Lodge | Miraselva Lodge ($$$/boutique) Loi Suites ($$$$/large)
• Best City Hotel IN Puerto Iguazu | Hotel Saint George
• Best hostel | The Host

How long do you need to visit Iguazu Falls, Argentina?

At the absolute minimum, you need one full day to see Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls. Two days is ideal.

In one day you can do the upper and lower circuits and then EITHER the Devil’s Throat OR the boat excursion (there isn’t time for all four in one day).

For those that book this day trip, you need to make that choice now.

If you want to do everything, then two days will allow for the upper and lower circuits, Devil’s Throat AND the boat.

Alternatively, a second day could be spent on the Brazil side and you can go on the boat excursion from there (it is the same experience and price except they allow children).

How to get around Iguazu

The two best ways to get around, particularly from Puerto Iguazu to the park or to Brazil for the day is by taxi or by bus.

You do not need to rent a car in Iguazu.

I recommend taking taxis unless you’re a solo traveler on a budget.

Taxis and private drivers really only cost a little more than the cost of two bus tickets so if you’re traveling with one more person it already makes more sense to just take a taxi and enjoy that flexibility and ease.

• BUS – Rio Uruguay has been the go to bus company here for years, they have buses leaving from the bus terminal downtown to the national park (Argentina side) every 15 minutes, cost is $8,000 pesos each way.
• TAXI – Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or book a recommended driver in advance. For example, Guillermo de la Rosa was our driver for our entire week there this year and he took such great care of us (even picking medicine up for us at the pharmacy for my sick kids and bringing it to our hotel). He speaks English and offers excellent service – send him a message on WhatsApp if you want to reserve with his team in advance – +5493757673892.

When is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu is a great destination year round.

That said, there are times to visit that are better and times I’d avoid if your schedule allows.

This is the jungle, so you can expect hot and muggy summers. If going then, be sure to wear sun protection and hydrate.

Winter is ideal for fewer crowds and more agreeable temperatures. It will still be hot but you won’t suffer. We just went in August and it was an idyllic 80 degrees throughout our stay.

Is there a rainy season? No. Iguazu is subtropical so there is no particular rainy season. It can and does rain all year, usually with sporadic storms rather than torrential day long downpours.

When to avoid Iguazu? Argentina’s school holidays. The month of January is the busiest travel month (but summer break is from the holidays through February). The final two weeks of July is the winter school break. These breaks bring massive crowds. If you go then, book your hotels in advance and bring patience.

What to pack for Iguazu Falls?

You’re going to get wet, it’s inevitable, so bring shoes and clothes that can get wet. 

Also, the dirt in Misiones is rich in iron and a deep red so leave your pristine white sneakers in Buenos Aires.

Along with that, sun protection, insect repellent, and of course your camera should be at the top of your Iguazu packing list.

• A day pack: Pack a small backpack for most comfort to walk the trails (versus a shoulder bag).
• Teva Sandals are my favorite because they’ll also give you good grip and traction on slippery pathways and are cooler than a sneaker.
• Quick dry clothes: Prioritize comfort with DRI-FIT shirts and quick dry pants (I lived in my hiking shorts).
• Binoculars: Pack a good pair of binoculars to more easily spot the wildlife and toucans that are hiding deep in the jungle. Read my post here listing the best travel binoculars.
• Rain poncho: you may or may not need one, it depends on your tolerance. I preferred to just get wet and dry off as we walked but others wore them. Pack a reusable one like this to avoid waste or pick up a disposable one in the gift shops if needed.
• A water bottle, the jungle days get hot. I like my Hydroflask with a straw lid so I don’t have to take off the lid and risk clumsily dropping it into the falls (I lost a lens cap this way).
• Protection from the sun: sunscreen, a sun shirt, a hat, & sunglasses.
• This sun hat: I swear, go full on safari, you won’t regret it. I wore a hat just like this and it made the walks in the sun enjoyable, keeping me cool and the chin strap came in handy with the wind at Devil’s Throat.
• Insect repellent: There are a lot of mosquitos at sunrise and sunset (not Dengue carrying mosquitos but the bites do itch). These OFF wipes are ideal, they weigh very little and you’ll avoid trouble with security (don’t travel with aerosol).
• Phone lanyard: Avoid dropping your phone into the falls when taking all your pictures and wear it as a necklace (tip from a real butter fingers).
• Portable phone charger: You’ll likely be using your phone all day to take photos and video, don’t forget a battery bank to keep your phone charged all day.
• A quick dry towel that you can toss in your backpack or tote to dry off after going on the boat ride (you will get soaked!).
• And not Iguazu related, I always pack my foldable yoga mats to practice on the go

Read more: A complete Argentina packing guide

Read More about Iguazu & The Northeast

Iguazu is the most popular destination in Misione but there is so much more to see while you’re in Argentina’s northeast.

• The Best Things to do in Puerto Iguazu
• How to get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls
• Where to stay in Iguazu Falls
• Things to know before you visit Misiones, Argentina
• The Perfect Itinerary for a Northeast Argentina Road Trip
• Mocona Falls: Argentina’s Other Epic Waterfall
• The Esteros del Ibera Wetlands