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

Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Brazil and Argentina.

Each side of the border has its own national park, begging the question: which side of Iguazu Falls is better?

Readers always ask which side they should see.

The answer is both.

On the Brazilian side you have a panoramic view of the falls. You can appreciate their size and grandeur.

On the Argentine side, you are on top of the falls. You can feel their power as they rush under your feet on the walkways.

It’s often said that in Brazil you have a front row seat to the show and in Argentina you are on the stage.

So, if you have the time, see both. Luckily, with as little as two days you can do just that.

But if you are trying to choose which one to see or what to do on each side, this guide will help.

So let’s dive in.

What makes Brazil the Best?

Brazil’s strength are the epic views that it offers of the falls.

Also, it requires very little time to see, in just 3 hours you can see it all at a relaxed pace.

There is only one path and you will walk it in one direction, culminating at the foot of the Devil’s Throat fall.

You will follow the flow of traffic and see panoramic views of the falls the entire way.

On this side you can truly take in the vastness of this natural wonder.

Quick tips, pros, & cons to Brazil’s side:

• See the Brazil side first so you can see the big picture, on your next day dive into the details on Argentina’s side of the falls.
• There is more to do on Brazil’s side besides the falls. Complete your experience with a visit to the bird park across the street, it’s incredible! This tour package includes the falls and the bird park.
• Want to go on a helicopter ride? You can only book a helicopter over the falls in Brazil.
• Not accessible, the path has a lot of stairs throughout. Wheelchair users would be limited to viewpoints at the start and finish.
• The boat ride is child friendly, where as in Argentina there is an age limit starting at 12. (More details further below).

What makes Argentina’s side the best?

The actual falls are IN Argentina, kilometers of pathways offer a variety in views and experiences.

There are three main circuits that off panoramic views, weave through the jungle, and take you directly on top of the falls.

Everyone has a favorite side and for me it is Argentina, no argument to be had.

Quick tips, pros, & cons to Argentina’s side:

• There are three circuits: the lower circuit, the upper circuit, and the devil’s throat.
• Plan on spending the entire day walking all three.
• Argentina’s park is fully accessible. Only one small section of the lower circuit has only stairs and it can be worked around by doing it as an out and back versus a circuit.
• There is a fourth, more wild circuit (not paved and a proper hike) called the Macuco Trail. You’d need a second day to do this.

Gran Aventura vs Macuco Safari: Which side has the best boat experience?

Both Brazil and Argentina off boat rides that bring you up close and personal to the falls.

In Argentina it is called Gran Aventura and in Brazil, Macuco Safari.

The experience and price is nearly identical on both sides BUT I recommend going in Brazil for two reasons.

1. It saves you time for Argentina’s side where you’ll need it to explore the three main trails.
2. There is no age limit for Macuco Safari in Brazil. Gran Aventura has a strict age limit starting at 12. So families of smaller children will be limited to Brazil. Macuco Safari offers an alternative experience of just approaching the falls without getting wet, making it safer and more comfortable for those with smaller children.

Puerto Iguazu vs. Foz do Iguacu: Where to stay?

I always recommend staying in Puerto Iguazu over Foz in Brazil.

It has the vibe of a smaller town and when downtown it is walkable with a lot of dining options.

The hotels available in Puerto Iguazu are also much nicer, in my opinion. With options for all budgets you can stay in the heart of the jungle.

Foz do Iguazu is a larger, less attractive city and things are spread out. I only recommend it if you want a large resort feel in your hotel. This hotel for example has a water park in the pool.

Here are my favorite hotels in Puerto Iguazu:

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

Melia vs Belmond: Where to stay inside the parks

Each country has one hotel inside their national park with privileged views of the falls.

If you have the budget for them, which should you pick?

Personally, I recommend the Melia in Argentina.

The Melia is more secluded and its recent million dollar remodel has left it impeccable. It has enviable views of the Devil’s Throat from the pool, restaurants, and half of its rooms.

The Belmond is also a stunner if you choose it, but it is steps from the main bus stop in the park and less private.

How to get between the two sides of Iguazu?

Crossing the border from Brazil to Argentina to see Iguazu Falls is very easy and for many locals it’s even a daily occurance.

That said, you do need to go through passport control so it takes time, especially in busy season. Allow time for that.

I recommend hiring a driver or private tour like this for the day when going to see the other country’s side. The ease it adds to your day is priceless.

Taxis have a preferential lane and will move faster than those in rental cars and they can help you throughout the day.

But for those looking for a more budget friendly option, take the bus. Rio Uruguay offers a bus that departs every hour on the half hour (confirm in person as time tables can change).

At the time of writing it costs 8,000 pesos (this will change), which is around 7 dollars.

Crucero Norte is a second company operating this route, compare hours and prices to choose what works for you.

To go through immigration you will have to disembark and go through passport control. The bus will wait around 10-15 minutes but if the line is particularly slow it will leave you and others behind and you will need to wait for the next bus.

Iguazu Falls Travel Guides

I have a wealth of information about Iguazu Falls on the blog.

Now that you’ve chosen where to spend your time, use the links below to plan your trip!

• A Travel Guide to Iguazu Falls, Argentina Side
• A Practical Guide to Iguazu Falls, Brazil Side
• Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls
• Things to do in Iguazu Falls (Besides the Falls)
• How to Visit Saltos del Monday, Paraguay – Iguazu Day Trip
• Exploring Misiones: A Northeast Argentina Road Trip Itinerary