Matthew Barker

Argentina Travel: Visiting Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu Falls are a dazzling and majestic feat of natural engineering. Read about visiting the falls from a Argentina travel expert from Latin America for Less.

The Iguazu Falls are a dazzling and majestic feat of natural engineering. Crafted by 120 million years of geological history these falls create a spectacular frontier between the nations of Argentina and Brazil.

The falls on both sides are surrounded by large national parks that are home to an extensive range of wildlife and plant species. Tours are available of the surrounding tropical area in the parks, however visitors are their undoubtedly there to see the waterfalls.

It is important to see the falls from both sides to fully grasp the sheer size and scope of the falls. If you have visited other waterfalls such as Niagra Falls in the US, you notice that just one of the many waterfalls of Iguazu is roughly equivalent to the whole of Niagra.

The Argentinean side of the falls requires much more time as the park geared more towards a visit as a day activity. The entrance to the park is situated away from the falls and to access the falls you need to take a mini train ride, unlike in Brazil you do not get dropped off very close to the view point. There are various view points to see the falls from Argentina. The first stop on the train takes you to the lower part of the falls. From here you can follow numerous trails along the side of the Iguazu river up to the lower part of the falls, seeing smaller waterfalls along the route. Photos here come out particularly well with the falls located behind you. You can also walk right up to the falls. You then can return to the train for the trip up hill to the view point that puts you above the falls. From here you can see birds that fly over the falls and appear to kamikaze down the falls through the spray.

The Brazilian side of the falls can be done relatively quick and easy. Buses transport visitors from the entrance of the park all the way to the falls, which is included in your park entrance fee. This makes it a very good option if you have mobility difficulties. From this side of the falls you get to see the whole of the falls and fully comprehend the sheer size and extent of the falls.  The Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu is more of a big town compared to Puerto Iguazu which is nice to explore alongside a trip to the falls.

If you really want to experience the falls, it is possible to take boat tours that take you right up to the bottom of the falls (well as close as is possible). Be prepared to get very wet. Other activities are also available in the national parks such as wildlife treks, walking trails as well as a range of adrenaline pumping adventure activities.

When you visit you should be prepared to get wet. Especially if you want to get close and take the best photographs. On a hot day you could even wear a bathing suit, letting the water give you a welcoming break from the heat. You should also try to wear sturdy shoes as access to the falls is along a metal walkway that gets very slippery.

You are able to visit the falls all year round. However, the falls are much more spectacular during the wetter period of the year. While there is no ‘rainy season’ it tends to rain more from March to June. This period is also outside of the Argentine holiday periods which are during January, Easter and July.

Visitors should check before they go if they require a visa to enter Brazil. Unlike Argentina, a visa is not issued on arrival for citizens of certain countries such as the US and so takes time to process. However, for day trips no immigration formalities are required, it is always best to check.

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