Iguazu Falls is one of the largest waterfall systems in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with protected national parks on both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the border.
Here, I’ll be giving you an overview of my experience on the BRAZILIAN SIDE — Iguaçu National Park.
I didn’t have the time or extra funds to visit the Argentinian side, BUT I’ve heard that it could be considered better because of the sheer number of viewpoints and walking trails alongside the falls.
With all that being said, what I saw in Brazil was still mind-blowing. I would go as far as saying it was the most awe-inspiring nature I’ve ever seen. Brazil has some extraordinary natural landscapes, and another place that completely blew me away was Lençóis Maranhenses, with its endless sand dunes and freshwater lagoons.
Before I share my most important tips and information about visiting one of nature’s most majestic creations, allow me to give you some nerdy facts about it.
Quickly…
Iguazu Falls: A Few Fascinating Facts
The falls are located near the tri-border region of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. They were formed within the Paraná Plateau, where the Iguazu River flows over the edge of a massive basaltic lava formation.
This geological formation creates a waterfall system consisting of approximately 275 cascades spread across roughly 2.7 kilometers. The immense volume of water plunges from heights reaching approximately 82 meters, with some of the most spectacular cascades concentrated around the unbelievable chasm known as the Devil’s Throat.
The photo here was taken from above the cascades, on the second level of a watch tower.
Just know that the walking trails are on the ground level and lead to other viewing platforms. Near the Devil’s Throat, you will be surrounded by enormous volumes of water crashing into the river below just below you’re standing.
The powerful sound of the cascades and the feeling of mist touching your skin create a surreal experience.
It’s just ENDLESS WATER EVERYWHERE!
My Two Biggest Tips for Visiting Iguazu Falls
1. ARRIVE BEFORE THE PARKS OPENS
YOU MUST DO THIS IF YOU WANT TO STAY AHEAD OF THE CROWDS.
The park fills up very quickly, and taking photos becomes somewhat of a battle with time and other visitors.
Arriving early gives you the best opportunity to experience the falls before the busiest crowds arrive.
2. VISIT THE DEVIL’S THROAT FIRST
After entering the park at it’s immediate opening, you’ll board a bus that takes visitors toward the waterfalls.
DO NOT GET OFF AT THE FIRST STOP. WAIT UNTIL THE FINAL STOP TO EXIT THE BUS.
If your priority is seeing the Devil’s Throat before the crowds arrive, consider continuing to the final bus stop and accessing the viewpoint area from there, rather than following the traditional trail from beginning to end.
Now, if you don’t wish to see the Devil’s Throat right away and would rather save it for the end of the walking trail as a climax, you’re welcome to do so. At least if you arrive early enough, you won’t be getting trampled by people.
However, if you want the most tranquil and spiritual experience at the apex of the park, go to the Devil’s Throat first.
I DID NEITHER. JUST KNOW YOU’RE LEARNING FROM MY MISTAKES.
My Takeaways From Visiting Iguazu Falls
There really isn’t much I can say to sell this place to you.
Just do it!
The most unique part of the experience for me was seeing several rainbows glimmering in the mist created by the crashing cascades.
I had never in my life looked down to see a rainbow. Every other time, I’d had to look up.
Besides that, the landscape itself is breathtaking. No photo can do it justice!
If you love breathtaking natural scenery, I’d also recommend trekking through Vale do Pati in Chapada Diamantina, another unforgettable experience I had in Brazil.
How to Get to Iguazu Falls in Brazil
FLYING vs. TAKING THE BUS TO FOZ DO IGUAÇU
PAY ATTENTION:
You can fly or take a bus to Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian city that serves as the gateway to Iguazu Falls.
Flying is the much better option in terms of travel time and can be cost-effective if you book in advance. If you wait until the last minute, however, you could end up paying sky-high prices.
In my experience, return flights from Foz do Iguaçu were more expensive, less frequent, and harder to find, even on websites like Skyscanner. One-way flights to Foz do Iguaçu seemed much easier and cheaper to book.
Keep this in mind when planning your trip, and compare both one-way and round-trip options before purchasing your tickets.
If you’re having trouble finding an affordable flight, you can always take the bus. Depending on the company and ticket type, you may also avoid paying extra to check a bag.
Bus fares are generally lower than airfare and can be more consistent, although the journeys are long and often run overnight. If you’re considering traveling overland in Brazil, I’ve also written about my experiences with long-distance bus travel in Latin America, including some practical advice for lengthy journeys.
APPROXIMATE BUS TRAVEL TIMES TO FOZ DO IGUAÇU
São Paulo
The journey from the city’s main long-distance bus terminal takes approximately 16–18 hours.
Rio de Janeiro
The journey is longer, generally around 24–26 hours.
Curitiba
The bus ride takes approximately 11 hours.
Florianópolis
Expect around 15 hours, with overnight options available.
Other Brazilian Cities
Long-distance bus connections may also be available from cities such as Cuiabá, Campo Grande, and Belo Horizonte. Check current schedules and whether transfers are required before booking.
