If you are wondering how many days you should spend at Iguazu Falls to fully experience the attractions, activities, and natural beauty, we have some suggestions for you. To us, Iguazu is one of the greatest places on earth. Thus, we believe that you should spend 3 days in the area.
However, with so many gorgeous places to visit in Argentina and Brazil, you may find yourself with less time. If that is the case, we recommend spending at least 2 days in Iguazu. You will have to rush a bit following our Iguazu itinerary, but you will see the best.
If you have budget constraints, you have nothing to worry about. Iguazu has hotels and eateries for all tastes and fancies. You can stay in a decent nice hotel and eat relatively inexpensive. Now, if you can splurge, stay longer and book a fantastic hotel in the middle of the jungle.
Ideally Three Days
One of us is Argentinean and grew up going to the region. The other one has been a couple of times and loves it. Three days in Iguazu are enough. It’s the minimum required to visit both sides of the waterfalls without rushing.
Now, we are talking about two national parks. We suggest doing both the upper itinerary and the lower on Argentinean Iguazu. Though you could rush through both in a day, we believe it’s much better to take your time and do the lower one the first day.
On your second day do the upper path all the way to the Devils Throat. Cross the border on your third day and visit the Brazilian side. The Argentinean side is more dramatic since you are on top or under the falls. The views from the Brazilian side are epic.
Two Days are Not Bad
Argentina is pretty big and its top attractions are far from each other. If you are deciding between the Glaciers and the Iguazu, but have only two days to spare, go to the waterfalls. Puerto Iguazu is a very small city. The park is perfectly organized and going there is fast and easy.
Therefore, if you take an early flight from Buenos Aires you can go to the waterfalls the same day you arrive and do both the upper and lower circuits super-fast. You’ll be dead tired at night, but happy. The next day cross the border and enjoy the Brazilian side.
Honestly speaking, both countries have done a wonderful job with the falls. Everything is in great shape, safe, and easy to follow. There’s lots of space, and plenty to eat and drink. If you have a late flight, you can even be out of there that same day.
One Day is not advisable
We have some friends that could only do the one day when traveling in between Argentina and Brazil. They were leaving Buenos Aires directly to Rio de Janeiro but the ticket was super expensive. We suggested they went to Iguazu, check the falls, and then cross to Brazil.
In Brazil they could take a plane from Foz do Iguazu to Rio. Both tickets where cheaper than the direct flight plus they got to see a UNESCO Listed World Wonder. We organized everything and off they went. They had a fantastic time!
The fastest way is a flight from Aeroparque in Buenos Aires to Iguazu. From the airport you can take the bus to the park, and rush through both circuits. You can cross the border and go directly to the airport in Brazil. Sounds crazy right? We are telling you: stay longer, the place is unbelievable.
Four Days are a Luxury
Do the Argentinean side two circuits and spend your time relaxing at a fabulous hotel in the middle of the jungle. Though there is a train within the park, you can also walk through the jungle. If you are adventurous, do the boat trip under the falls. We did a couple of times and it was so thrilling!
The third day go to Brazil. On your last day, go to the other UNESCO Listed site in Iguazu, some 130 miles (200 km) south of the city. The Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis are epic. We are talking about the remains of 17th Century buildings in the middle of the jungle.
As an environmental lawyer myself, I strongly recommend going to Saltos de Mocona, 180 miles (300 km) south from Iguazu. The falls are located within the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, an area known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. We spent a week at the incredible Reserva La Misión Mocona.
Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls
Two unbelievable hotels are the only and best places to stay inside the Iguazu falls. If you have the money to splurge, you have to stay at the Gran Meliá in Argentina and the Belmond in Brazil. Both are super fancy and have everything you ever dreamed off.
Another gem of a hotel is the Loi Suites, set in lush green jungle close to the park. Hanging bridges connect the wooden buildings. There are incredible plants everywhere. It’s got two pools and a full-size spa. The rooms are big and extra comfy.
In Brazil, we stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton. It’s a contemporary tower in between the city and the park. It’s got a big pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. A big garden and trees surround the property. The hotel’s restaurant is pretty good. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Moving around Iguazu
Moving around Iguazu is easy. You won’t have any trouble within both parks. There are clearly marked and safe paths. Your ticket in Brazil includes round-trip internal transportation, a waterfall trail, an elevator, a walkway, and viewpoints. The same in Argentina. Once you pay your ticket you are set to go.
Buses from the center of Puerto Iguazu take you to the National Park in no time. These are frequent. You can also take buses that cross the border and take you directly to the Brazilian side of the falls. Everything is organized and easy. Ask in your hotel.
We always walk in Puerto Iguazu. It’s very small and there are very good restaurants and bars. There are inexpensive taxis too. In the Brazilian side we don’t walk at night, though it seems safe. During the day we do. That said, we like the jungle better so we don’t go to the center much.
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