Straddling the borders of Brazil and Argentina is one of the world’s most spectacular set of waterfalls: Iguazu Falls. Its name derives from the indigenous words for ‘big water’. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South America‘s natural seven wonders of the world. Here’s all the information you need on the best time to visit Iguazu Falls from the Brazil side, how to get to the Argentina side and where to stay on each side of the border.
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This is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls
There are two factors to consider when deciding on the best time to visit Iguazu Falls. One is the weather. The other is the number of tourists likely to be visiting at the same time as you.
The Iguazu Falls are situated in the tropical rainforest of Iguazu National Park. The climate here is hot and humid, with an abundance of rain, depending on what time of year you go.
The rainy summer season is from October to March, with temperatures reaching a sticky 33 °C. During these months, the level of the waterfalls is at its highest, so it attracts more local tourists. The drier and cooler winter season (10 °C to 25 °C on average) is from May to September.
The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is in the shoulder months between these seasons. So, from April to May or between September and October. It’s not as hot during these months and less rainy, so it’s more comfortable weather to visit. There will also be fewer tourists at this time.
Monday to Friday is the best time of the week to visit Iguazu Falls. On weekdays you’ll avoid the majority of tourists who visit at the weekend.
Read on for my full guide to visiting the incredible Iguazu Falls from the Brazil side. Discover the best places to stay to make the most of your visit.
Getting to Iguazu Falls
The best way to get there is to get a cheap flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls, which takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
My first sight of the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu was from the aeroplane. Just before arriving at the tiny Foz do Iguaçu airport, my flight from Rio de Janeiro circled the falls. This meant we could get a good look.
From high up you can see the heavily cascading water. It’s like you can almost hear it. White mist emanates from the green forests, like a steaming hole in the earth.
Where to stay in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
The best backpacker hostel in Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, is the Concept Design Hostel & Suites. This popular place is clean, modern and cool, with a swimming pool and a tasty breakfast. It has even been voted the best hostel in Brazil.
For a special stay, one of the best hotels in Foz do Iguaçu is the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. Located right in front of the falls, it has exquisitely furnished rooms. Staff here can organise a tour of the falls outside of normal visitor hours.
If you are looking for a hotel closer to the airport, try the fabulous Complexo Eco Cataratas Resort. For Foz do Iguaçu city centre, the superb Bogari Hotel has an excellent on-site restaurant.
Check out the best hotels for Iguazu Falls from Brazil side here or explore the map below:
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Brazil side (Foz do Iguaçu)
The easiest way to reach the Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu is to organise a transfer from your hotel.
If you are on a budget, you can reach the falls by local transport. Take the bus number 120 for Parque Nacional/Aeroporto. This bus departs from Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU) in Foz do Iguacu city centre. The bus goes to the entrance of Iguazú National Park on the Iguazu Falls Brazil side, via the airport.
For the most convenient way to get to Iguazu Falls, book a transfer direct from your hotel, including your entrance ticket.
Visiting the falls from the Brazilian side
From the Iguazú National Park entrance on the Brazil side of the falls, follow pretty trails along the forest wall. From here, you can view the scale and panorama of these impressive waterfalls, as well as the local wildlife.
At the end you come to what’s known as Devil’s Throat. This is a U-shaped chasm where you can truly appreciate the sheer power and volume of this natural wonder. The falls cascade over cliff, bouncing off the shiny rocks and thrusting into the water below. It generates a gauze of cool white mist that seems to cover everything.
There is a walkway, where you can venture out and get a good view of Devil’s Throat head on. Needless to say, you get wet, but on a humid day, it is refreshing.
How to get from Iguazu Falls Brazil side to the Argentina side
Go to the Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU) in Foz do Iguacu. From here, you can catch a bus that will take you to the border with Argentina (don’t forget your passport!). On the other side, it connects with another bus that will take you to Puerto Iguazú.
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
The best hostel in Puerto Iguazú is the Hospedaje Jose Gorgues. Here, the hosts go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay. For a brilliant budget hotel, head to the Posada del Jacarandá, which has a great outdoor pool.
If you want special accommodation, with views of the falls from your room, check out the gorgeous Gran Melia Iguazu. Other beautiful hotel options include the fabulous Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel, for a luxury jungle retreat. The Tupa Lodge also has lovely views over the river.
Check out the best deals on accommodation for your dates in the map below:
Visiting Iguazu Falls from Argentina
The bus from Puerto Iguazú to Cataratas Argentinas, for the Iguazu Falls, is operated by Rio Uruguay. Itruns every 20 minutes. The journey to the falls takes 20 minutes.
From the Argentinian side, you can see the Iguazu Falls up close and personal, and even get inside them. Some of the views here are so beautiful, as the falls interweave with rocks, islands and greenery.
Book a tour of the Iguazu Falls directly from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú.
This side of the falls offers an upper and lower trail. The lower trail leads to a boat launch station. Here, you wrap your belongings carefully in a waterproof sack, don your choice of swimwear or cagoule and prepare for a watery onslaught. The boat’s driver takes you through the damp mist to the base of the powerful falls. He then travels inside them.
As the white water slaps forcefully onto your head and all over you, you feel like you can no longer make out which way is up and it’s hard to even open your eyes. The second part of the falls we venture into is even more of a shock with the sheer weight of the water on top of us. What an experience. Drenched, exhilarated and happy, we took the rest of the walking trails to dry off.
From the upper trail you see so many astounding sights of this wondrous natural spectacle, from a variety of angles. If you’re like me, you’ll take so many photos, you’ll almost run out of space on your phone or camera.
Final thoughts on the best time to visit Iguazu Falls
The first day visiting Iguazu Falls from Brazil side was incredible with all the panoramic views. Spending a second day, from the Argentina side, I was concerned I’d feel waterfalled-out. Would I be bored spending another day here? Far from it. Seeing the falls up close and personal was something else.
It’s an awe-inspiring place as you appreciate the wildness and power of nature in its element. Iguazu Falls is definitely ‘big water’ at its best.
Next, check out my full guide to backpacking Buenos Aires, Argentina’s colourful capital city.
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