Iguazu Falls holidays

No matter which side you stay, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the world’s largest waterfall system and the forest-filled national park which surrounds it. Hike rainforest trails in search of wildlife and birds. Walk in the mist created by the Iguazu River tumbling over hundreds of drops. Ride a jet boat over rapids and under the cascading water. Visit bird and wildlife sanctuaries, water parks, indigenous villages, and colonial ruins. 

Stand at the corner of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay and see the collaborative hydroelectric dam which generates power for all three. Go mountain biking through the forest, kayaking on the river, or ziplining at the edge of both. Enjoy restaurants, bars, and entertainment in towns which have grown on each side of the falls. Hungry? How about a traditional Brazilian barbecue?

If you only have a short stay, prefer less time on your feet, or want the best photos, the Brazilian side is the right choice. Only a fifth of the 275 separate drops can be seen on this side but the views of the main Devil's Throat cascades are breathtaking. Short trails and a bus directly to the main viewing platform’s glass elevator make getting a panoramic view easy. Helicopter rides, available only from Brazil, offer an even more spectacular perspective.

Close by, the Parques das Aves rainforest conservation area is a birder’s paradise with rescued toucans, hummingbirds, macaws, butterflies and more given a safe home in its treetops. Away from the falls, Foz do Iguaçu is a modern city with attractions from churches, temples, and mosques to theatres, shops, and restaurants. Engineering geeks will love the impressive Itaipu Dam while waterparks and theme parks provide family entertainment.

For the deepest Iguaza exploration, in more ways than one, stay on the Argentinian side. 80% of the falls are here and extensive Iguazú National Park trails offer miles of hiking around the many cascades and surrounding woodlands. Look out for coatis, tapirs, monkeys, and even pumas as you navigate the riverside wilderness. Elevated platforms take you over the river to the edge of the falls so you’re standing in the spray of Devil’s Throat.

If you visit during a full moon, nocturnal tours offer an eerie adventure through the nighttime sounds and moonlit sights of the falls and park. Adrenaline seekers can zip-line through the Selva Misionera forest canopy or rappel into the river canyon. Puerto Iguazú itself is a small tourist town but it has all the facilities you need plus quirky attractions and opportunities to encounter indigenous culture at the Guarani Community and Reserve.

Iguazu Falls is a year-round destination and when you visit should depend on your priorities. Peak flow occurs in December and February and makes for the most dramatic viewing but can restrict access to San Martin Island and some hiking trails. Temperatures are also at the hottest at this time and often climb over 30°C. Some travellers prefer the milder months of April, May, and August to October.

Days are at their coolest in June and July and jackets might be required in the evening when the thermometer drops to 10°C or lower. Crowds peak over Easter and during the holiday seasons of July, August, and December to February. Arriving outside of these times means fewer queues and more space around the falls with lower accommodation costs. Midweek is also quieter on both sides and special experiences can be enjoyed during full moons.