Sprawling on the borders of three countries on the Latin American Continent, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iguazu National Park is where one of the great wonders of nature lies.
Largest waterfall system on the earth, Iguazu Falls gives poor Niagara Falls a run for their money. The park lies on the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. While the falls are the main attraction of the park, it is not the only thing you should be looking forward to on your trip to Argentina. From rare and endangered wildlife to a plethora of adventure activities (which includes getting drenched near the falls), one can have uncountable overwhelming experiences during their visit to the park.
Here is everything you need to know about Iguazu National Park:
Iguazu National Park Information
Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
Area: 672 km sq.
Established: 1934
Latitude | Longitude:
Flora & Fauna: The park surrounded by vast rainforests which include more than 2000 species of plants. In Iguazu National Park, animals of various kinds of species are found. Several of these species are rare and endangered. Animals like jaguar, South American tapir, ocelot, tirica, anteater, the black-fronted piping guan, can be spotted inside the park
Permit & Charges: Iguazu national park entrance fee from the Argentina border is AR$ 60 (INR 120). Argentine Pesos is the only forms of acceptable currency. Entry fee for Iguazu National Park, Brazil depends upon whether you are a resident or a foreigner and can be paid online in advance.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
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Iguazu National Park Location
Iguazu Falls which are surrounded by the forests of Iguazu National Park are located in the tri-state border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The entry inside the park is possible through immigration gates of all three nations. On the Brazil side, the city of Foz do Iguaçu is the entry point. The town of Puerto Iguazu is the point of entry from the side of Argentina. Ciudad del Este is the city on the Paraguayan side.
Best time to visit Iguazu National Park
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Even though the park is open all around the year, the best time to visit the park depends upon the kind of experience you seek; whether you are after a wetter weather when the volume of water hitting the rocks is massive or the dry season which makes the nearby islands and trails accessible.
April-June and August-September are dry seasons. However, this is also the time when the park is less packed with tourists.
Iguazu National Park Activities
1. Brave the Devil’s Throat
Devil’s Throat is the largest of the Iguazu waterfalls and its main attraction too. The notorious roaring waterfall put up a great spectacle for the visitors and it would be a huge regret to miss it. Path to the Falls offers magnificent views of the Devil’s Throat and let you witness its power from close. The platform is also a great vantage point to take the photo of rainbow striking over the falls. However, you are advised not to bring any gadgets as they may soak wet near the falls.
2. Helicopter Ride Over Iguazu Falls
One way to experience the enchanting beauty of the massive Iguazu Falls is through a boat ride. The other is Helicopter ride where you get an overwhelming bird’s eye view of the mighty falls. The ten-minute ride gives you unobstructed views of the falls and plenty of chances to take breathtaking pictures from the helicopter. Killing two birds with a stone, you also get to go over Itaipu Dam and Foz do Iguacu as well.
3. Macuco Safari Boat Ride
Feel the forces and magic of nature through water and gravity in the Macuco Safari Boat Ride which will take you on a long water journey through the jungle. The jeep pulled wagon takes you over flat water, rapids, and beneath the waterfall. The thrilling boat rides even take you to right beneath the Three Musketeer Falls soaking you wet with water and adrenaline rush. It is the most memorable experience for visitors in the park
4. Rafting in Iguazu River
Once you are done with the mellow boat safari, hop on to the river raft to feel the power of mighty Iguazu River. The 30-minute enthralling rafting trip on the Iguazu River is filled with heavy doses of fun and adventure. If you haven’t experienced rafting before, this can be a perfect opportunity to do so. Rafting is available from both Brazil and Argentina sides.
5. Moonlight Tour
How about having a delicious dinner with your lover in the moonlight by the falls? Sound romantic! The Moonlight Tour in Iguazu National Park is a romantic way to spend an evening with your spouse. A double-decker bus takes the tourists to Port Canoas where they enjoy a lavish dinner, amazing cocktails, and enchanting views of the falls from extremely close. It is definitely a lifetime experience worth having.
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Iguazu National Park Attractions
1. Iguazu Falls
After all, this is what you have come to see! Iguazu Falls are the jewel in the crown of the national park and it is the first and foremost thing you should come to see in the park. Path to the Falls takes you close to gushing cascades to enjoy the views from up close and personal. The misty clouds hover over the spectators near the falls and the rainbow goes striking right through the falls.
Entry Fee: INR 4300 per person
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (From Brazilian side)
2. Parque das Aves
A treat for bird watchers, Parque das Aves is where you will find thousand different species of birds. The bird sanctuary in the Iguazu National Park is your only chance to spot the exotic and endemic species of Brazilian birds as well as others from around the world. These birds have been saved from the hands of wildlife smugglers or the places where they were mistreated. So, while you are in the park, make sure you are at your best behavior with the feather friends.
Entry Fee: INR 700 per adult
Opening Hours: 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM
3. Marco das Americas
If being at three places at a time has always been on your bucket list, then this place will pique your interest. Marco das Americas is a tri-border area where countries of paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil share their border. This golden triangular area is an up and coming attraction in the iguazu national Park which you should definitely check out on your visit.
Entry Fee: NA
Opening Hours: 02:00 PM to 10:00 PM
4. Camp de Desafios
Literally translated to ‘The Field of Challenges’, Camp de Desafios in Iguazu National park offers adventure lust to thrill seekers. It provides an array of adventure activities like rafting, rappelling, canopy walking, and climbing to its guests. Enjoy getting high on adrenaline amidst the dense rainforests of Argentina.
Entry Fee: NA
Opening Hours: NA
5. Bella Vista Sanctuary
A haven for endangered species like capybaras, jaguars, alligators, and anteaters, one can find several other Iguazu National Park animals in Bella Vista Sanctuary which is a place for wildlife enthusiasts to embrace nature and its creation. What most people don’t know is that not only it is an ecological refuge but also a hydroelectric power plant which produces world’s largest power output.
Entry Fee: NA
Opening Hours: NA
Iguazu National Park Hotels
1. Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa
Stay at the only hotel inside the park which offers you tremendous views of the falls right from their balcony. Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa is built on the Argentinian side and faces directly to the Devil’ Throat offering you a unique stay experience. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere around the hotel will make your stay at the resort mystical. They even provide shuttle services to the falls even after and before the park is closed
Tariff: INR 21,585 onwards
Address: Ent A Parque Nacional Iguazú S/N, N3370 Cataratas del Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
2. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
A gem beside Iguazu Falls, Belmond Hotel is surrounded with verdant greenery and serenity. The pastel-pink hideaway offers a peaceful retreat and boundless luxury in the rainforests of Argentina. You can even hear the roaring sound of waterfalls right from your room. It is one of the best hotels in Brazil to stay during your visit to the park.
Tariff: INR 27,000 onwards
Address: Rodovia Br 469, Km 32, s/n Parque Nacional Iguassu, Foz do Iguaçu – PR, 85855-750, Brazil
3. San Martin Resort & Spa
Located just 400 meters from the entrance of the park, San Martin Resort & Spa is your affordable luxury stay in Argentina. The rooms are nice and equipped with all the modern facilities. The premises even has a plunge pool surrounded by plenty of sunbeds. You can head straight to the hotel from the airport since it is just 3 km away.
Tariff: INR 4,500 onwards
Address: Avenida das Cataratas, Km 21, s/n – Parque Nacional, Foz do Iguaçu – PR, 85853-000, Brazil
Iguazu national park map
How to reach Iguazu National Park
From Argentina
If you are flying to Argentina, you will first land in the country’s capital, Buenos Aires, and take a connecting flight to Puerto Iguazu. The park is an hour drive from the airport which can be covered by a taxi or a private car transfer.
Buses and taxi are available from various part of Puerto Iguazu town to the entrance of the park. There is a short in-park train ride which takes visitors straight to the falls.
From Brazil
If you want to enter from the Brazil side, you will have to take a connecting flight from Sao Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu and then a taxi ride to the park or your accommodation.
Argentina, Brazil, or Paraguay; each one of the gates to Iguazu National Park provides equally enthralling experiences and bewitching views of the mighty falls. If you are having a difficulty choosing which one of the three countries to enter from, why not plan a trip with TravelTriangle to all three of them?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Iguazu National Park
How many waterfalls are in Iguazu National Park?
Around 257 individual waterfalls are said to be flowing in the Iguazu falls in the National Park.
What does Iguazu mean?
The term ‘Iguazu’ can be split into two, ‘y’, means “water”, and ‘ûasú’, means “big” as per the Guarani language.
Is Iguazu Falls a wonder of the world?
It was voted for the new natural wonders of the world in 2015.
Can you swim in Iguazu Falls?
Given the nature of these waterfalls, swimming here is highly advised against of.
How big is Iguazu National Park?
The Iguazu National Park is approximately 672 sq. kms in area.
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If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
