Iguazu Falls Argentina

Iguazu Falls: the Wonderland of Water in Brazil and Argentina

Iguazu Falls are considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World (according to the Internet). To be honest, before visiting them I thought that photos of the waterfalls were nice. But the real magic hit me the moment I saw them with my own eyes. It just confirmed that no photo or video can do justice to a place. You have to travel to it and get the full five-sense experience to say that you know it.

Iguazu Falls Argentina
Iguazu Falls Argentina
Location and how to get there

Iguazú Falls or Iguaçu Falls are the world’s largest waterfall system in the world spread on the Iguazu River. We visited the waterfalls on our trip to Brazil in the spring of 2022. We flew in and out of Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport and stayed for two nights in the Brazilian town called Foz do Iguazú and stayed in Ibis Foz Do Iguaçu hotel which was okay for a couple of nights.

On the first day, we visited the Argentinian side of the Iguazu National Park. We took an Uber from our hotel to the Argentinian border, crossed it on foot, and took a bus that had a stop just across the border. The bus first went to Puerto Iguazú bus station on a schedule known to itself only. We were able to pay in USD for the ride as we were out of local cash. From the bus station there was another bus to the national park that had hours listed. We had to find an ATM in the town center to pay for it in Argentinian money.

The Brazilian side of the national park is easy to reach by local bus or taxi. To take a local bus we asked people for the bus stop and waited about an hour for it to show up. So, on the way back from the park we planned to take a taxi as Uber is not allowed in the national park. We also had an evening flight to São Paulo, so we wanted to make sure we get there on time. The taxi driver was very nice and it was a good experience after my accident in the park.

Iguazu falls: Brazil or Argentina?

This is the question that many people have while visiting the area. For me personally, both sides of the park were spectacular. But if I had only one day and had to choose, I would go to Argentina.

Iguazu Falls rainbow Argentina
Iguazu Falls rainbow Argentina

The Argentinian side had longer trails to walk on and by the river. It also had more rainbows (though it depends on the day, of course), a nice little train to move along the trails, and quite impressive jungle flora and fauna. By the way, when we got to the entrance of the park it was closed due to lightnings, so we had to wait a bit for it to open up again. The storm got us later while walking on the boardwalk over the river (Paseos de Luna Llena en las Cataratas del Iguazú) to our first viewpoint La Garganta del Diablo. We were soaked and almost turned back but made it to the location and the sun was out again.

Iguazu Falls Brazil
Iguazu Falls Brazil

The Brazilian side of the park had a shorter hiking trail and pretty impressive overview platform to the La Garganta del Diablo. We got soaked again as there was rain, wind, and falls but that was more fun than annoying. On the way back to the park entrance I got my head hit by a pole inside the bus that was meant to hold. I gripped it and it just fell off because the end was rusty. I even went to the emergency as my head got dizzy. The bus driver didn’t even stop to ask what happened and park administration said sorry. The nurse gave me a bag of ice and it was okay in a few hours. Yet, it was enough of a discomfort to choose Argentina as my favorite side haha.

Is it worth it to visit Iguazu falls?

All in all, I would say yes. The falls were breathtaking, the energy was clearing, and I really enjoyed the walk in the jungle exploring the river and the life around it on the Argentinian side. It was also my first time near such huge waterfalls and I think it was a nice experience.

Boardwalk across Iguazu river Argentina
Boardwalk across Iguazu river Argentina

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