Prepare yourself for your visit to the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu.
At the border of Argentina and Brazil cascades Foz do Iguaçu, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Boasting over 275 distinct waterfalls, this remarkable system is the planet’s largest waterfall system. Stretching for about 2.7 kilometers, the thunderous roar of the falls is awe-inspiring. The quantity of waterfalls fluctuates throughout the year, notably peaking in summer during the rainy season, multiplying up to 7.5 times from the amount of 60,000 to a staggering 450,000 cubic feet per second! Learn more about the falls before you go here:
How to get to Foz do Iguaçu
It depends where you are coming from and what your budget is, what airport is most practical for you. Because the waterfalls are in Brazil and Argentina you can fly to the airport on the Brazilian side or the airport on the Argentinian side. You can stay in the town Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) or in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). Because the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu is a bit bigger, a lot of people prefer it over Puerto Iguazu. There are also more attractions on the Brazilian side. We stayed four nights on the Brazilian side in a lovely hostel and one night on the Argentinian side in a hotel.
IMPORTANT: if you stay on the Argentinian side please take cash with you. There are lots of places where we were not able to pay with debit or credit cards. You can alway pay with pesos but also with reais or dollars.
How to cross the border and visit both parks?
It is very easy to travel across the border by taking the local bus. Multiple times a day the local bus crosses the border. You can go to the bus station in both towns and there you can wait for the right bus. You buy your ticket in the ticket office or in the bus itself.
We used the bus from our hostel to the Brazilian park and it was R$5. It also stops at the airport, the bird park Parque das Aves and one stop later at the Brazilian park.
From Foz do Iguaçu to the Argentinian side is just a tiny bit different. First go to the bus station in Foz do Iguaçu (or ask your accommodation if the right bus stop is close to your stay), from there you can take a bus to the Argentinian side. (Bus line 120, please check if it is still the same before you go.) Unfortunately it’s not very well organized and we didn’t find a timetable for the bus. We got different responses when we asked about what time it was supposed to go but they said, to just wait for it. And eventually it came. Usually they go twice an hour but you never know for what the times are.
There are 2 border check points. If you come from the Brazilian side, you reach the Argentinian border control first (people with an Argentinian passport may step out here for their check). After a couple of minutes you reach the Brazilian border control. Everybody from Brazilian or other nationalities needs to step out of the bus here, you need to get your passport checked and then step back on the bus. It went really fast both times. About 5-10 minutes. When it’s busy it can take up to an hour.
Now there is only one more thing to do, transfer to another bus to go to the Argentinian park. The bus driver will tell you where you need to transfer. There is a bus stop where you can transfer or you will transfer at the bus station. The first bus was R$5 and the second one was R$20 or Pesos 3200. (These prices may vary due to timing and/or the currency exchange.) You can pay with reais or pesos. Now you are on your way.
When you go from the waterfalls, on the Argentinian side, back to Brazil, you need to go to the bus station first and transfer there. Again the bus drivers are very friendly and they will help you with the transfer.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking the bus, you can of course get a transfer with your accommodation or go by taxi. These options are more expensive than the bus but also more convenient because you can go at whatever time you want. For people who aren’t able to walk for long or wheelchair users it’s better to use a transfer. You can book a transfer and ticket together here.
You can use Uber or Indrive if you are traveling in the cities but not to cross the border.
What to pack for a trip to Foz do Iguaçu
When you go to the parks it is best to wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, there is lots of walking involved. Bring your sunscreen and mosquito repellent because you will need it. Also bring a raincoat or poncho and a waterproof cell phone protector. If you don’t want to bring them you can buy them at the park entrance.
If you plan on going on the Macuco Safari, bring clothes that dry quickly or bring a dry set of clothes. We forgot to think about this and we were soaked! We ended up waiting a bit to dry but in the end we just went ahead and took the bus back to the hostel. They will tell you not to wear shoes but if you have them bring your flip-flops or water shoes and don’t forget to bring a quick drying towel. My favorite is down below.
You can bring your waterproof camera (if you have one) or use a cell phone protector. But be warned; hold on to them very well because this is a bumpy and wet ride and lots of people have lost their valuables.
How long should I go?
At least take one day for each park. You can even go on a night tour if you want to. We had other things in mind to do there so we stayed in the area for 5 days. If you only want to see the waterfalls you can do it in two days. There are tours where you can do both parks in one day but only do this if you don’t have more days available. The parks are big and there is lots to see.
Where to buy tickets for the parks?
Both parks have their own website and you need to pay a ticket at the Brazilian park and one at the Argentinian park. You can do it when you arrive there but you can buy them online and thus you don’t have to wait in line.
You can of course book a tour with Get Your Guide that also includes a transfer from your hotel and back. This is from Brazil to Argentina. And they have lots more in terms of options.
Where to stay in Foz do Iguaçu?
Due to its larger size, many people favor the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu over Puerto Iguazu. Additionally, the Brazilian side offers a greater variety of attractions. During our trip, we spent four nights at a very cool hostel on the Brazilian side. Selina Hostel. The hostel was more an hotel and the food was delicious. We spend one night at a hotel on the Argentinian side because we didn’t want to go back the same day.
We loved the waterfalls! We enjoyed the Argentina park because it was really beautifully set up. The trails were great and you could see the waterfalls from up close very well. The Brazilian side was not as well maintained but the views were spectacular! Besides the waterfalls we also enjoyed the bird park a lot. But there is lots more to do in and around Foz do Iguaçu.
Is Foz do Iguaçu accessible for wheelchair users?
Trails
There are parts where you can see the waterfalls but you will not be able to do the trails in both parks. You can contact the parks to see which parts you will be able to excess. The Devil’s throat on the Brazilian side is accessible but I’m not sure about the Argentinian side.
Café’s and restaurants
There are restaurants in both parks that you can exces. They are not always very roomy and some of the restaurants have seats that can’t be removed.
Public transport
The busses are not accessible for wheelchair users. The best way to go to the parks is to use a transfer. You can arrange them at your accommodation.
Toilets
Good, there are bathrooms for people in wheelchairs.
Items I love while traveling
Waterproof dry bags
These bags I use all the time for different things. I do my laundry in them, use them as a hamper or bring them with me to the swimming pool or beach. Easy to clean and multiple ways to use them.
Collapsible handheld fan
I don’t know about how you deal with heat but I need a bit of cooling down when I’m traveling. This easy (and cute) fan is my go to for when I am too hot. It can be charged with usb which is super practical.
Microfiber towel
Even when I go to a hotel I love to bring my microfiber towels. I use them for my hair, for when I go to a beach or swimming pool and I use them to get even more water out of my clothes after laundry.