If you go to Foz do Iguaçu you can stay for 2 days to only see the waterfalls or you can extend your trip a bit to do some other fun things too. Here is a list of some really cool things you could do if you are there.
See a dance show at the landmark Marco das Três Fronteiras
The landmark where the three countries, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet is really nice to visit at night. Around seven o’clock there is a dance show where they show a little bit of history but most of all showcase different dances from South America. The entrance fee is $R50 and you can buy your ticket online or at the entrance. There are multiple places where you can take a commemorative picture with the signs of the three countries.
IMPORTANT: if you go here the cellphone reception is very bad. If you need to book Uber or Indrive you need to stay inside to use the WIFI. Or you can arrange a pick up (time and amount) with the driver who brought you there.
Fly with a helicopter over the waterfalls
When I saw they had this option I really wanted to fly over the waterfalls. How cool would that be!?! The helisul deck is across from the bird park Parque das Aves and it takes about 5 minutes to fly to the waterfalls. You will fly about 10 minutes over the falls and it is so marvelous to see it from out of the helicopter. From the sky you can see how big the Devil’s throat is and how large the park around it is. You can book a helicopter tour at your hotel or here at Get Your Guide, where a transfer is included from your hotel.
Wander around in the cities of Foz do Iguaçu and/or Puerto Iguazu
The two border towns are both nice to explore and if you are in need of some souvenirs or gifts there are plenty of places where you can find them. There are some lovely restaurants as well and if you like to go shopping there are some big shopping malls where you can buy duty free.
Be amazed by the birds at Parque das Aves
One of the best things, besides the waterfalls, is in my opinion the bird park. I am very fortunate that I was able to travel in Brazil a lot and see many of these birds in the wild. But because of the way the park is set up you will be able to see them up close. Some of the birds I saw in the wild were very far away and it is really awesome to see them so close. Especially the colorful ones. Some of the birds are in big cages where you walk through them and that is very cool. They do have some other animals but mostly birds. In the beginning of the park you can see at what times some of the birds are being fed and it is really interesting to see that. They tell a bit about the birds (in Portugees) and then they will feed them. There is a beautiful new place where you can see lots of butterflies and at the end you can take pictures with butterfly and bird wings. We loved this park! We stayed there for about 4 hours. You can book your ticket online or at Get Your Guide.
Shopping in Paraguay
Foz do Iguaçu is on the border of not only Brazil and Argentina but also Paraguay. Lots of people go to Paraguay to do some shopping. I have been told that for most people it’s cheaper than Brazil and Argentina. We were not in the mood for shopping and so we didn’t go. One word of advice for everyone who wants to go; if it’s to go to be true it probably is. So take care if you are going to try and find good deals. On the Brazilian side there is a big duty free shopping center and you can have a good time there as well.
Go to dinner and a show at Rafain Churrascaria
If you want some entertainment and you like dancing and BBQ then this might be a nice surprise. BBQ places are called Churrascarias and this one is really good. They had lots of options for those who love meat and there was a big buffet with lots of options including pastas, salads and sushi. The deserts were also very nice! You can eat all you want but you do have to pay extra for the drinks.
The dances that were performed were from South America and it was really amazing to see. The dancers did a great job and the audience was very enthusiastic during the performance due to the person who explained more about the dances and musical performances. The costumes were great too. If you went to the landmark Três Fronteiras you might already have seen some of the dances that they perform here. But we loved this place a lot. You can book this at most hotels and accommodations in the city. There is no possibility to book it online.
Visit Itaipú dam
After 18 years of hard work the Itaipú dam was completed in 1982. This impressive dam was developed to garner electricity for both Brazil and Paraguay. It is said that about 80% of the electricity in Paraguay is produced here and about a quarter of the electricity needs of Brazil. You can visit the power plant from the Brazilian side and see all the machinery inside the dam. There are guided tours and they will explain everything you might want to know about its works. The dam is almost 8 km long or 4.97 miles and it is 196 meters high or 643 feet. We saw it from out of the plane but we didn’t have time to visit the dam.
Of course there is even more to see then this, if you have time you could visit the Ice bar Dreams park show, go to the buddhist temple or go on the Ferris wheel for a beautiful view.
We enjoyed our trip to the waterfalls and surrounding area a lot and I hope you will have the chance to go too!
Is this Foz do Iguaçu accessible for wheelchair users?
Attractions
These attractions you will be able to enjoy too. I only don’t know about the dam. But all the rest have ramps or are accessible anyways.
Café’s and restaurants
There lots restaurants that you can exces but you need to check in advance. Usually the big ones are more easy. The dinner and show at Rafain is easy to go to and enjoy.
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.