Iguazú/Iguaçu Falls

Why the two names? Iguazu Falls span the Iguazu River, which is also the border between Argentina and Brazil. Cataratas (waterfalls) del Iguazú is the Spanish name used in Argentina, while Cataratas do Iguaçu is the Portuguese name used in Brazil. In English, they are generally referred to as Iguazu Falls (or Iguazú Falls). In both countries, the falls are part of a national park of the same name.

Visiting Iguazu Falls was a perfect way to end our month in South America and Antarctica. Once we knew we would be spending time in Buenos Aires, I was determined that we would get to see the largest waterfall system in the world (measured by the number of falls and the width of its arc). All recommendations suggested seeing the falls from both sides, which means crossing an international border. Trying to figure out the logistics of hotels (which side, how many nights), flights to and from the falls (there are many flights and several airlines, but most restrict checked bags to 15kg and we have regular-sized checked bags), and transfer/holding of luggage while we visit the falls.

Thanks to a blog post by The Barr Scene we learned of and engaged Iguazu Falls Travel to help us with all of the transfers. We flew from Buenos Aires to the town of Iguazú, visited the falls on the Argentine side, went through the border to Brazil, and visited the Brazilian side of the falls the next day. We stayed two nights in Iguaçu, and then flew from there to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where we caught our flight back to Canada. Communication with the transfer company from planning to completion was prompt and thorough, and everything went better than we had hoped. As well as taking care of us and our luggage for all of the transfers, we were escorted through the border, bypassing a short line, and, at the Brazilian side of the falls, we were directed past what looked like hundreds of people waiting in line to board buses into the park, and right onto the first bus that arrived. We felt like VIPs (we never travel this way, so it was fun to be taken care of).

Iguazú Falls (Argentina)

There are several trails to explore in Parque Nacional Iguazú to different vantage points. We didn’t know if we were up to more than the main one so we decided to go directly to the main one to Devil’s Throat. Once inside the park (we had purchased tickets online so we didn’t have to wait in line), we walked toward the train, picking up free timed tickets along the way. We took the train to the last station and then the 1km-ish walk to the falls, most of it along a raised walkway over the river that left us exposed to the unrelenting sun. I took full advantage whenever we came across a bit of shade if the walkway wound through a small stand of trees.

The falls were a thunderous spectacle and absolutely worth the trek.

While we were waiting for our driver back in the visitor centre at the end of the day, a tropical rain beat down. While most of us appreciated the shelter we waited under, several people, probably just as hot as we were, ran out and enjoyed a spontaneous cool shower.

Iguaçu Falls (Brazil)

Everyone has their favourite side of the falls, and mine was the Brazil side. The trail is a little longer (somewhere between 1km and 1.5kms–sources vary), but (and this was a very pleasant surprise to us when we reached the other end) it is a one-way trail. All along the paved pathway there are views of various waterfalls (the whole system is made up of 150 to 300 waterfalls, depending on water levels, along 2.7km of cliffs,) and, most importantly, we were in shade almost the entire way. There are plenty of stairs, both up and down, with a lot of down stairs at the end, which made finding out that we didn’t have to make the return trek back up all the sweeter.

At the end of the pathway is a walkway out into the mist and wind and thunder of the falls–fun to do, but be prepared to get soaking wet!

We found our way back up to the road behind the observation building (ramps lead to a pathway or an elevator–prioritized for those who need it) where we walked a block or so to another visitor area with facilities, souvenirs and a few eating spots. This is where we caught the bus back to the starting point in the park.

Both sides at once

We finished our time at Iguazu Falls with a special treat that fulfilled a wish for Ken to take a ride in a helicopter. Though it’s just a short walk up the hill from Brazil’s national park entrance, our driver insisted that he would return early to pick us up and take us there since it was too hot to walk. You can’t make reservations, but since the trips are frequent we didn’t wait long before being called to go up. The ride is short–only about 10 minutes–but what a perspective it provides! You can even see the walkway to Devil’s Throat on the Argentine side from the air.

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TripBits

• Transfer service: Iguazu Falls Travel. Our service included transport from and to two different airports, to the falls in two different countries, to our hotel in Brazil twice, and through an international border (handed from one driver to another) for 1,169BRL (just under $300CAD; the price didn’t change from my first inquiry in August through many tweaks to when we completed the journey in January). It was stress-free and worth every penny.
• Entry to Iguazu (Argentine side): We booked online, as suggested by the transfer company. 45,000APS each ($42CAD).
• Entry to Iguaçu (Brazilian side): There is a bank of ticket machines on one side of the complex and it is opposite where you see people lining up. Our driver brought us over, pushed all the buttons and we paid. About 130BRL each ($34CAD) but this varies by entry time, geographic origin, etc.
• Helicopter ride: 685BRL each ($180CAD).
• Brazil visa: As Canadians, we were required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil, which we did online and then printed two copies of each per the confirmation e-mail. Each one costs about 420BRL ($112CAD).