How to Visit the Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls
Why Should You Visit Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is located 85% in Argentina and 15% in Brazil. Both countries have national parks that offer a significantly different experience of viewing the falls. With over 275 separate waterfalls, Iguazu Falls is the world’s largest broken waterfall. Visiting both sides of the falls has been on my bucket list for many years, and I was super excited to visit in December 2019.
I found planning a trip to Iguazu Falls to be a little bit overwhelming as I wanted to see the waterfalls from both Brazil and Argentina. I created this guide to help others learn how to see the Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls. To learn how to see the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, please click HERE.
How to Visit the Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls - Table of Contents
- Why Should You Visit Iguazu Falls
- Getting to Iguazu Falls
- Purchasing Tickets/Entering Iguazu Falls National Park
- Getting Around Iguazu Falls
- The Trails
- The Animals I Saw in Iguazu Falls
- Iguazu Falls Tours
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- The Town of Puerto Iguazu
- My Accommodations in Puerto Igazu
- Conclusions
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Getting to Iguazu Falls
There are two international airports within 5 miles of Iguazu Falls. Cataratas International Airport (IGR) is located on the Argentinian Side, and Foz do Iguazu International Airport (IGU) is located on the Brazilian Side. I was already in Buenos Aires at the time of my visit, so I decided to fly into Cataratas.
To get to and from Iguazu Falls, I booked two one-way tickets at the cost of around USD$100 each. Both my inbound flight and return flight used Buenos Aires Aeroparque, which is the domestic airport located in downtown Buenos Aires. My flight to Cataratas was on Norwegian Air Argentina, and my return flight was on Aerolineas Argentinas.
When I arrived at Cataratas, I needed transportation to my hotel. The taxis do not use a meter, and riders must agree to a fare before departing. The taxi drivers wait for the tourists to exit and then approach them. I agreed on a fare of ARS 950 ($15 at the time). At this time, the taxi driver went to retrieve his car while I waited outside the airport. The system can be confusing as the taxis have to park in the parking lot and approach the arriving passengers on foot.
After getting to my hotel and receiving a good night’s rest, I was set to visit Iguazu Falls. I chose to go to the Argentina side first as it did not involve crossing the border. My day began with a 6:45 am wake-up to meet my taxi driver at 7:30 am. I arranged my transportation with my hotel the night before, and it cost ARS 950. After a twenty-minute drive, I arrived at the entrance of the park at 7:50 am. The park opened at 8:00 am, so I was plenty early.
How to Purchase Tickets to Iguazu National Park
While my taxi driver dropped me off right at the entrance to the Iguazu Falls National Park, some things were confusing. As I got out of the taxi, I was greeted with two long lines, one to enter the Iguazu Falls National Park and the other to purchase tickets. It took a few moments to realize which was the correct line as there were hundreds of people already waiting.
I waited in the ticket line for about 20 minutes, and then it was my turn to purchase my ticket. It is important to note that the ticket agent did ask me for my passport. Luckily, I had it with me. I believe all they wanted to do was check my citizenship. Citizens of MERCOSUR countries (South American Trade Union) receive discounted admission. By the time I received my ticket, the entrance line had slimmed down quite a bit. I was in the park by 8:30 am.
The cost at the time of my trip was ARS 850 ($15 at the time).
How to Get Around Iguazu Falls National Park
Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina does not give out paper maps, but they do have large signs displaying maps all over the park. At the bottom of the next section, I attached a picture of one of the maps. The easiest way to ensure that you see all of Iguazu Falls National Park is to follow the three main trails, which are all accessible either by walking or taking the scenic train.
The train is not really that scenic but more of a shuttle that connects the various circuits to Iguazu Falls’ Central Station. I chose to walk to all of the trails as I was hoping to see as many different types of animals as possible. If you decide to take the train, you have to get a ticket from a kiosk located near the train station entrance. The train is free but fills up quickly. By the time I arrived at the first train station, the trains were all filled at least an hour in advance.
The Trails at Iguazu Falls National Park
There is a major difference between circuits and trails at Iguazu Falls National Park. Trails are paths that lead to the viewing circuits. Circuits are loops that lead to viewing platforms to see the waterfalls.
During my trip to Iguazu Falls, I walked three circuits and two paths. Below is a picture of one of the signs that displayed a map inside the park. At the time of my visit, the Isla San Martin circuit was closed.
Sandero Verde (Green Trail) at Iguazu Falls National Park
The Sandero Verde or Green Trail is not a sightseeing trail but a path that leads to the Superior (Upper) and Inferior (Lower) Circuits. Upon entering Iguazu Falls, all guests arrive at Central Station. From there, visitors have the option of taking the scenic train to Cataratas Station or walking the Green Trail. I chose to walk the trail as the train was booked for about an hour out.
Circuito Superior (Upper Circuit) at Iguazu Falls National Park
I chose to begin with the Circuito Superior (Upper Trail) because I read that it was the least spectacular of the three trails at Iguazu Falls National Park. Before my visit, I had decided to go in order from least spectacular to most spectacular.
The trail consists of various bridges and overlooks and has a length of 1,750 meters. Some of the highlights of the Circuito Superior include views from the top of Salto Dos Hermanas, Salto Chico, Salto Bossetti, Salto Adan y Eva, Salto Gpque, Barnabe Mendez, and Salto San Martin. Most of the spectacular views are in the first 1,000 meters of the circuit, with the last 750 meters completing the loop through the sub-tropical forests of the park.
As I walked down the circuit, I was surprised as I turned the corner, and all of the waterfalls came into view. Up until this point, I could hear the waterfalls, but I was yet to actually see them. The circuit is set up to give views looking down at all of the waterfalls, and there are signs that state the name of the waterfall at each viewing point.
This circuit is not difficult to walk on, although the metal grating did get slippery at times. There are some stairs and some slight inclines, but most of the trail is flat.
As I walked the trail, I remembered what my guide “ScoMo” from Melbourne, Australia told me. He said, anytime you are walking a trail always be looking up, to the side, and down because you never know what animals or interesting vegetation can be seen. Below, is a very interesting tree branch that looped into a circle. Later on, I have an entire section devoted to the animals I saw during my visit.
The highlight of the Circuito Superior was looking down at the Salto Bossetti. The circuit has a platform that goes right up to the edge of the waterfall, and look straight down as the waterfalls over the edge. It took around 90 minutes to walk the Circuito Superior which is a loop. I exited right where I entered which put me in the perfect location to move onto the Circuito Inferior.
Circuito Inferior (Lower Circuit) at Iguazu Falls National Park
The entrance to the Circuito Inferior (Lower Circuit) is accessible as well from Cataratas Station. As you follow the signs, it will take you past the Viejo Hotel Cataratas and then down a dirt path. The circuit entrance is at the bottom of the path.
The Lower Circuit is 2,500 meters long and provides a totally different view than the Upper Circuit. This time, the path is at the level of the waterfalls allowing you to get much closer to them. The Circuito Inferior goes by the same waterfalls as the Circuito Superior but with two additions. Those two additions are Salto Lanusse and Salto Alvar Nunez.
As Salto Lanusse and Salto Alvar Nunez come into view, you also get the first view of Salto Garganta del Diabo (Devil’s Throat Waterfall). This waterfall will remain in view until you pass Isla San Martin.
As you pass Isla San Martin, you will have a great view of all the waterfalls from the Upper Circuit. I was amused by watching the boats go up the Iguazu River towards the waterfalls. Many of the boats go into Salto San Martin, soaking their passengers. It was amusing to watch. I learned later that it costs around $60 per person to ride the boat. While I did not take a boat into the river on the Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls, I did go on a boat on the Brazilian Side. You can read about that by visiting the link to the Brazilian Side of the falls at the bottom of the page.
The highlight of the Lower Circuit is the stunning view of Salto Bossetti towards the end of the path. As I approached the viewing platform, I could feel the spray of the waterfall. It was amazing to feel the sheer power of the waterfall as I stood under it.
The circuit continues as it winds past Salto Chico and Salto Dos Hermanas and then completes the loop returning to the starting point. It took around two hours for me to complete the Lower Circuit.
Circuito Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat Circuit) at Iguazu Falls
The final circuit that I completed at Iguazu Falls National Park was the Circuito de Garganta del Diablo. To get to this circuit, you can either walk a 2-kilometer path or take the train to Garganta Station. I chose to walk there and take the train back. I was rewarded during my walk by seeing a family of monkeys. They are featured in the animals section below. The path was a flat walk but somewhat tiring as the heat index was over 110 degrees.
As I arrived at Garganta Station, I found the sign indicating the entrance of the Circuito de Garganta del Diablo. This circuit would be the most spectacular of the three and is 1,100 meters long.
After walking for about fifteen minutes on a pathway over the Iguazu River, the Salto Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat Waterfall) comes into view. This waterfall is the largest in Iguazu Falls National Park and also the most popular. I spent at least thirty minutes pushing my way to the front of the lookout.
It was totally worth the wait, as the view was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. As I stood and observed the waterfall, I was sprayed with lots of water from the falls. Below are the best pictures I was able to take as my lens continually was covered with spray. There is also a short video showing the sheer power of the Devil’s Throat Waterfall.
The Devil’s Throat Circuit is not a loop and you must retrace your steps. It took me about 90 minutes to complete the circuit. At this point, I was exhausted having walked over 10 miles (according to my iPhone). I decided to take the train back from Garganta Station to Central Station.
The Animals I Saw in Iguazu Falls
One of the things I was looking forward to was seeing animals during my visit to Iguazu Falls National Park. The excitement began less than an hour into my visit when I saw a Caiman sunning himself on the bank of the river. One of the guides who was leading a group explained how rare it was to get to see a Caiman.
The Coati is the most easily seen animal inside the park. Coati’s look like a cross between a raccoon and an anteater and use their short snout to dig for bugs. Coatis are very interested in any food that humans are eating and will literally take half of a ham sandwich out of your hands if you aren’t paying attention. In my case, I wasn’t paying attention because I was changing my camera lens to photograph the Coati. It only took a few seconds and my sandwich was gone.
As stated earlier, one of the highlights was seeing the monkeys on my walk to Garganta Station. One of the female monkeys had a baby monkey hanging onto its neck. The baby couldn’t have been any bigger than a can of cola.
Other animals that were fun to see included various fish, spiders, some interesting birds, a large snail, and a giant turtle.
Iguazu Falls Tours
I do not believe a tour is necessary to enjoy Iguazu Falls. I did take a tour the next day when I visited the Brazilian Side, but that was largely to get through passport control and customs. Still, I know many people enjoy taking tours and being led around by an expert. Below are some tours that caught my eye.
I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you are interested in a tour, I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
Prices are accurate as of May 2023.
 Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side Full Day Tour with optional Boat Ride from Puerto Iguazu - $149.00 Visit the Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls system in the world, in this unique full day tour. You will tour the Argentinian Side of the Falls which conteins an 80% of the total jumps of the falls. This amazing place was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7th Wonders of Nature. You will be able to to choose to travel among a group tour (up to 40 passengers) or a small-group tour (up to 20 passengers), assuring that you choose your own experience. Inside the park, you will be able to perform different activities, if you want to get the chance to get to know the forest and the falls closer than anyone, do not hesitate to choose the boat ride options we have for you! |
 Iguazu Falls, Jungle Activities and Boat Ride from Puerto Iguazú - $179.00 Join an 8-hour, small-group tour to visit the Argentinean-side of Iguazu Falls, and enjoy soft adventure activities from Puerto Iguazu. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguazu Falls consists of 275 waterfalls (mostly on the Argentinean-side) with some up to 262-ft/80-m high. Your expert guide will lead you through the winding walking trails and walkways for approximately 5-mi/8-km through three different circuits: Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and the trail to the Devil´s Throat. Afterwards, head into the jungle where you'll be able to take advantage of included activities like trekking, boat navigation in the river, and driving through the jungle in a 4x4 truck. There is a maximum of 15 guests. |
 Iguazu Falls Tour, Boat Ride, Train, Safari Truck - $101.00 Embark on a full-day (up to 8-hours) guided journey to the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls and discover amazing views along with a healthy dose of adrenaline. You will appreciate the beauty of Iguazu Falls on an ecological train ride and on a truck ride through the subtropical rain-forest. Experience this unforgettable section of the Iguazu River in a boat journey that will take you under the waterfalls. |
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The Town of Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu is a town of around 80,000 people and is the gateway to the Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls. Located within 30 minutes of Cataratas International Airport, and 20 minutes of the main entrance to Iguazu Falls, the city is the main accommodation choice of tourists visiting the Argentinian side of the falls.
Puerto Iguazu has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. During my stay, I only visited Puerto Iguazu at night due to my touring of the Argentinian and Brazilian side of the falls. Most of the restaurants and gift shops stay open until 11:00 pm as most of the visitors are off taking in the sights during the day.
The one difficulty I had in Puerto Iguazu was finding an ATM. There were only 4 ATMs in the entire town of Puerto Iguazu, and all of them always had a very long line. Argentinian ATMs charge very high fees and allow very low withdrawal limits.
The picture on the left is 10:00 pm on Friday evening. There were at least 50-75 people in line, and I waited for over 90 minutes before it was my turn to use the ATM. I was able to withdraw the maximum amount of ARS 4,000, which is about $65 at the time. To receive the 4,000 pesos, I was charged a fee of ARS 680 or $12.
I highly recommend bringing plenty of cash as it is much easier and cheaper to exchange US Dollars than visiting the ATM. The only reason I needed pesos was that my hotel insisted on having me pay in cash instead of a credit card. As a result, my cash was getting a bit low. Iguazu Falls National Park had a single ATM that had a shorter line and a cheaper fee. If you need cash, use the ATM at Iguazu Falls National Park.
My Accommodations in Puerto Iguazu
I choose to stay at the Hotel Yvera Cataratas in Puerto Iguazu due to its great reviews and incredibly low prices. Hotel Yvera Cataratas was very impressive with a large room, modern bathroom, and a strong air conditioner. Despite not speaking English, the hotel staff was very accommodating. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the main shopping/dining area of Puerto Iguazu.
The cost of my room at the Hotel Yvera Cataratas was $78 for three nights.
Iguazu Falls Conclusions
I arrived at Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina at 7:50 am and left around 4:00 pm. To return to my hotel, it was easy to get a taxi from the taxi stand, and I was back at my hotel 30 minutes later. The cost of the taxi was ARS 950 ($15), which was negotiated rather than a metered fare.
I was very impressed with the park and felt that each circuit provided a uniquely different view of the waterfalls. To
really feel like you see everything in the park, you will need at least four to six hours. The next day I would go to the Brazilian side of Iguazu falls and be equally impressed. Whatever you do, be sure that you visit both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls. They are equally unique and spectacular.
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