If the Upper Circuit gives you the bird's-eye view, the Lower Circuit puts you face to face with the raw power of the water. This 1,700-metre trail descends through the jungle to the base of the falls, where you stand at the level of the cascades with spray constantly hitting your face. It is the most intense experience in the park after Devil's Throat, and the perfect complement for understanding the falls from every perspective.
The Lower Circuit requires more physical effort than the Upper (there are stairs and gradients), but the reward is monumental: viewpoints just metres from the cascades, the chance to take a free boat to San Martin Island, and a visceral connection with the power of the water that you simply cannot get from above.
Lower Circuit Facts
- Length: 1,700 metres
- Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (stairs and gradients)
- Start: Cataratas Station (Ecological Train)
- Included in: National Park entry
- Boat to San Martin Island: Free (subject to river levels)
The Route
The Lower Circuit begins at the same point as the Upper Circuit (the Cataratas Station), but instead of staying at height, it progressively descends towards the base of the falls via walkways with stairs and ramps.
Highlights along the route include:
- Salto Dos Hermanas (lower view): the same twin cascades you saw from above, but now you look upward with water crashing down towards you. The perspective is completely different and far more dramatic.
- Salto Bosetti: from below, the power of this wide cascade is mesmerising. The spray soaks you considerably.
- Salto Alvar Nunez: named after the Spanish explorer who documented the falls in 1541. A close-up, imposing view.
- Penon de la Bella Vista: a viewpoint with a panorama of San Martin Falls and the island of the same name. One of the most photogenic spots on the circuit.
San Martin Island
From the Lower Circuit, a free boat crosses to San Martin Island in just 5 minutes. It is the park's best-kept secret: many visitors do not even know it exists. The island offers a privileged viewpoint of the imposing San Martin Falls (the second largest in the park) and has a small natural beach where you can rest and cool off.
The boat operates from approximately 9:00 to 15:30 and is suspended when the river level is too high. The walk around the island takes about 30-40 minutes.
Ideal order: Do the Upper Circuit first (view from above) and then the Lower Circuit (view from below). This way you experience the same falls from two opposite perspectives and the excitement builds in a crescendo. Save San Martin Island for the end of the Lower Circuit.
Recommended Tour
Best seller Iguazu Falls (Argentine side)
Full tour with transport. Free time to explore all circuits at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Lower Circuit take?
The full walk takes 1.5 to 2 hours. It covers 1,700 metres of walkways and stairs descending to the base of the falls. If you add the free boat crossing to San Martin Island (30-40 minutes extra), allow about 2.5 hours total.
Is the Lower Circuit accessible?
Not fully. Unlike the Upper Circuit, the Lower Circuit has stairs and steep sections. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or standard pushchairs. You need reasonable fitness and footwear with good grip.
How do you get to San Martin Island?
A free boat departs from the Lower Circuit and crosses to the island in about 5 minutes. It operates when river levels permit (suspended during floods). On the island there is a viewpoint of San Martin Falls and a small natural beach. The boat runs approximately 9:00-15:30.
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