Iguazu Falls — Argentine Side

The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls contains 80% of the cataracts and offers the closest, most immersive experience of any waterfall in the world. Located in Parque Nacional Iguazú in the Misiones province of northeastern Argentina, the park protects 67,000 hectares of subtropical rainforest and the Argentine portion of the 275 waterfalls that span ~3 kilometres along the Iguazu River. UNESCO inscribed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1984 (site #303) and it was selected as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World in 2011. While the Brazilian side (Foz do Iguaçu) offers the panoramic postcard view across the river, the Argentine side puts you inside the falls: three walking circuits (Devil's Throat, Upper, Lower) take you over the river to a platform above the 80-metre Devil's Throat drop, beside the cascades from above, and beneath them at face level. The climactic Gran Aventura boat ride sends you under the falls themselves. Plan a full day minimum on the Argentine side; if you have two days, add the Sendero Macuco jungle trail and the Sheraton sunset.

The Three Walking Circuits

1. Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) — the climax

The Garganta del Diablo is the largest single waterfall complex in the park: a U-shaped chasm where 14 falls converge into an 80-metre drop, generating a permanent cloud of spray and a roar that can be heard from 2 km away. To reach it, take the Tren Ecológico de la Selva (the small park train) from the Cataratas station to the Garganta station — a 15-minute ride through subtropical forest. From there, a 1.1-km walkway built on metal grates extends over the calm upper Iguazu River to the viewing platform suspended above the drop. The walk takes 15–20 minutes one way. The platform itself often holds 100+ visitors at a time and the spray will soak you. Go first thing in the morning (08:30–10:00) — by midday queues for the train can hit 1+ hour and the platform becomes elbow-to-elbow.

2. Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior)

The 1.7-km Upper Circuit follows the top edge of several major falls, giving you a perspective of the river just before it goes over the cliff. You walk over Salto Bossetti, Salto Adam y Eva, Salto Bernabé Méndez and others, with multiple railed lookouts. Allow 1.5 hours including photo stops. Easy walking on metal walkways with handrails — accessible for most ages and fitness levels. Best in the morning when light hits the falls from the right angle.

3. Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior)

The 1.4-km Lower Circuit is the most dramatic and the favourite of most visitors. It descends through forest to the base of Salto Bossetti, then leads you on platforms beside and beneath multiple cataracts, with frequent close encounters with rainbows, mist and wildlife (coatis, monkeys, butterflies). This is where the soaking is real — bring a poncho or expect to get wet. Allow 2 hours. The trail ends at the Puerto Macuco dock, where the Gran Aventura speedboat departs.

Gran Aventura Boat Ride

The Gran Aventura is the iconic Iguazu experience: a 12-minute Zodiac speedboat ride that powers up the river and into the spray under the Three Musketeers and Devil's Throat falls. The boat literally enters the curtain of water — you don't get wet, you get drowned. Cost: USD 50-60 (separate from park entry). Includes a 5-km open-truck transfer through the jungle from a meeting point inside the park. You'll be issued a waterproof bag for your phone, camera and dry clothes. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel + change of clothes. Operates 09:00–16:30; book at the dock or in advance online.

Sendero Macuco — the jungle trail

The Sendero Macuco is the longest trail in the Argentine park: 3.5 km one way (7 km round trip) through the Atlantic rainforest, ending at a small hidden waterfall called Salto Arrechea with a swimming hole. The trail is flat and well-marked. Wildlife is abundant (toucans, capuchin monkeys, agoutis, butterflies) and the lack of crowds is welcome. Allow 3 hours. Free — included with park entry. Closes at 14:00 to ensure hikers can return before park closing. Recommended for a second day when you've already seen the main circuits.

Wildlife in the Park

Iguazú National Park protects one of the largest remaining tracts of Atlantic Forest. 450+ bird species have been documented, including the great dusky swift (which nests behind the falls), toco toucans, harpy eagles and the endemic black-fronted piping guan. Mammals: capuchin and howler monkeys, coatis (the friendly raccoon-like animals you'll see everywhere — do not feed them, they bite), agoutis, ocelots, and 80+ jaguars in the wider park. Reptiles include the broad-snouted caiman in the calm river sections. The 800+ butterfly species are stunning — bring a long lens.

How to Get There

By air

Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR) is 10 km from the park entrance and 18 km from Puerto Iguazú town. Direct daily flights from Buenos Aires (1 h 45, AEP and EZE), São Paulo (1 h 40, GRU), and seasonally from Lima, Santiago and Rio. Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM, JetSmart and Flybondi all operate the route. Round-trip from Buenos Aires: USD 100–250 depending on advance.

By road from Puerto Iguazú

From Puerto Iguazú (the gateway town), the park entrance is 18 km. The Río Uruguay bus runs every 20 minutes from the town bus terminal (~ARS 1,000, 30 minutes). Taxi/Cabify costs USD 8–12. Most hotels in town offer shuttle services for guests.

From Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu)

Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge (also called the Friendship Bridge to Brazilians, although that name is technically used for the Paraguay border). You'll need to stamp out of Brazil and into Argentina at the immigration posts on each side — keep your passport in hand. From Foz do Iguaçu bus terminal it takes about 1 hour by direct bus to Puerto Iguazú, then transfer to the park bus.

Where to Stay

Three options on the Argentine side:

• Inside the park — Sheraton Iguazú: the only hotel inside the national park, with rooms facing the falls. USD 350–700/night. Allows you to enter the park before public hours and to stay for sunset. Book months ahead.
• Puerto Iguazú town: dozens of hotels and hostels at all budgets. Mid-range: Loi Suites Iguazú, Iguazú Grand Resort. Backpackers: Hostel Inn Iguazú, Tetris Container House. USD 30–250/night.
• Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) side: usually cheaper than Argentine side, with the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas as the equivalent of the Sheraton. Stay there if you prioritize the Brazilian side or use real reais.