Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) – How to Get there and where to Stay
Flying towards Iguazu the terrain in this region of Brazil is lush and green, flat and featureless. And then you suddenly see it in the distance – a great cloud of mist rising into the sky. You’re approaching Iguazu falls.
Iguazu falls are a Unesco World Heritage site. The statistics: the falls are 2.5 miles wide, 260 feet high and have a total of 275 separate falls. The Argentinian side actually has more of the falls, but many say that the Brazilian side has the best views. I have to agree to a point: on the Brazilian side of Garganta del Diablo you are surrounded on almost 3 sides by waterfalls. It may be the single best view of the falls. Iguazu is incredibly impressive and the views are spectacular. It is one of the world’s most incredible natural highlights.
The next day, we visited the Argentinian side of Iguazu.
We also felt that the Argentinians had put more effort into the park facilities. Everything felt more up to date and better organized. We arrived at the park and were amazed by pretty tour guides, dressed in guide uniforms, who spoke a variety of languages for various tour groups. They had smiles on their faces and were friendly (I’ve mentioned through the last few posts that we haven’t found the Brazilians very friendly). We were quite impressed by Iguazú National Park, as the park on the Argentinian side is called.
Tour
This 1 Day Private Tour covers both sides of the Falls. Recommended.
Bird Park (Parque das Aves) at Iguazu
It is also right next to the hotel (and very close to the Brazilian side of the falls) is the a Bird Park (Parque das Aves). It is one of the largest bird parks in Latin America who’s main purpose is the conservation of over 120 species of birds. A visit is very much recommended.
We were walking around looking at the birds when we saw the guy below on the right. Doesn’t look happy does he? About a second after taking this photo he launches off that railing and starts trying to pecker my leg.
I’ve written about our issues in Brazil. Perfect I thought – even the wildlife hates me in Brazil.
Practical Information
Flying in: We flew GOL from Rio, an approximately 2 hr flight. If flying to the Brazilian side, you’ll by flying into Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport (code IGU) which is 3 km (about 5 minutes) away from the Sanma Hotel where we stayed.
Accommodation: We stayed at The Sanma Hotel which is about 3 km from the Iguacu airport (an inexpensive taxi ride) and 400 meters from the entrance of the Iguazu Falls National Park. It is a large resort with about 150 rooms and its location is an absolutely perfect base to explore the Brazilian side of the falls.
Tours. As I mentioned, you should take a tour to see both sides of the falls.
Related: Why we didn’t like Rio de Janeiro
Related: Ilha Grande and Paraty. And How to get there
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