Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) – How to Get there and where to Stay
We took the plane from Rio to Foz do Iguazu. Unlike the mountainous area surrounding Rio, the terrain in this area of Brazil is lush, flat and featureless – until you suddenly see the Iguazu falls and the great cloud of mist rising into the sky.
The falls are a Unesco World Heritage site. The statistics: the falls are 2.5 miles wide and 260 feet high and has 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.
The next day, we visited the Argentinian side of Iguazu.
Tour
This 1 Day Private Tour covers both sides of the Falls. Recommended.
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 San Martin Resort where we stayed.
Below: We use CheapOair to find the cheapest and most flexible flights
Accommodation
We stayed at The San Martin Resort and Spa 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.
Bird Park (Parque das Aves) at Iguazu
It is also right next to the hotel (and very close to 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.
Related: Why we didn’t like Rio de Janeiro
Related: Ilha Grande and Paraty. And How to get there
Have you been to Iguazu?
Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.
Wow, that looks stunning! And yes toucans can be aggressive….luckily their bites don’t hurt!
I didn’t know that! Saw them on boxes of Fruit Loops and they always seemed so happy…
WOW, amazing falls! this is in our bucketlist too! I can’t wait to visit after seeing this! wonderful photos!
Thank you very much! It’s beautiful, make sure you also see the Argentinian side of the falls.
Really nice photos, especially I like the butterfly! You were so lucky to take a photo like that! I’m happy you enjoyed it there, it’s an amazing place!