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.
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 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.
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?
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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!