Iguazu Falls: Which side is better?
I’ve seen all these websites comparing which side of Iguazu is best, the Brazilian or Argentinian. My opinion is that you absolutely have to see both – they’re both different and if you’ve come all the way to this part of the world to see the falls you have to see both sides.
But if I HAD to chose then I would choose the Argentinian side. Although the single best view of Iguazu is on the Brazilian side, there is so much more to see on the Argentinian side: more waterfalls, more walkways, and more close up views – and the lookout overseeing Garganta del Diablo is pretty spectacular.
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.
This 1 Day Private Tour covers both sides of the Falls. Recommended.
Accommodation: We stayed at the Sanma Hotel on the Brazilian side. Was a great location to see the Brazilian side being only 400 m from the falls. But to go to the Argentinian side you require a 30 taxi ride.
Getting there: 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. If flying to the Argentinian side, you should fly into Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (code IGR). It’s located 6km from the falls.
Related: All about Ilha Grande and Paraty (Brazil). And How to get there
Related: Why we didn’t like Rio de Janeiro
Related: Postcards from Around the World
Have you been to Iguazu? What was your favorite side of the falls?
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Wow Nice place and wonderful photo .Thanks for sharing .I like iguazu-falls.
Iguazu is the original shock and awe! It is Niagra on Viagra! Only got to see it from the Argentina side because the Brazilian visa was too expensive and a hassle for one day for me (US passport). My latest Passage Note (travel narrative) is about Argentina (Buenos Aires) with the next one about Iguazu, Salta and Patagonia. Loved Argentina!
This is on my bucket list already! Splendid photos – congratulations!
Great Photos, Frank. I’ve included in in my Best February Travel Experiences as an off-season adventure during the high water!
Fantastic! Thanks Brad!
Splendid photos – all the reasons needed to dream and want to see this fall 🙂
I didn’t get to visit there the last time I was in South America which was gutting, especially as your great photos have made me realise just what I have missed out on!
I loved the Argentian side way more than Brazilian, even though I stayed on the Brazilian side.
But no matter where you stay, there are little words or pictures that can give this waterfall justice for what it is.
We agree Marina!
I love waterfalls and Igauzu is definitely on my list for when we make it to South America!
It’s certainly still a place I want to see in South America. I’m not sure if I’d like to see it on the Brazil or Argentina side, but as you suggested I might have to see both sides. I wonder if it’s a thunderous as I think it would be.
Hi Sherry! Thanks for the comment. I would just recommend that you make sure that you have your Brazilian visa in order – I saw tourists, who just wanted to go to Brazil to see that side of the falls, turned away at the border.
Iguazu Falls was one sight I regret not seeing on my first trip to Argentina. In fact we never left BsAs the whole week we were there. Three guys in our late 20’s/early 30’s, I think you can understand why haha. I’m definitely going to hit it up when I return in the future.
I’ve never been to Buenos Aires but I’ve heard good stuff. And anywhere with Latin women is a hard place to leave 😉