Everyone heads to Iguazu for the breathtaking waterfalls, where national parks straddle both Argentina and Brazil. If you have the time, it’s highly recommended to dedicate a day to each park or stretch your visit over a day and a half. For those short on time but eager to see both parks in one day, renting a car is the most efficient way to make it happen.
The town of Iguazu in Argentina may be small, but it boasts its own airport. Just outside, buses are available to take you directly to the Argentine side of Iguazu National Park. The fare is 5,500 pesos per person, with the journey lasting around 15 minutes. This option works perfectly if you’re planning to visit only one park.
Alternatively, taxis abound at the airport, though prices can range wildly from $100 to $200 USD. It’s a bit chaotic, as drivers often try to maximize their earnings, devising creative ways to charge tourists. Since it’s a one-time deal, their approach is somewhat understandable.
Our driver, pictured in the first photo, spoke excellent English—more than enough for basic communication. In Argentina, English isn’t widely spoken, so his language skills were a definite advantage.
Here’s how our day unfolded:
– **6:30 AM**: We departed Buenos Aires Airport, bound for Iguazu, Argentina.
– **8:30 AM**: Upon arrival at Iguazu Airport, we began our car rental adventure.
– First stop: A scenic drive from the Argentine airport to the Brazilian side of Iguazu (about an hour).
A key highlight: Despite not having a Brazilian visa, our driver assured us we could still visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu without issue.
– We spent the morning exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park, where the entrance fee and boat ride were more affordable compared to Argentina. By **2 PM**, we wrapped up our visit and drove to the Argentine side of the park.
– The Argentine park closes at **6 PM**, so we prioritized visiting Devil’s Throat (pictured in the third photo) first.
The view here is nothing short of spectacular, offering a front-row seat to the majestic waterfall.
– By **7 PM**, we left the park and made the quick 15-minute drive back to Iguazu Airport to catch our return flight to Buenos Aires.
The total cost for the car hire came to $90 USD, plus a $10 tip. Personally, I found this to be an excellent value for money. If you’re considering hiring a car, feel free to use this as a benchmark for pricing.
