[Check-in R] Visa Situation: Here’s the deal—while we had our Argentine visas sorted, we didn’t have a Brazilian visa. Since Iguazu Falls straddles both Argentina and Brazil, this meant we’d technically need to exit Argentina and sneak into Brazil on the same day without a visa [Sly chuckle]. Yep, you read that right—it’s an unofficial, visa-free adventure!
The options for crossing were either by bus or private car, and we opted for the latter. Why? Well, after surviving a grueling 27-hour flight (and waking up at dawn), comfort was a must. Plus, having a private car gave us unmatched flexibility and convenience. Buses are cheaper and carry more people, but they’re slower.
Our private car cost $120 for the day (prices vary—ranging from $90 to $150 depending on negotiation). This included airport pickup, visits to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls, and even a stop in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay (though this last one is optional).
[Check-in R] Must-Visit on the Argentine Side: The pièce de résistance of Iguazu? The Devil’s Throat (or Garganta del Diablo). Words can’t do it justice—it’s truly breathtaking. If you visit during maintenance, the experience might feel slightly incomplete. On a sunny day, visiting the Devil’s Throat isn’t just recommended—it’s essential!
For the best photos, go early. Our flight departed Buenos Aires at 5:40 AM and landed in Iguazu at 7:35 AM. We hopped straight into our car post-landing and headed to Iguazu Falls, arriving by 8:05 AM. At this hour, there were no lines for tickets or trains. We boarded the train directly to its final stop—the Devil’s Throat.
After disembarking, we strolled along the wooden boardwalk for about 10 minutes, where mist began rising, and the roar of cascading water filled the air. This is when you whip out your phone and start snapping!
[Check-in R] Dressing Tips: Despite checking the daytime temperature beforehand (around 27-28°C), we underestimated how chilly it could get. After landing and changing into shorts and quick-dry gear, we were freezing. Our driver was rocking a puffer jacket [Crying with laughter], and it wasn’t until noon that we felt comfortable enough to switch into lighter clothing and long pants [Disappointed face].
Also, prepare for getting soaked—mist from the Devil’s Throat will drench you completely; my hat was dripping wet! If you visit on a cloudy day, bring waterproof gear and layers for warmth (though quick-dry long sleeves and shorts worked perfectly later on the Brazilian side).
[Check-in R] Booking a Private Car: Researching online via Google, we found the contact details for car rentals at the airport and connected with them through WhatsApp. A day before our trip, they sent us the driver’s phone number. He was with us all day, chauffeuring us around and dropping us back at the airport at the end, where payment was made. It was seamless, trustworthy, and highly recommended [Thumbs up].
