In early June 2024, I visited Iguazu in Brazil during the fall season and was utterly mesmerized. It’s a destination I wholeheartedly recommend!
1. **Flights**: São Paulo ✈️ Iguazu — Since it was a national holiday in Brazil, flight prices were on the higher side. However, I was incredibly fortunate to secure a round-trip ticket for just 1876 RMB. My colleague, who purchased their ticket just a few days later, ended up paying over 3000 RMB! A word of advice: There are multiple airports near Iguazu, so be sure to book your tickets to IGU Foz do Iguaçu International Airport.
And double-check you’re not mistakenly landing in Argentina instead!
2. **Hotel**: DoubleTree by Hilton Foz do Iguaçu Brazil — A cozy double room with breakfast included for two nights came to 2888 RMB. The hotel is conveniently located next to a shopping mall, which is perfect since Iguazu itself is quite compact. You won’t have to worry about being too far from the main attractions.
3. **Transportation**: Skip taxis 🙅 and avoid renting a car 🙅 altogether. For getting around, Uber is your best bet—it’s the most cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation here.
4. **Sightseeing**: All attraction tickets can be conveniently purchased through the travel agency located in the lobby of the Hilton hotel at the same price as buying them on-site. No need to rent a car; simply buy the tickets and enjoy your adventures!
4.1 **Bird Park & Waterfalls** — These two must-see spots are practically neighbors, separated by just a 5-minute walk. You can easily tackle both in one day.
4.1.1 Start your morning (around 8 or 9 AM) with a quick Uber ride to the Bird Park. This charming park is well worth the visit and will likely captivate you for about an hour. Admission costs 80 Reais.
4.1.2 Right across from the Bird Park, treat yourself to a breathtaking helicopter ride over the waterfalls. Trust me, this experience is nothing short of spectacular and far surpasses the helicopter tours in Rio. While I don’t recall the exact price, it’s absolutely worth every penny!
4.1.3 Just a stone’s throw below the helicopter boarding area lies the entrance to the legendary Iguazu Falls. Upon entry, hop aboard the park bus (included in your ticket fare) that shuttles you directly to the falls. Once you reach the trailhead, disembark and begin your hike. Given the vast expanse of the waterfall, expect to walk a bit before reaching the prime viewing spot—so close, you’ll feel the mist on your skin.
If you’d rather stay dry, there are vantage points further back. Personally, I scored a used raincoat from another visitor 😂. Tickets cost 120 Reais.
4.1.4 After soaking in the majesty of the falls, take the return bus within the park to the Iguazu rafting entrance. Be advised, rafting stops accepting visitors after 3 PM, so plan accordingly. Rafting beneath the falls is an absolute must—it’s exhilarating, thrilling, and loads of fun! Don’t rely too heavily on raincoats; they’ll only decide whether your underwear gets wet or not.
Instead, bring a change of clothes and flip-flops. Why? Because you’ll be taken right under—and even into—the waterfall 😂. Although inside the park, rafting requires a separate ticket costing 380 Reais.
4.2 **Three Borders Landmark** — On your second day, make time for this iconic landmark. Even if it’s not a top priority, it’s still worth visiting. Tickets are just 47 Reais. While there isn’t much to explore, the serene mornings offer fewer crowds, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the views of Argentina and Paraguay.
It’s absolutely tiny!
Key Points:
1. Double-check that you’re purchasing tickets for the correct airport!
2. Simplify your travel with Uber for all your transportation needs!
3. For peace of mind, only purchase attraction tickets in advance from the trusted travel agency located in your hotel lobby—no other services are recommended!
4. Iguazu Falls Park closes its gates at 5:00 PM, so plan to leave the area before then.
Iguazu is a compact destination, and a three-day, two-night getaway is more than sufficient to experience everything it has to offer. Arrive on Friday afternoon and head back on Sunday evening. Staying longer won’t provide much additional value—make the most of this short but unforgettable adventure!
