For this trip to Argentina, Iguazu was planned for two days. On the first night, we checked into our hotel and flew back to Buenos Aires early on the fourth day. In summary, here are two possible options:
1. If you only wish to explore the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, consider scheduling just one day. Take an early morning flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu at around 7:00 AM, arriving by 9:30 AM. Head straight to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls and then catch the 7:00 PM flight back to Buenos Aires. Alternatively, depending on your preferences, you can opt to spend the night there.
2. For those who want to experience both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls, it’s best to allocate two full days. On the first day, arrive in the morning and visit the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls as well as the iconic Three Borders Landmark. On the second day, cross over to the Brazilian side to explore its stunning views and the nearby Bird Park before heading back to Buenos Aires.
P.S.: Later, I met a remarkably efficient traveler who managed to cover both sides of Iguazu Falls and the Bird Park in a single day! She took the 7:00 AM flight, arriving at 9:00 AM, hired a car to reach the Brazilian side, took a helicopter ride for panoramic views, toured the Brazilian side and the Bird Park, returned to the Argentine side, and finally boarded the 7:00 PM flight back to Buenos Aires.
This itinerary covered everything except the thrilling waterfall rafting (which she chose to skip due to personal preference). However, according to her, the schedule allowed ample time even for rafting if desired.
**The Argentine Side of Iguazu Falls:** We booked a guided tour, which included convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off services. Upon entering the park, the guides provided clear instructions on how to proceed and where to meet up. Here’s what the main routes offer:
1. Hop aboard the small train that takes you to Devil’s Throat, allowing you to get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
Compared to Huangguoshu Falls, Iguazu is truly a spectacle of grandeur.
2. Stroll along the blue trail to discover other breathtaking waterfalls. As the widest waterfall in the world, Iguazu offers countless cascades to marvel at.
3. Board a rugged truck bus to the dock for the exhilarating waterfall rafting adventure.
Be sure to bring a change of clothes (including pants, shoes, and socks—flip-flops are recommended), waterproof phone cases, and towels for this unforgettable experience.
Another must-visit spot on the Argentine side is the Three Borders Landmark, marking the convergence point of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay—a place steeped in cultural significance.
**The Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls:** After thorough research, I learned that no visa is required if you travel from the Argentine side to Brazil for a day trip. During my visit in late February 2025, this information proved accurate; however, crossing the border involves some waiting time, and buses may not always accommodate delays. Therefore, hiring a private car or taxi is highly recommended. Most hotels can arrange this service, and it doesn’t seem overly expensive for a day’s use.
In Brazil, you can split your day between the breathtaking Iguazu Falls and the enchanting Bird Park. Upon arriving at the Brazilian side of the falls, a scenic bus ride takes you to the boardwalk, where you’ll embark on a mesmerizing journey through nature’s grandeur. As you stroll along the path, the majestic waterfalls unfold before your eyes, culminating in the iconic filming location of Wong Kar-wai’s “Happy Together.
” The entire boardwalk experience lasts around two hours, offering ample time to soak in the awe-inspiring views. Overall, the Brazilian perspective of the falls is nothing short of spectacular. While we didn’t make it to the Bird Park, its vibrant avian residents are renowned for their dazzling colors, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
