At the close of May, I embarked on a journey to South America, where I had the privilege of visiting one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders— Iguaçu Falls. If you’re flying out of Buenos Aires, Aerolíneas Argentinas offers multiple daily flights from the city’s two main airports directly to Iguaçu Airport.
**Airport Transportation:** Staying at Gran Meliá Iguazú? Be sure to contact the hotel ahead of time to arrange a private car service for your arrival and departure. The one-way fee is 5,000 pesos, but the convenience and comfort are well worth it.
**Accommodation:** I highly recommend choosing Gran Meliá Iguazú as your base—it’s nestled right within the national park! This means that before the park opens and after it closes, you’ll have exclusive access to the trails leading to the falls. Upon check-in, don’t miss the chance to upgrade to a Red Level room.
Not only does it offer stunning views of the falls (as seen in Figure 9), but it also grants access to the exclusive Red Level lounge (Figure 10). From 12 PM to 8 PM, this serene space allows you to savor gourmet snacks, sip drinks, and unwind while gazing out at the majestic cascades.
**Itinerary Planning:** Two nights here felt absolutely perfect—ample time to soak in all the magic without feeling rushed.
**Day 1:** Start with an early morning flight, aiming to arrive around 10:30 AM. Once you exit the arrivals hall, turn left—you’ll find both the taxi counter and the hotel’s welcoming staff ready to assist. The drive to the hotel takes roughly 15 minutes, during which you’ll purchase your park entry tickets. Rest assured, these tickets cover your entire stay, so there’s no need to re-purchase them later.
After settling into your room, head straight to booking the exhilarating speedboat ride under the falls scheduled for 3:30 PM. Reserve this adventure early, as the booking office is just a three-minute stroll from the hotel (marked as red circle 2 in Figure 8, with the hotel itself being red circle 1). Additionally, arrange a private car through the hotel for the next day’s excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls—a full-day trip costing approximately $100.
The speedboat ride lasts about two hours and guarantees an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Bring extra clothes, because you *will* get drenched! Afterward, retreat to the lounge to refuel and recharge while admiring the falls once more.
**Day 2:** Begin your morning at 9 AM with a private car arranged by the hotel for a visit to the Brazilian side of the falls. Depart early to sidestep long lines at the border checkpoint. First up, treat yourself to a helicopter tour—an experience priced at around $120 per person. Exclusive to the Brazilian side, this bird’s-eye view reveals the sheer magnitude of Iguaçu Falls in all its glory—a sight I found utterly mesmerizing.
Next, explore Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side. Here, the trail unfolds as a single, picturesque path (illustrated in Figure 7) leading you directly beneath the falls, offering a distinct perspective compared to what you experienced on the Argentine side.
By mid-afternoon, around 3:30 PM, return to the hotel to relax in the lounge. Then, hop aboard the charming little train bound for the Devil’s Throat trail. The train station is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the hotel (marked as red circle 3 in Figure 8). This final leg of your journey will leave you spellbound by the roaring power of nature.
Day 3: Rise early and set off to explore the upper and lower trails—the blue and yellow trails shaped like a figure eight. Aim to arrive just as the sun wakes up, since these trails tend to fill up quickly after the park opens at 9:30 AM. Dedicate around two hours to soaking in the beauty of the surroundings before heading back to gather your things and check out.
