Here’s a general overview to guide your planning.
**Perfect for:** Travelers with a moderate budget who prefer immersive vacations over rushed sightseeing. If you dislike long queues, hectic schedules, and overcrowded tourist spots, but instead crave leisurely exploration, this itinerary is ideal for you.
**Iguazu Falls Attraction Highlights:** Iguazu Falls spans two countries—Argentina and Brazil—each offering unique perspectives. The Argentine side provides up-close encounters with the cascading waters, while the Brazilian side delivers breathtaking panoramic views. On the Argentine side, visitors can explore the Upper Circuit Walkways, Lower Circuit Walkways, and the iconic Devil's Throat, along with an exhilarating boat ride beneath the falls.
**Accommodation Recommendation:** Opt for the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel within the park on the Argentine side—even their most affordable rooms offer unmatched convenience. Here’s why: 1. The closest town, Puerto Iguazu, primarily serves as a base for accommodation and dining (apart from the tri-border landmark, there isn’t much else to see).
Staying in Puerto Iguazu means a 25-minute taxi ride (which can be pricey) to reach the park, and public transport takes even longer. High-end hotels here cost upwards of 1000 RMB per night, so choosing the Gran Melia could save you around 2000 RMB or more. 2. Inside Argentina’s Iguazu Falls Park, a small train connects three stations: Central Station (the entrance), Falls Station (the starting point for upper and lower circuits, near the hotel), and Devil's Throat Station.
If staying in Puerto Iguazu, you’d need to lug your luggage to the park each morning and back to the town each evening after the park closes. The next day, you’d have to rush to check out, carry your luggage again, and queue at the Central Station for a free ticket before boarding the train to Falls Station—a process that’s both exhausting and time-consuming.
By contrast, staying at Gran Melia near Falls Station allows you to wake up at a leisurely 8 AM, enjoy breakfast, and then stroll a short distance to begin your walkway journey. On your second day, if you plan to take the boat ride, you can catch the first one without hassle. Over two days, you’ll only need to queue once for the train from Falls Station to Devil's Throat Station, making your experience far more comfortable and efficient.
**Preparation Tips:** 1. **Book Your Hotel Early:** Secure your stay at the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel to ensure convenience and proximity to the park’s highlights. 2. **Arrange Airport Transfer:** Once your hotel reservation is confirmed, contact them via email to arrange airport pickup, or consider taking a taxi directly from the airport.
3. **Purchase Park Tickets Online:** We recommend buying tickets for Iguazu Falls National Park in advance online. This way, upon arrival, you can head straight to your hotel instead of stopping at the ticket office. If you forget to purchase them beforehand, you’ll need to buy tickets at the park’s ticket counter before proceeding to your accommodation.
To streamline your trip, booking online is highly recommended.
Detailed Itinerary: Over the course of these two days, your adventure can encompass the Upper Circuit (2 hours), Lower Circuit (2 hours), Devil's Throat (3 hours), and a scenic boat ride (2 hours). For downtime, unwind at the hotel’s rooftop bar, take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, or dedicate half a day to exploring the breathtaking Brazilian side (the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service).
Since the trails and Devil's Throat are designed in loops, there’s no set order—you can return to the hotel for rest whenever you like. Feel free to tailor your schedule based on the weather for optimal enjoyment.
If you plan to include the boat ride, it’s recommended to book the 9 AM trip on the second day. This timing aligns perfectly with the first train from Falls Station to Central Station, which collects visitors just entering the park. As a result, you’ll bypass an extra round of waiting in line, ensuring a smoother experience.
