The mighty and magnificent sight of Iguazu Falls will take your breath away. It is one of the most beautiful, and spectacular waterfalls in the world straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, and one of the most popular attractions in South America. The semicircular falls are mostly on the Argentinian side, and the Iguazu River runs through Brazil. A vast spectacular natural wonder and part of one of the largest waterfall systems in the world the falls are surrounded by verdant subtropical rainforests leading to plenty of outdoor activities and excellent adventures.
There are many different perspectives, viewpoints, and experiences to participate in Iguazu Falls. The Argentina side is home to the largest portion of Iguazu National Park offering endless miles of hiking trails and three main circuits to enjoy the falls in different ways. Iguazu Falls in Argentina was declared a National Park in 1934 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the New Severn Wonders Foundation declared it a “New Wonder of the World” in 2011, and finally UNESCO reaffirmed its Exceptional Universal Value due to its cultural and natural importance in 2013.
Things to see and do
Embark on a full-day excursion to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls located within the Iguazu National Park. Start at the visitors center where you can hop on the open-air rainforest ecological train that makes the park easier to access different parts of the park by connecting the main portions. There are three stations in the park; the first at the park entrance, the second at Estacion de las Cataratas which allows access to the upper and lower circuits, and the final station at the Devil’s Throat Park.
Devil’s Throat is accessible along the Paseo Garganta del Diablo which is a .6-mile trail that takes you to a balcony directly over the Devil’s Throat Falls which is the highest and deepest of the falls within the National Park.
There are many pathways, walkways, boardwalks, and bridges throughout the park that allow you to get up close and personal with the fascinating falls, as well as the fauna and flora found in the rainforest. There are guided tours offered through the park where your guide will share some fascinating facts and information about your surroundings. Many walkways allow visitors access to the elongated stretch of falls across the verdant forest on the Argentine side as well as connecting them to the boats that travel to San Martin Island.
You can reach San Martin Island by a short ferry ride from the Lower Circuit, this will allow for spectacular views of the San Martin Waterfall. There is a trail from the beach leading towards a circuit of viewpoints, it starts with around 170 stairs and rewards you with outstanding views of the waterfall and the ring of other waterfalls in the park.
Explore the Lower and Upper Circuit trails that run for a few miles each along walking trails and some stairways. They both lead to absolutely breathtaking views of teh falls and its magical cascades, and rainbows glistening out of the water.
Take a jetboat safari tour, one of the most fun ways to get up close and personal with the waterfalls. Hope on an eco truck and ride through the jumble with a specialist bilingual guide that will teach you about the flora and fauna in the rainforest. Then take a short hike along a path to a dock to board a powerful twin-engine jet boat for an unforgettable experience. The boat travels for around 4 miles down the Iguazu River, through different tiers of waterfalls with breathtaking scenery along the way. The last stop is the magnificent Devil’s Throat waterfall, where the boat will accelerate over torrents, cascades, and shoot through rapids propelling you through the depths of the thunderous falls!! You will get wet. This is one of the world’s largest waterfalls.
The park opens up five nights out of every month to allow for tours under the moonlight. There are three tours offered at night with a train ride to Garganta del Diablo to enjoy this unique and magical experience. This tour allows visitors to experience the park and surroundings along with the sounds of nocturnal life along the way and see the fascinating falls under moonlight in a more intimate setting. They are rare but you might witness a ‘midnight rainbow’ when the moonlight passes through the mist of the waterfall.
There are moonlit bike tours available also where riders will be accompanied by a naturalist guide who will help you appreciate the falls at night and point out different nocturnal birds and animals that call the forest home.
Take the Macuco Trail hike which is around 4 miles round trip, it is the toughest trail on the Argentine side leading through the verdant forest to Arrechea. This rustic trail takes you away from the crowds and into nature with possible sightings of capuchin monkeys and ending up at Salto Arrechea which is a 23-foot waterfall and the only waterfall where visitors can go swimming.
Take an exhilarating helicopter ride over the falls!! An exciting and informative tour that takes passengers for a birds-eye view of Iguazu Falls offering a unique way to observe the picturesque landscapes of the stunning Iguazu National Park and get panoramic views of the waterfalls and the three bordering areas of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Dining
Argentina has more cattle than people and steakhouses (parillas) are legendary. Parilla is the name of the large iron grill on which the meat is barbecued. Barbecued beef such as bife de chorizo (sirloin), Ojo de bife (ribeye), and cuadril (rump) is best enjoyed with friends, laughter, and wine. Other Argentine favorites are the Empanadas con carne (fried or baked), Milanesa a la Napolitana (breaded and fried meat covered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ham), Chimichurri (Argentine pesto used to marinate meat or as a dipping sauce), and Choripan (sausage). If you want to try something different, the Pacu fish is delicious as long as the human-like teeth don't unnerve you! According to National Geographic, Argentina is one of the 5 places in the world to have the best Hilado> (Ice cream). We suggest you try the dulce de leche or the tiramisu.Alfajor de Maicena (dulce de leche cookies) is another Argentine favorite. Malbec wine makes a great complement to every steak meal. If you're looking for something softer, Yerba Mate the national drink of Argentina is a herb placed in a mate pot - it is a focal point for social gatherings.
There are various places to eat in Iguazu Falls including market stalls, and food kiosks selling freshly prepared snacks to take on the go. There are many restaurants found in Puerto Igauza the closest town on the Argentine side of the falls serving up delicious authentic Argentine cuisine like empanadas, asado, and milanesa. Puerto Iguazu also offers a good selection of cafes and bakeries serving up delicious coffee traditional pastries and other baked goods. There are some enjoyable and interesting food tours and culinary excursions offered in Puerto Iguazu with locals that lead you to hidden gems and authentic eateries serving up the best regional cuisine. In the Iguazu National Park, some of the best restaurants include El Fortin Cataratas, Restaurante Garganta del Diablo, and Restaurante La Selva.
Nightlife
In the nearby town of Puerto Iguazu, there are several nightlife options including local bars, restaurants, and cultural shows taking place. There are opportunities to listen to live music and DJs at casual bars with good beer, wine, and cocktail selections. There are a few clubs in town where you can go dancing. Many of the restaurants in town offer outdoor seating with live music, and cultural shows take place at different locations showcasing traditional music, dance, and art. Icebar Iguazu is a cool experience with everything made from ice. Also, check out Hito Tres Fronteras lookout point which is all lit up at night and offers views of the city lights.
