1-Day Local's Guide: Romantic Sightseeing & Relaxation at Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

1 days

Part of The Iguazu Falls seen from the Argentinian National Park
Iguassu Falls, the largest waterfalls of the world, Brazilian side
Iguazu waterfall seen from Brazil
The amazing Iguazu Falls, summer landscape with scenic waterfalls
Iguazu Falls

About Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iguazu Falls, Argentina, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the heart of the Iguazu National Park, boasts a stunning array of 275 individual falls, including the awe-inspiring Devil's Throat. Embark on an adventure through lush rainforests, home to diverse wildlife, or enjoy a thrilling boat ride to the base of the falls. Marvel at the vibrant rainbows created by the mist, especially under the moonlight. With options for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring indigenous culture, Iguazu Falls offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and culture. Don't miss this unforgettable Argentinian gem.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

A Day at Iguazu Falls

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Iguazu Falls. As one of the world's most impressive waterfalls, it's a sight not to be missed. Take a leisurely walk along the designated trails, marveling at the cascading water and lush greenery. Don't forget to bring your camera for some stunning photo opportunities.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the Iguazu National Park. Pack a basket with local delicacies and find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the view. The park's serene atmosphere is the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a Boat tour on the Iguazu River. This is a great way to see the falls from a different perspective and feel the power of the water up close. The boat tour also offers the chance to see some of the local wildlife, including various bird species.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a traditional Argentine barbecue, known as an asado. This is a social event as much as a meal, with a variety of meats grilled to perfection. Pair your meal with a glass of local Malbec for a true Argentine experience.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing stroll through the Town of Puerto Iguazu. The town has a laid-back vibe and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Enjoy the warm evening air and take in the local culture.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Iguazu Falls

1
Iguazu Falls

One of the world's most stunning natural wonders, Iguazu Falls is a series of magnificent waterfalls located on the Iguazu River, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Iguazu National Park

2
Iguazu National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this national park is home to the spectacular Iguazu Falls and diverse wildlife.

Attractions
Parks
Tours
Boat tour on the Iguazu River

3
Boat tour on the Iguazu River

A thrilling way to experience the power of the Iguazu Falls up close, these boat tours take you right to the base of the falls.

Tours
Iguazu River

4
Iguazu River

The river forms the boundary between Argentina and Brazil, and is best known for the stunning Iguazu Falls.

Attractions
Tours
Town of Puerto Iguazu

5
Town of Puerto Iguazu

This small border town is the gateway to the Iguazu Falls and offers a range of amenities including hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Neighborhoods
Argentine barbecue (asado)

6
Argentine barbecue (asado)

A traditional Argentine grilling method, asado involves slow-cooking meat on a parrilla (grill), resulting in tender, flavorful dishes.

Food and Drink

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Empanadas

Empanadas

A popular Argentine snack, Empanadas are baked or fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are a must-try when visiting Iguazu Falls.

Asado

Asado

Asado is a traditional Argentine barbecue, often featuring beef ribs, sausages, and sometimes offal. It's a social event as much as a meal, perfect for experiencing the local culture around Iguazu Falls.

Choripan

Choripan

Choripan is a popular street food in Argentina. It's a sandwich made with chorizo (pork sausage) and crusty bread, typically served with chimichurri sauce. It's a quick, delicious bite to enjoy while exploring Iguazu Falls.

Provoleta

Provoleta

Provoleta is a traditional Argentine dish made with provolone cheese. The cheese is melted until it becomes bubbly and slightly crispy, then topped with oregano and served hot. It's a delicious start to any meal in the Iguazu Falls area.

Milanesa

Milanesa

Milanesa is a breaded meat fillet, similar to a schnitzel. It's a common main course in Argentina, often served with mashed potatoes or a salad. It's a hearty meal to enjoy after a day of sightseeing at Iguazu Falls.

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is a sweet, caramel-like sauce that's a staple in Argentine desserts. It's often used as a filling for cakes and cookies, or simply spread on toast. It's a sweet treat to enjoy while visiting Iguazu Falls.

Alfajores

Alfajores

Alfajores are traditional Argentine cookies, typically filled with Dulce de Leche and covered in powdered sugar or chocolate. They're a delightful dessert to try when visiting Iguazu Falls.

Matambre

Matambre

Matambre is a rolled meat dish, typically made with beef or pork and filled with vegetables, eggs, and herbs. It's a flavorful, filling dish to enjoy in the Iguazu Falls region.

Malbec Wine

Malbec is a type of red wine that Argentina is famous for. It's a full-bodied wine with a rich, dark fruit flavor. It's a perfect accompaniment to a meal after a day of exploring Iguazu Falls.

Fernet and Coke

Fernet and Coke

Fernet and Coke is a popular Argentine cocktail, made with Fernet Branca (a bitter, aromatic spirit) and Coca-Cola. It's a unique, refreshing drink to try while visiting Iguazu Falls.

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate is a traditional Argentine drink, made by steeping dried leaves from the Yerba Mate plant in hot water. It's a social drink, often shared among friends, and a great way to experience the local culture around Iguazu Falls.

Helado

Helado is Argentine ice cream, known for its creamy texture and variety of flavors. It's a delightful treat to enjoy on a warm day while visiting Iguazu Falls.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls, Argentina is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant and the falls are at their most spectacular. The temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing. Additionally, these seasons are less crowded compared to the summer holidays, providing a more peaceful experience.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 12

Mon

Carnival / Shrove Monday

February 13

Tue

Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day

March 24

Sun

Memorial Day

March 28

Thu

Maundy Thursday

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 2

Tue

Day of the Veterans

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 25

Sat

National Day/May 1810 Revolution

June 17

Mon

Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes

June 20

Thu

Flag Day

July 9

Tue

Independence day

August 19

Mon

San Martín Day

October 14

Mon

Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity

November 18

Mon

National Sovereignty Day

December 8

Sun

Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

The most convenient way to reach Iguazu Falls is by air. The nearest airport is Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport, located just outside the city of Puerto Iguazu. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city center or the falls.

There are regular bus services from Puerto Iguazu to the Iguazu National Park where the falls are located. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.

Taxis are readily available in Puerto Iguazu and can be used for getting to the falls or for local sightseeing. They are metered and relatively affordable.

Renting a car can be a good option if you prefer to explore at your own pace. There are several car rental agencies in Puerto Iguazu. Remember to drive on the right side of the road in Argentina.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Puerto Iguazu. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group.

The Iguazu National Park is well laid out with walking trails that allow you to explore the falls and the surrounding rainforest on foot. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Bicycles can be rented in Puerto Iguazu. Cycling can be a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, especially in the cooler early morning or late afternoon hours.

There are boat tours available that take you up close to the falls. This can be a thrilling way to experience the power and beauty of Iguazu Falls.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ ARS

Time zoneUTC-3

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 101; Fire: 107; Police: 101

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type I

Voltage220 V

Things to know about Iguazu Falls, Argentina as a first time visitor

1

Iguazu Falls is located in the Iguazu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is from August to November, when the weather is pleasant and the water flow is at its peak.

3

The park is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

4

The local currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS), and it's recommended to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

5

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

6

Argentina operates on Argentina Time Zone (ART), which is GMT-3.

7

The climate is subtropical, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).

8

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved in exploring the park.

9

Insect repellent is a must due to the tropical climate.

10

The park offers free guided tours in Spanish and English.

11

There are restaurants and cafes within the park where you can have meals.

12

There's a train service within the park that takes visitors to different viewpoints.

13

The park is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be rented at the visitor center.

14

There are several ATMs within the park, but they may not always be operational, so it's best to have cash on hand.

15

There's a first aid station within the park, and the nearest hospital is in Puerto Iguazu, about 10 miles away.

16

There are lockers available for rent to store your belongings.

17

Photography is allowed, but drones are not permitted in the park.

18

There's a souvenir shop within the park where you can buy gifts and memorabilia.

19

Pets are not allowed in the park.

20

The park offers a variety of activities including hiking, bird watching, and boat tours.

Basic Spanish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hola

O-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adiós

A-dee-os

Leaving someone

Please

Por favor

Por fa-vor

Making a request

Thank you

Gracias

Gra-see-as

Expressing gratitude

Yes

See

Agreeing or confirming

No

No

No

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Perdón

Per-don

Getting someone's attention or apologizing

I don't understand

No entiendo

No en-tee-en-do

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

¿Hablas inglés?

Ab-las in-gles

When you need to communicate in English

Where is...?

¿Dónde está...?

Don-de es-ta

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Baño

Ban-yo

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Ayuda

A-yu-da

In case of emergency

I'm lost

Estoy perdido

Es-toy per-di-do

When you're lost

Water

Agua

A-gua

When you're thirsty

Food

Comida

Co-mi-da

When you're hungry

Hotel

Hotel

O-tel

Looking for a place to stay

Taxi

Taxi

Taxi

Looking for transportation

How much does it cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Cuan-to cues-ta

Asking for the price

I would like...

Me gustaría...

Me gus-ta-ria

Making a request

Good night

Buenas noches

Bwe-nas no-ches

Saying goodbye in the evening

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Swimwear

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Extra change of clothes

  • Toiletries

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)

  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa (if required)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel reservation details

  • Local currency (Argentine Peso)

  • Credit/debit cards

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Camera

  • Chargers for electronics

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone case

  • Travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Backpack

  • Travel guidebook

  • Binoculars

  • Waterproof bag for valuables

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls in Argentina, it's important to consider the weather as it can greatly impact your experience. The region experiences a tropical climate, with significant rainfall throughout the year. The warmest months are typically January and February, with average temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C). During these months, the falls are at their most powerful due to heavy rainfall. However, the high temperatures and humidity can make exploring the falls uncomfortable for some. The cooler months, from June to August, see average temperatures drop to around 60°F (15°C). While the falls might not be as powerful during this period, the cooler weather makes for more comfortable exploration. Rainfall is a constant at Iguazu Falls, so regardless of when you visit, it's advisable to pack a waterproof jacket or poncho. The mist from the falls can also make the surrounding paths slippery, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended. Remember, the weather can change quickly in this region, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day. Regardless of the weather, the Iguazu Falls are a spectacular sight and well worth a visit.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

32° / 20°

January is the hottest month in Iguazu Falls, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C. It's also the rainiest month, so pack your rain gear.

February

31° / 20°

February is still quite hot, with temperatures similar to January. Rainfall is less than January but still significant.

March

30° / 19°

March sees a slight decrease in temperature and rainfall. It's a good time to visit if you prefer less heat.

April

28° / 17°

April is the start of the fall season in Argentina, with temperatures dropping a bit. Rainfall is less, making it a good time for outdoor activities.

May

25° / 14°

May is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures and less rainfall. It's a great time to enjoy the natural beauty of the falls.

June

23° / 12°

June is the start of winter in Argentina, with cooler temperatures. However, it's still a good time to visit as the falls are less crowded.

July

22° / 12°

July is the coolest month in Iguazu Falls, with temperatures dropping to 12°C. Despite the cooler weather, it's a good time to visit due to less rainfall.

August

25° / 13°

August sees a slight increase in temperature. It's a good time to visit as the weather is pleasant and there's less rainfall.

September

26° / 14°

September marks the start of spring in Argentina. The weather is pleasant, and it's a great time to visit the falls.

October

28° / 16°

October sees a further increase in temperature. It's a good time to visit as the weather is still pleasant and the falls are less crowded.

November

30° / 18°

November is the start of summer in Argentina, with temperatures rising. It's a good time to visit if you prefer warmer weather.

December

31° / 19°

December is a hot month in Iguazu Falls, with temperatures reaching up to 31°C. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy hot weather.

Did you know?

Did you know that Iguazu Falls is made up of 275 individual waterfalls and cascades?

1 of 10

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