2-Day Adventure Itinerary: Off-Path Exploring in Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

2 days

Outdoor activities

Adventure

Friends

Off the beaten path

Iguassu Falls, the largest waterfalls of the world, Brazilian side

Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil

Part of The Iguazu Falls seen from the Argentinian National Park

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.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Iguazu Falls and National Park

Morning

Start your day with a guided tour of the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side. This tour will allow you to get up close to the falls and experience their power and beauty firsthand. You'll also have the opportunity to take a boat ride under the falls for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Iguazu National Park. Pack a lunch from local markets and enjoy it amidst the lush greenery and wildlife of the park. This is a great way to relax and recharge before the afternoon's activities.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the jungle trails of the Iguazu National Park. These trails offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls the park home.

Dinner

Have a traditional Argentine barbecue for dinner. This is a great opportunity to try local specialties like chorizo, morcilla, and various cuts of beef. Pair your meal with a glass of Argentine Malbec for a truly local dining experience.

Evening

End your day with a moonlit walk along the falls. The falls are lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere. This is a perfect way to wind down after a day of adventure.

Day 2

Visiting the Itaipu Dam and Parque das Aves

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about the dam's construction and its role in providing power to the region.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery near the dam. Try local dishes like empanadas or locro, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and meat.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Parque das Aves, a bird park located near the falls. Here, you can see and learn about the many species of birds that inhabit the region, including toucans, parrots, and flamingos.

Dinner

For dinner, try a local fish dish like surubí or dorado, both of which are caught in the rivers around Iguazu. Pair your meal with a glass of Torrontés, a white wine produced in Argentina.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Three Borders Landmark, where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. The landmark is lit up at night, offering a beautiful view of the three countries.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

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

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

3
Itaipu Dam

One of the world's largest hydroelectric dams, offering guided tours that explain its history and operation.

Attractions

Landmarks

4
Parque das Aves

A beautiful bird park located near the Iguazu Falls. Home to more than 150 species of birds, it's a must-visit for nature and bird lovers.

Parks

Attractions

Cultural Experiences

5
Three Borders Landmark

A monument that marks the point where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. It offers a panoramic view of the three countries.

Attractions

Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

How to get around

Flight

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.

Bus

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.

Taxi

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.

Car Rental

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

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.

Foot

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.

Bicycle

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.

Boat

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

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	Sí	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
Lightweight clothing
Waterproof jacket
Swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Sunglasses
Extra socks and underwear

Toiletries
Travel-sized toiletries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Hand sanitizer

Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance documents
Flight tickets
Hotel booking confirmation
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Emergency contact information

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger
Power bank
Camera
Memory cards
Travel adapter

Miscellaneous items
Travel guidebook
Snacks
Water bottle
Backpack
Travel pillow
Earplugs
Eye mask

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.

Month	Hi / 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.