1-Day Sightseeing Adventure at Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

1 days

Sightseeing

Tourist

Part of The Iguazu Falls seen from the Argentinian National Park

Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil

About Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iguazu Falls, Brazil, one of the world's largest and most spectacular waterfall systems. Nestled in the heart of the lush Iguazu National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring vistas and diverse wildlife. Embark on a thrilling boat ride to the base of the falls, explore the park's subtropical rainforest through well-marked trails, or take a panoramic helicopter tour for a bird's eye view of the cascades. Witness the majestic 'Devil's Throat', the largest of the falls, and spot exotic species like toucans and jaguars. With options for luxury accommodation and fine dining, Iguazu Falls promises an unforgettable travel experience.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Breathtaking Iguazu Falls and Itaipu Dam

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Iguazu National Park. Here, you will experience the breathtaking view of the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. The park offers a panoramic view of the falls which is a sight to behold. You can take a walk along the trail, which gives you a closer view of the falls.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. There are several picnic spots in the park where you can enjoy your lunch while taking in the beautiful views of the falls and the surrounding nature.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a Boat tour to the base of the falls. This is a thrilling experience as you get to see the falls from a different perspective. The boat ride takes you close to the falls, giving you a chance to feel the mist from the falls.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a traditional Brazilian Barbecue. This is a popular cuisine in Brazil and is a must-try when visiting the country. The barbecue is usually served with a variety of sides including rice, beans, and salad.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Itaipu Dam. The dam is beautifully lit up at night, creating a stunning view. You can take a guided tour of the dam to learn more about its history and how it operates.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

1
Iguazu National Park

Iguazu National Park is a vast national park in Brazil that features the world-renowned Iguazu Falls. The park offers a variety of activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and boat tours. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its incredible biodiversity.

Attractions

Parks

Tours

2
Iguazu Falls

One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Iguazu Falls is a series of magnificent waterfalls located on the Iguazu River, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Attractions

Landmarks

Tours

3
Boat tour to the base of the falls

This boat tour takes you to the base of the majestic Iguazu Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. You'll get up close and personal with the falls, feeling the spray on your face and hearing the thunderous roar of the water. It's an unforgettable experience that truly showcases the power and beauty of nature.

Tours

Attractions

4
Brazilian Barbecue

A traditional Brazilian style of barbecue where various cuts of meat are cooked on large skewers and then sliced off directly onto your plate. Often served in restaurants known as 'churrascarias'.

Food and Drink

5
Itaipu Dam

The world's second largest hydroelectric dam in terms of energy generation, Itaipu Dam is a marvel of modern engineering. It offers guided tours that provide insight into its construction and operation.

Attractions

Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Feijoada

A traditional Brazilian stew made of black beans, pork, and beef. It's a hearty dish often enjoyed by locals and tourists visiting Iguazu Falls.

Pão de Queijo

These are cheese bread balls, a popular snack in Brazil. They are often enjoyed while exploring the natural beauty of Iguazu Falls.

Moqueca

A traditional Brazilian seafood stew made with fish, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and coriander. It's a popular dish among tourists visiting Iguazu Falls.

Brigadeiro

A sweet Brazilian dessert made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. It's a must-try for any tourist visiting Iguazu Falls.

Caipirinha

Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. It's a refreshing drink to enjoy after a day of exploring Iguazu Falls.

Coxinha

A popular Brazilian snack made of shredded chicken meat, covered in dough, molded into a shape resembling a chicken leg, battered and fried. It's a delicious treat to enjoy while visiting Iguazu Falls.

Pastel

A Brazilian street food of thin pastry envelopes filled with various fillings, then deep-fried. It's a popular snack among tourists visiting Iguazu Falls.

Acarajé

A deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea dough filled with vatapá, a paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and palm oil. It's a popular street food in the Iguazu Falls region.

Vatapá

A Brazilian dish made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground nuts and palm oil mashed into a creamy paste. It's a popular dish in the Iguazu Falls region.

Empada

A small, round pie filled with various ingredients, often including palm hearts, chicken, or shrimp. It's a popular snack for tourists visiting Iguazu Falls.

Guaraná Antarctica

A popular Brazilian soft drink made from the guaraná fruit. It's a refreshing beverage to enjoy while exploring the natural beauty of Iguazu Falls.

Quindim

A popular Brazilian dessert made from sugar, egg yolks, and ground coconut. It's a sweet treat to enjoy after a day of exploring Iguazu Falls.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. During this period, you can expect less rainfall, lower humidity, and more comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the falls and the surrounding rainforest. However, if you want to see the falls at their most powerful, you might consider visiting during the rainy season, from October to April, when the water flow is at its highest. Just be prepared for potential rain showers and higher humidity.

How to get around

Flight

The most convenient way to reach Iguazu Falls is by flying into Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU). From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the national park.

Bus

There are regular bus services from the city of Foz do Iguaçu to the Iguazu National Park. The buses are comfortable and affordable, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Foz do Iguaçu and can be a convenient way to get to the Iguazu Falls. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi ranks.

Car Rental

Renting a car can give you the freedom to explore Iguazu Falls and the surrounding area at your own pace. There are several car rental companies operating in Foz do Iguaçu.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Foz do Iguaçu. This can be a cost-effective and convenient way to get to Iguazu Falls, especially if you're traveling in a group.

Bicycle

If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and cycle to the Iguazu Falls. The journey is scenic and there are plenty of places to stop along the way.

Foot

Once you're in the Iguazu National Park, the best way to explore is on foot. There are several well-marked trails leading to different viewpoints of the falls.

Boat

For a unique perspective of the Iguazu Falls, consider taking a boat tour. This will get you up close to the falls and is an experience not to be missed.

Train

Within the Iguazu National Park, there is a train service that takes visitors to various points of interest, including the Devil's Throat, the largest and most impressive of the 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

CurrencyR$ BRL

Time zoneFederal District

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 192 or 193 ; Fire: 193; Police: 190

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Voltage220 V

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

1

Iguazu Falls is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, so you may need visas for both countries.

2

The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). It's recommended to have some local currency for small expenses.

3

The official language is Portuguese, not Spanish as in most of South America. English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas.

4

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the falls are less misty.

5

The falls can be viewed from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Each offers a different perspective and experience.

6

The Brazilian side of the falls is located in the Iguazu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

7

The park opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. It's recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.

8

The climate is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 61°F (16°C) in winter to 86°F (30°C) in summer.

9

There are plenty of mosquitoes due to the tropical climate, so bring insect repellent.

10

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The park has many trails and you'll be doing a lot of walking.

11

There are lockers available at the park entrance to store your belongings.

12

There are restaurants and snack bars in the park, but they can be expensive. You may want to bring your own food and water.

13

There's a free shuttle bus service within the park that takes you to different viewpoints.

14

The park offers guided tours, which can be booked in advance or upon arrival.

15

There are no ATMs in the park, so bring enough cash for your visit.

16

Stay on the marked trails to protect the park's flora and fauna and for your own safety.

17

Swimming is not allowed in the falls due to the strong currents.

18

The park is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available.

19

There are hotels and lodges near the park if you wish to stay overnight.

20

Remember to bring a raincoat or poncho, as you can get wet from the spray of the falls.

Basic Portuguese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase	Native phrase	Pronunciation	When to use it
Hello	Olá	oh-lah	Greeting someone
Goodbye	Tchau	chow	Leaving someone
Please	Por favor	pohr fah-vohr	Making a request
Thank you	Obrigado	oh-bree-gah-doh	Expressing gratitude
Yes	Sim	seem	Agreeing with someone
No	Não	nah-oon	Disagreeing with someone
Excuse me	Com licença	kohm lee-sen-sah	Getting someone's attention
I'm sorry	Desculpe	deh-skool-peh	Apologizing
Do you speak English?	Você fala inglês?	voh-seh fah-lah een-glesh	Asking if someone speaks English
I don't understand	Eu não entendo	eh-oo nah-oon en-ten-doh	Expressing confusion
Where is...?	Onde é...?	ohn-jee eh	Asking for directions
Bathroom	Banheiro	bah-nyeh-roh	Looking for the restroom
Help	Ajuda	ah-zhoo-dah	In case of emergency
Water	Água	ah-gwah	Ordering a drink
Food	Comida	koh-mee-dah	Ordering a meal
How much does it cost?	Quanto custa?	kwan-toh coos-tah	Asking for the price
I would like...	Eu gostaria...	eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah	Making a request
Taxi	Táxi	tah-xee	Looking for transportation
Hotel	Hotel	oh-tell	Looking for accommodation
Beautiful	Bonito	boh-nee-toh	Complimenting the scenery

Packing List

Clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Swimsuit
Waterproof jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Change of clothes

Toiletries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
Personal medication
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer

Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance documents
Hotel reservation confirmation
Local currency (Brazilian Real)
Credit and debit cards
Emergency contact information

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Camera
Chargers for electronics
Power bank
Waterproof phone case
Travel adapter

Miscellaneous items
Water bottle
Snacks
Travel guidebook
Map of Iguazu Falls
Waterproof bag
Binoculars

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls in Brazil, it's important to consider the weather as it can greatly impact your experience. The region experiences a subtropical climate, meaning it can get quite hot and humid, especially during the summer months from December to March. During this period, temperatures can reach up to 95°F (35°C), so be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. The winter months, from June to September, are cooler and less humid, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C). If you're visiting during this time, it's advisable to pack a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Rainfall is a significant factor to consider when visiting Iguazu Falls. The region experiences the highest rainfall from October to March. While the falls are spectacular during the rainy season, the heavy rain can sometimes lead to closures of the walkways and viewing platforms for safety reasons. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit. Regardless of the time of year, it's recommended to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as the spray from the falls can get you quite wet, especially if you plan to take a boat tour. Waterproof bags for your electronic devices and cameras are also a good idea. Lastly, don't forget to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. The humidity can be intense, especially during the summer months, and can lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and remember to apply sunscreen regularly. In conclusion, while the weather at Iguazu Falls can be unpredictable, with the right preparation, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit to this natural wonder.

Month	Hi / Lo (°C)	Weather Overview
January	32° / 20°	January is the hottest month in Iguazu Falls, Brazil, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C. It's also the wettest month, so pack a raincoat.
February	32° / 20°	February is still quite hot, with temperatures similar to January. It's a bit less rainy, but still expect some showers.
March	31° / 19°	March sees a slight decrease in temperature, but it's still warm. Rainfall decreases, but it's still a wet month.
April	29° / 17°	April is the start of the cooler season, with temperatures dropping slightly. Rainfall continues to decrease.
May	26° / 14°	May is the start of the winter season, with temperatures dropping further. It's also the driest month, so it's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the rain.
June	24° / 12°	June is the coolest month in Iguazu Falls, Brazil. It's also quite dry, making it a good time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures.
July	24° / 12°	July is similar to June in terms of temperature and rainfall. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the heat and rain.
August	25° / 13°	August sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still quite cool. Rainfall starts to increase again.
September	26° / 14°	September is the start of the spring season, with temperatures starting to rise. Rainfall continues to increase.
October	28° / 16°	October is warmer than September, with temperatures continuing to rise. It's also quite rainy, so pack a raincoat.
November	30° / 18°	November is the start of the summer season, with temperatures rising further. It's also quite rainy, so be prepared for showers.
December	31° / 19°	December is a warm and wet month in Iguazu Falls, Brazil. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy hot weather and don't mind the rain.