2-Day Solo Adventure: Local's Guide to Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Iguazu Falls, Brazil
2 days
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.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Discovering the Wonders of Itaipu Dam and Parque das Aves
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the Itaipu Dam. This impressive structure is a testament to human engineering and provides a great contrast to the natural beauty of the falls.
Lunch
For lunch, find a local café and try a traditional Brazilian feijoada. This hearty stew will give you plenty of energy for the afternoon.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Parque das Aves. This bird park is home to a variety of species, including toucans and parrots. It's a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Dinner
For your final dinner, try a churrascaria. These Brazilian steakhouses offer a wide range of meats, cooked to perfection on a grill.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Three Borders Landmark. This spot, where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet, offers a unique perspective on the region.
Attractions in Itinerary (4)
1Iguazu 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.
2Itaipu 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.
3Parque das Aves
A beautiful park home to a variety of bird species, including toucans, flamingos, and parrots. Visitors can walk through the park's aviaries and learn about the birds' natural habitats.
4Three Borders Landmark
A significant point where the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. It offers a unique view of the three countries and their respective 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.
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.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
February 12 | Mon | Carnival Monday |
February 13 | Tue | Carnival Tuesday |
February 14 | Wed | Carnival end (until 2pm) |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
April 21 | Sun | Tiradentes Day |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 30 | Thu | Corpus Christi |
September 7 | Sat | Independence Day |
October 12 | Sat | Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day |
October 28 | Mon | Public Service Holiday |
November 2 | Sat | All Souls' Day |
November 15 | Fri | Republic Proclamation Day |
December 24 | Tue | Christmas Eve (from 2pm) |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 31 | Tue | New Year's Eve (from 2pm) |
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.
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
Lightweight clothing
Waterproof jacket
Swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Sunglasses
Extra underwear and socks
Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Travel-sized body wash
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Travel-sized wet wipes
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Visa (if required)
Flight tickets
Hotel booking confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Credit cards and cash
Emergency contact information
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Camera
Charger for camera
Power bank
Universal travel adapter
Miscellaneous items
Snacks
Bottled water
Travel guidebook
Binoculars
Waterproof bag for electronics
Travel pillow and blanket
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. |
Did you know?
Places near by Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Itaipu Dam
One of the world's largest hydroelectric plants.
Parque das Aves
A private zoo with a focus on birds, especially parrots.
Marco das Três Fronteiras
A landmark where the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet.
Templo Budista
A peaceful Buddhist temple with a large statue of Buddha.
Ciudad Del Este
A bustling city known for its shopping scene.
Puerto Iguazu
A small border city with a relaxed atmosphere.
Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
A national park offering wildlife viewing, hiking, and waterfalls.
Parque Nacional Iguazú
A national park on the Argentine side of the falls.
