According to tourists who visited Puerto Iguazú, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the Iguazú Falls, a system of 275 waterfalls surrounded by subtropical jungle. Access is via the Ecological Jungle Train and walking paths, including the upper and lower circuits and the Devil's Throat. 2. Admire the Devil's Throat, the most impressive waterfall, with a U-shaped drop that creates a constant mist. It is accessed via walkways over the Iguazú River. 3. Go to the Three Borders Landmark, a monument marking the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, with views of both countries and the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. It can be accessed by car or on foot. 4. Visit the Guira Oga Animal Refuge, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center located 12 km from Puerto Iguazú, accessible by car or taxi. 5. Enjoy the nautical navigation through the falls (Gran Aventura), a boat ride that takes you close to the base of the waterfalls.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Puerto Iguazú are: 1. Nautical navigation through the falls (Gran Aventura), an exciting boat ride that takes you close to the base of the waterfalls. 2. Full Moon Walk, a guided night hike through Iguazú National Park under the light of the full moon, available only once a month. 3. Visit to Guaraní villages to learn about the culture, traditions, and way of life of the local communities. 4. Tasting Missionary flavors, trying regional cuisine that includes river fish, chipá, and cassava. 5. Canopy and hiking in the jungle, adventure activities that allow you to explore the jungle from above or through trails.
From Puerto Iguazú, the following day trips can be made: 1. Iguazú National Park (Brazilian side): 15 km away, a 30-minute drive, offers panoramic views of the falls from the Brazilian side. Accessible by car, taxi, or organized tours. 2. Ciudad del Este, Paraguay: 15 km away, a 30-minute drive across the Friendship Bridge, known for its duty-free shopping. Accessible by car, taxi, or organized tours. 3. Bird Park, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil: 18 km away, a 40-minute drive, a bird sanctuary with trails that pass through aviaries. Accessible by car, taxi, or organized tours. 4. Itaipu Dam: 20 km away, a 45-minute drive, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world with guided tours. Accessible by car, taxi, or organized tours.
To visit the main attractions of Puerto Iguazú, it is recommended to spend between 2 and 4 days. Two days are enough to see the essentials of the Iguazú Falls and the Three Borders Landmark. Three days allow for a more relaxed exploration, adding activities like the Guira Oga Refuge or a visit to the Brazilian side. Four days provide the opportunity for full-day excursions to Paraguay or the Itaipu Dam. The suggested itinerary is: Day 1: Iguazú Falls (Argentinian side). Day 2: Iguazú Falls (Argentinian side - additional circuits or Gran Aventura) and Three Borders Landmark. Day 3: Iguazú National Park (Brazilian side) and Bird Park. Day 4: Excursion to Ciudad del Este or Itaipu Dam.
The high season is from December to February and July, with warm and humid weather (temperatures between 22°C and 32°C) and a high likelihood of rain. Accommodation and flight prices can double. The low season is from May to June and from August to September, with mild and drier weather (temperatures between 15°C and 25°C), offering prices 20% to 30% lower. The ideal season is April, October, and November, with moderate temperatures (18°C to 28°C), lower tourist influx, and prices 10% to 20% lower than in high season.
Puerto Iguazú has a moderate cost level. The daily budget for a backpacker ranges from USD 40 to USD 70, including hostel accommodation, inexpensive meals, and public transportation. For a mid-budget traveler, the daily cost is USD 80 to USD 150, covering accommodation in a 3-star hotel, meals in average restaurants, and entrance fees to main attractions. For a comfortable trip, the daily budget ranges from USD 160 to USD 300. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal USD 15-25 (ARS 15-25,000), inexpensive meal USD 7-12 (ARS 7-12,000), public transportation USD 1-2 (ARS 1-2,000) per trip, entrance to Iguazú National Park USD 20-30 (ARS 20-30,000), budget accommodation per night USD 15-30 (ARS 15-30,000), and mid-range accommodation per night USD 60-120 (ARS 60-120,000). An example budget for 5 days is around USD 400-750.
The Three Borders Landmark and the walk through the center of Puerto Iguazú are free attractions. You can do a self-guided tour of the center of Puerto Iguazú (1-2 hours) and visit the Three Borders Landmark (1-2 hours) on your own. The entrance to Iguazú National Park (Argentinian side) costs approximately USD 25 (ARS 20-30,000) and includes access to the upper and lower circuits and the Devil's Throat. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Entrada al Parque Nacional Iguazú (lado argentino) from USD 25, Excursión a las Cataratas del Iguazú with price to check, Navegación Gran Aventura with price to check, Paseo en Tren Ecológico de la Selva with price to check.