Hi all, I am heading to Iguazu fall soon in Feb. Needing some advice on where to stay. I am flying in on Feb 24, arriving to the Argentinian side at 15:02 and then departing from Brazilian side on Feb 26 at 17:55 to Rio. Travelling solo, so happy to stay in hostel or in a hotel, don't mind. Which side is better to stay at? Planning to do a day trip to the fall from Argentinian side on Feb 25 and then half a day trip to the fall from Brazilian side. Shall I book a tour and if yes, where? I do have Velocity Gold so not sure if that will help in booking hotel as I can redeem complimentary Gold Partner membership with IHG® Rewards Club or Hilton HHonors™.
Going to Iguazu Fall, Any Tips Where to Stay?
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Argentinians don't seem to welcome Brits or people they perceive as British. See Top Gear special.
We went in 2014. Stayed at the Sheraton (now Gan Melia I believe) inside the park on the Argentina side. Very expensive but the bargain was that after breakfast, we could walk straight onto the falls walkways at 7ish in the morning and maximise the day and return at dusk. Everyone else was getting buses etc and then coming into the park later and leaving earlier. Must do is Devils throat walkway, especially if the water is running well.
Another thing to do is the speedboat ride into the falls. Once in a lifetime thing. We had the option of starting on both sides. Check the prices now and when you get over there. We got them at the hotel.
Brazil side is also good and you can walk right out into the middle of the falls. Do not take thongs or slippery soles. You may be able to pick up a plastic one-use only raincoat there - not really needed on the Argentine side. You probably don't have time but the helicopter ride was amazing.
Considering the short time, maybe try and do the speedboat tour from the Argentine side and do as many walkways as possible on this side on one day. Do the Brazil side on the second day.
BTW, how are you getting from Argentina to Brazil? - Have you got your visa done already? You cannot do these at the border from memory.
Can also stay in Paraguay, which may be cheaper
I was there about September last year and stayed on Brazil side. I found you could do Brazil side in little over half day which included a boat ride getting drenched (i recommend it)
Argentina side.. A lot more walking. I stayed in brazil side and joined a tour to go Argentina. The only reason I did that was because I didn't want to deal with transportation and crossing borders etc but once you're in the park you Could do it all yourself.
I enjoyed staying in brazil side, but guess time wise it might be better to stay in Argentina side as it was an early morning and late return for me going to Argentina side.
Having said that, when I stayed in brazil side it was very easy and cheap to jump on the public bus to get to the falls. There is also a bird sanctuary across the road (sort of) which id recommend if you have the time.
Edit: just reread your post. I'd recommend staying in Argentina. Cross the border and do the Brazilian side (there are storage lockers for your luggage) and go straight to airport afterwards which is also very close and cheap on the public bus. Uber is also your friend in Brazil/rio. I booked my tours from viator
since you're departing from the Brazilian side you should stay overnight at the argentinean side then on the 26th travel to the Brazilian side in the morning with your luggage. they have luggage lockers for hire. this is what i did. saves you from having to check in/ check out and move all about.
the Brazilian only takes like 2 hrs and that's with plenty of time at the falls. there's also a super popular bird zoo right nearby the falls on the Brazilian side that i missed out on but everyone i met raved about so you should add that in.
you also certainly don't need tours on either side. you're literally just following the boardwalk.
there's a few ways to get across the border. i crossed the border once by public bus which required getting off the public bus, going to immigration to get stamped, then catching another public bus. pretty easy. on the return trip just had a taxi cos of time constraints. pop
the boat drenching was fun but expensive. not sure id necessarily recommend it as it depends on your discretionary funds.
Hi all, thanks for all the useful comments. I think I will stay in a hostel at Argentina side and good suggestion about not booking tours, a tour company has quoted US$412 for 2 nights accommodation, tours and airport transfer. Definitely keen for the boat ride, any suggestion if I need to book now or book over there?
i was there when the doors opened (super tight schedule) and just bought the boat ride when i got in. You get given a timeslot…and there's heaps of timeslots. But I guess if you're showing up at 12pm expecting a 1pm boat ride, you can check if you can book a specific time in advance
Bring one of those plastic raincoats and change of clothes.
Argentinian side is generally considered better as it has the access paths and there is a lot more to do. Brazilian side has a better view of the main falls but that is about it.
If you are going to the Brazilian side you will also need a visa which is pricey.