Introduction:

Puerto Iguazú is located in the province of Misiones, in the northeast of Argentina, 1.350 kilometres away from Buenos Aires and only 17 kilometres away from the Iguazú Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.

The touristic activity, which revolves around the falls, is the main economic engine of Puerto Iguazú; however, the international trade is also an important business since the city is connected by a bridge with Foz de Iguaçu (Brazil) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) – These three cities, in addition, take part of the amazing view of the Triple Frontier, sharped by the rivers Iguazú and Paraná.

The Iguazú Falls, with their rich biodiversity, are located within protected areas in Argentina and also in Brazil – Besides, they were recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. The Iguazú River is the border between Argentina and Brazil.  The ideal would be to visit both sides of the falls: the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side.

¿What to visit?

Iguazú National Park (Argentina): One of the biggest protected areas in the world, with 65.000 hectares of territorial extension, rich in flora and fauna.

Within the park there are 275 waterfalls including the well-known “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat), a waterfall that’s 82 metres high and it’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. On your visit you can also enjoy the park’s great wildlife: butterflies, “coatíes”, collared anteaters, capybaras, monkeys and weasels, each one of them living in their perfect ecosystem.

There’s a full-day tour that takes you to the Iguazú National Park and enables you to walk along its 3 different paths: Garganta del Diablo, Superior Circuit and Lower Circuit – Besides, you can enjoy the famous Train of the Jungle.

One of the activities you shouldn’t miss is the “Falls in the Moonlight” tour, which has a duration of 2 hours approximately, and it generally operates 2 days before and 2 days after the full moon. The tour takes you to the balcony of the Garganta del Diablo using the Train of the Jungle, accompanied by a bilingual guide (English/Spanish).

Great Adventure: This activity takes place within the Iguazú National Park. The tour starts at the port that’s in front of San Martín Island, and it takes you so close to the waterfalls, to the canyon of the Gargante del Diablo and to the Brazilian Falls, sailing on a boat through the Iguazú River. The itinerary continues towards Macuco Port – At this point, you leave the boat to get in an special vehicle and go across the Yacaratia path.

Three Frontiers Milestone: This monolith is a symbol of fraternity between Argentina, Brasil and Paraguay. From its viewpoint you can observe the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, and also the frontiers of the neighboring countries. The milestone was restored a few years ago, offering a harmonic environment.

Victoria Austral Ferry: A 2-hour navigation through the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, just before the sunset. The ferry passes underneath the Tancredo Neves Bridge, the one that joins Puerto Iguazú with Foz de Iguaçu, considered an unique work because of its construction features. Then, the ferry continues towards the Three Frontiers area and goes through the Paraná River until the Mbocay Waterfall is reached. During the whole itinerary you are able to observe the paranaense jungle and its outstanding flora and fauna. You can also watch the sunset or enjoy musical shows, karaokes, dance competitions and an open bar on board.

Mines of Wanda: 40 kilometres away from Puerto Iguazú. This tour can be combined with the excursion to San Ignacio Ruins.

The Mines of Wanda are a field of semi-precious stones where strip mining is practiced, over the Paraná River. You can visit the interior of the mine.

San Ignacio Ruins: This complex is 256 kilometres away from Puerto Iguazú. The San Ignacio Ruins are the best-preserved of the Jesuit Missions from the XVI and XVII centuries in Argentina. There’s a main square surrounded by the church, the house of the priests, the cemetery, the houses and the town hall. The whole complex was built using the local stone: the red sandstone.

Do Iguaçu National Park (Brazil): This half-day tour takes you to the Brazilian park and its walkways, that offer amazing panoramic views of the 275 waterfalls. The most important falls on the Brazilian side are called Floriano, Deodoro, Benjamín Constant and Salto Unión (Also “Garganta del Diablo”).

Once the itinerary is finished there’s a panoramic elevator that leaves you where the buses depart, to take you to the entrance.

Parque das Aves (Park of Birds): This half-day tour can be combined with the excursion to the Iguaçu National Park.

Parque das Aves is a place to watch tropical and colorful birds, flying in forest nurseries that are integrated with exuberant subtropical forest.

Saltos del Moconá (Waterfalls of Moconá): These waterfalls are located in El Soberbio, a town that’s over the Uruguay River, in the frontier with Brasil. They are the product of irregularities in the Uruguay River – The falls go from 5 to 20 metres high, with an extension of 3 kilometres along the river.

The itinerary goes towards the northeast of the province, passing by essences and tobacco plantations. When you arrive at the Moconá Provintial Park, if the river allows, you can book a sailing tour that goes through the Uruguay River towards the Waterfalls of Moconá, covering the inferior river course and giving the passengers an unique view of the falls and the surrounding landscapes. On the other hand, if the river doesn’t allow the sailing tour, you can walk along a path within the jungle.

Ciudad del Este (Paraguay): This city is well-known for its stores and malls. The most suitable option is to get to Ciudad del Este by bus, during the week, and early in the morning – At noon, many stores start to close. If you have a car, it’s advisable to leave it at Puerto Iguazú. Take care of your valuable objects such as cameras and watches. You should also keep in mind that a lot of the products that are sold at Ciudad del Este are imitations, not originals; considering this, it’s advisable to buy in guaranteed stores such as Cellshop or Nissei, among others.

Duty Free Shop: Located in the frontier between Argentina and Brazil. A great place if you’re interested in shopping.

Another activities: You can visit the Botanical Garden and the Guaraní Zoo, both of them located in Foz do Iguaçu, with free access. You can also visit a Guaraní Comunity at Puerto Iguazú and buy local crafts. If you need more information, there’s a Visitor Center that could help you.

The weather and when to travel:

Puerto Iguazú can be visited at any time of the year – Temperatures go from 12°C to 32°C. During August and September the water volume increases, so it’s better to enjoy the falls – At this time of the year, when spring is beggining, the temperatures go from 14°C to 29°C. During winter the temperatures are fluctuating, so it’s advisable to take a coat, but also a swimsuit. Don’t forget your sunscreen, insect repellent and protection for rainy days.

¿How to get there?

A flight from Buenos Aires has a duration of 2 hours, approximately. If you travel by bus, the duration is of 18 hours approximately – As you can see, distances between Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú are large.

The Iguazú International Airport is 25 kilometres away from the city center, within the Iguazú National Park, with daily frequences departing from Buenos Aires. There are flights departing from another cities like Salta, Mendoza and Córdoba – In this case, with a minor frequency.

On the other hand, there are also daily flights arriving at the Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (Brazil) – This city is connected with Puerto Iguazú by the Tancredo Never International Brige.

Regarding to buses, they operate with regular services or groupe departures, accompanied by a coordinator.

¿Where to sleep?

There’s a wide accommodation offer at Puerto Iguazú: 5-star international hotels; hotels within the jungle; hotels of different categories located within the city – with spa, with casino, with wonderful views of the river and the three frontiers; cottages, bungalows and hostels, among others.

Apart from the wide accommodation offer, you can also choose between different meal plans: all inclusive, half board, buffet breakfast or Brazilian breakfast.

Gastronomy and nightlife: 

The gastronomy is diverse since it’s influenced by the three countries that shape the area. Prices are similar to the prices at Buenos Aires – You can also find cheap options at restaurants, grills, pizza restaurants or bars, and enjoy first-rate food at hotels with international chefs.

The gastronomic offers also includes an Ice Bar, where you can experience something different and have a drink at temperatures below zero; a park called “La Aripuca”, a place to learn about the jungle and to taste yerba mate ice-cream and homemade jelly; typical fish dishes with Pacú, Surubí or Dorado; and also an area full of bars and breweries, both in Puerto Iguazú and in Foz do Iguaçu.

¿How to move?

The bus station is located in the city center – From here, there are buses departing towards different destinations in Argentina and in neighboring countries. Local buses are paid with cash or with prepaid cards; this last option is not advisable if you’re staying for just a few days. You can also move by taxi – There are taxi stops in almost every corner of the city.

Personal Review:

Puerto Iguazú is a destination that tourists usually visit twice. It’s an afordable city within Argentina and it preserves its natural character very well – It offers activities for all preferences.

Of course, the Iguazú Falls are a must-visit place, both in Argentinian side and in Brazilian side. The Argentinian side offers beautiful paths to walk within the jungle and to get in touch with the waterfalls, while the Brazilian side offers a wonderful panoramic view of the falls. Fun and interaction with wildlife are combined in this experience. It’s important to use comfortable footwear; besides, if you’re taking the sailing tour, you’ll need extra clothes – You’ll sure get wet!

I would definitely visit Puerto Iguazú again, to enjoy one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

Consultor Sandra Corbalán