Iguazu Falls Ultimate Guide

Information correct as of 7 June 2014

Getting to both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls from Foz do Iguazu (Brazil) can be a little confusing especially for the Argentinian side. Hopefully this Iguazu Falls ultimate guide helps because I’ve included information for transfers, border proceedings, costs and tips based on my experience to both sides of the falls from Foz do Iguazu. If you are coming from the other side, simply reverse the process!

Not sure which side of the falls to go? Check out my compasion of Iguazu Falls: Argentina or Brazil here too.

Argentina

This can be pretty confusing because of the border proceedings and transfers at the Argentinian side.

Directions & Border Transfer:

Foz do Iguazu – Brazil Border – Argentina Border – Puerto Iguazu – Parque Nacional Iguazu

Take the Puerto Iguazu bus along the main streets of Av. Juscelino Kubitscheck or Av.Jorge Schimmelpfeng or Av. das Cataratas (ask your hostel or hotel) to the Brazilian border. There is usually an Argentina flag on front of the bus.
The bus driver will not wait for you at the immigration checkpoint so get a bus voucher from the driver before getting off. The bus stops a little infront of the building so you have to walk back to the centre of the building to get your passport stamped. You have to cut across a few vehicle lanes to get there so look out for cars and remember your Brazil departure card as well!
Be alert at the immigration stop and get off because the driver may not mention and you don’t want to get into trouble at the Argentina border. It is very obvious so you can’t miss it unless you are sleeping.
There is a reciprocity fee for USA (USD160 valid for 10yrs), Canada (USD75 single entry or USD 150 valid for 5yrs) and Australia (USD100 single entry) passports so remember to check! Singaporeans free.
After clearing immigration, go back to the same bus stop and wait for the next bus with your voucher. This is the boring part.
The bus will take you to Puerto Iguazu where you will change to the Rio Uruguay bus that services the falls. Look around or ask for the Rio Uruguay bus because there are hardly any signs around indicating where it stops. All the tourists go there so everyone should know. Don’t be shy to ask! :)

The way back is generally a reversal of the above. However the Rio Uruguay bus will probably drop you off at Puerto Iguazu bus terminal. Cross the bridge inside the building and wait for the Foz do Iguazu bus at platforms 7/8/. Remember to ask if you are unsure!

Protip: Last bus leaves Puerto Iguazu around 7pm so set aside an entire day for this because the border proceedings take up quite a bit of time.

Duration:

Waiting for Puerto Iguazu bus – 15 to 30mins
Rio Uruguay bus from Puerto Iguazu to Parque Nacional Iguazu – ~30mins
Waterfall boat ride – 12mins
Parque Nacional Iguazu – 4 to 5hrs

Costs:

Puerto Iguazu bus (one way) – 4 reals or 15 pesos
Rio Uruguay bus to the falls (one way) – 40 pesos
National Park Entry – 215 pesos (foreigners)
Optional ‘Iguazu Jungle’ waterfall boat ride (Adventura Nautica) – 220 pesos

Protip: It’s better to book the optional tours direct at the National Park to reduce any extra service charges.

Brazil

This is the easy part.

Directions:

Foz do Iguazu – Parque Nacional Do Iguazu

Take bus Linha 120 straight to the National Park along the main streets of Av. Juscelino Kubitscheck or Av.Jorge Schimmelpfeng or Av. das Cataratas (ask your hostel or hotel). There is a clear sign at the front of the bus

Durations:

Parque Nacional Do Iguazu – 3 to 4hrs

Costs:

Linha 120 bus to National Park (one way) – 2.90 reals
National Park Entry – 49 reals (foreigners)
Optional ‘Macuco Safari’ forest trail and waterfall boat ride – 170 reals
Optional ‘Macuci Safari’

Protip: You will get wet. Bring a poncho, extra clothes and waterproof your stuff before you go! There are lockers provided at the entrance of both parks for you to store your belongings.