Iguazu National Park, a sea of greenery in Northern Argentina

In northeastern Argentina, the Iguazu National Park covers more than 68,000 hectares. For tourists who visit Argentina in the Iguazu area, the main point of interest is the huge waterfalls. The natural park around the waterfalls is also worth a visit. In this exceptional space, you will have the chance to discover a preserved biodiversity and evolve in the pure wilderness by taking easy access hiking trails.

Iguazu or Iguaçu? 2 natural parks with very similar names!

Beyond this small spelling difference lies a real difference. The Iguazu Falls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The Iguazu national park is thus Argentinean, and the Iguaçu park is on the Brazilian side. Both parks are open to visitors and have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Iguaçu National Park, in the Brazilian state of Parana

This park, much larger than the one that can be explored on the Argentinean side, measures slightly less than 170,000 hectares. For visitors who wish to admire the falls on the Brazilian side, there are two trails that allow you to reach the top of the falls or to descend to observe it from below. Helicopter flights offer the possibility of flying over this impressive complex. 

Visit Iguazu National Park on the Argentinean side

In the province of Misiones, Iguazu National Park reveals its secrets. The most famous waterfall, the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), can be observed here. The Macuco trail is a small, little-traveled path that is nevertheless worth the detour: a little away from the falls, it is an excellent itinerary to observe the fauna that evolves in this protected area.

Nature park and waterfalls: which side of the border should you choose?

The view of the falls on the Brazilian side is famous for being exceptional: it is on this side of the park that you have the best overall view of the falls.

On the Argentinean side, it is possible to admire the falls from several points of view, but this overall view is missing.

Some tips for visiting the Iguazu Falls in the best conditions

In terms of climate, it’s all a matter of taste! 

To observe the falls with exceptional flow, it is obviously more interesting to go there during the rainy season (in the middle of our winter, the months of December and January are particularly rainy). 

• Beware, if your goal is not only to admire the falls but also to plan a hike, it could be ruined by the heavy rains! 
• On the other hand, for visitors who want to avoid the high waters, the period of our summer holidays, July and August, is better suited.
• Whatever time of the year you visit Iguazu, be aware that the area is wet, so rain gear and waterproof footwear should be worn.
• Who says humidity says mosquitoes! The best way to protect yourself is to cover your arms and legs as much as possible. If you are afraid of getting hot, bring at least one repellent.

Going to Iguazu Falls alone or in a group

Of course, it is possible to access the park and the falls by your own means, but if you want to save yourself the hassle of the organization, be aware that many agencies offer day trips. If you wish to discover the local fauna and flora by venturing off the beaten track, it is best to hire a guide.