Iguazu Falls: Exploring the Falls From Brazil and Argentina

On your South America vacation, travel to the Iguazu falls. Explore both sides of this amazing waterfall system, in Brazil and Argentina with this article by a Latin America travel expert.
Whether you are on a trip to Brazil or Argentina it is suggested to take a visit to the Iguazu Falls. Making up part of the border between the two countries, the Iguazu Falls is arguably the grandest system of waterfalls in the world. Spanning 1.68 miles, the Iguazu falls are made up of 275 distinct waterfalls and are truly spectacular, and worth a visit on your Brazil or Argentina trip. Depending on your time frame you can visit the falls from both sides as they offer different views of the magnificent falls.


The Brazil side of the Iguazu falls provides panoramic views which allows for beautiful pictures. The Brazil side can be explored in a half day tour or independently, but the park itself is much smaller than the Argentina side, and requires less time. The Brazil Iguazu Falls are perfect for travelers already in Brazil, however if travelers want to visit the Brazil side of the falls from Argentina it is important to note that citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia are required to have a Brazilian VISA to enter the country, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.

The Argentina side of the Iguazu Falls offers a more up close and personal waterfall experience than the Brazil side. Tours or exploration of the falls from this side will require more time as the park is almost four times the size of the Brazilian side. There are several ways to explore the Argentina side of the Iguazu Falls. With two circuits, an upper and lower, you can explore all parts of the falls.

Many tours take a train ride that goes to the Devil’s Throat, which is the largest of the falls. From there they head out on the upper circuit, which is great for all physical levels. Paths on the upper circuit are easily navigated and there are few stairs. This circuit provides guests with an opportunity to take beautiful pictures over the falls, so don’t forget your camera! The lower circuit on the other hand will put you at the base of the falls. The lower circuit is also more physically demanding as there are a lot of stairs, this should be taken into account when planning your tour of the falls.

If you want to inspect the waterfalls further, take a boat tour which will take you right to the base of the falls. Travelers who take the boat tour will get soaked so preparing with the correct clothing is advised. Tours will provide guests with dry packs for cameras, phones, and other valuables, but otherwise nothing will remain dry. The boat tours are great for families with kids or for anyone who wants to enjoy the falls and doesn’t mind getting wet!

These grand falls are a sight you don’t want to miss, whether it is from the Brazil or Argentina side, the falls are spectacular. Visit the Iguazu falls on your Brazil or Argentina vacation, and you will not be disappointed.