Iguazú Falls in Argentina's far north east, is one of Argentina's and Brazil's most famous experiences. These spectacular falls and surrounding rainforest are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed amongst the new Seven Wonders of the World. They deserve their status with the falls spanning 4 kilometres wide and boasting around 275 separate cascades. At the height of the rainy season the Parana River pours 58,000 tonnes of water into a huge canyon every second - enough to make your chest reverberate with the force.
The falls are worthy of a visit at any time of the year, both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides. For our tailor made trips we provide private guides with in depth knowledge of the ecosystems wildlife, history and geology; and make extensive use of park's trail system to reach the most spectacular viewpoints. The Brazilian side provides the best overall panoramas; whilst the Argentinean side has long trails and bridges which bring you close to the raw, awe inspiring cascades. You can often see little rainbows arcing through the spray.
There is plentiful birdlife to see, including toco toucans, caciques, parrots and macaws. One of the easiest mammals to see is the opportunistic coatimundi with its racoon like tail and shrew like nose. Macro photographers will find the range of butterflies and insects most impressive, whilst luxuriant foliage can provide a wonderful image frames for the falls. Dusky swifts are a moving target as they fly to their nests behind the thundering walls of water. Their death defying flights are fascinating and unique to Iguazú.
To bring you closer to the nature of the area, we stay in a beautiful boutique lodge totally enveloped by lush forest of the Misiones National Park. The area comprises 550,000 acres critically endangered Atlantic Rainforest that formally extended non-stop up the south-eastern seaboard of Brazil. Biologically distinct from the Amazon, this area boasts a wealth of wildlife including jaguars, pumas and the elephant like Tapir. If you can hear a primeval call above the roar of the falls you may be hearing howler monkeys declaring their territorial rights to other groups over the forest canopy. Within the Misiones section some 448 species of bird have been recorded.
For a more in-depth exploration of the Atlantic rainforest and its wildlife, we can extend your visit to areas about 80km to the west. A fun and very refreshing activity in the vicinity of the falls is white water rafting trips down the forest fringed rivers. If returning from the chilly southern extremities of Patagonia, or an expedition to Antarctica, the Iguazú area provides a good value, warm, relaxing and highly diverse contrast.
Itinerary
Suggested 4 Day Itinerary
Please note this is a sample itinerary only and can be adjusted and tailored to your requirements.
To bring you closer to the nature of the area, we stay in a beautiful boutique lodge totally enveloped by lush forest of the Misiones National Park. The area comprises 550,000 acres of critically endangered Atlantic Rainforest that formally extendednon-stop up the south-eastern seaboard of Brazil. Biologically distinct from the Amazon, this area boasts a wealth of wildlife including jaguars, pumas and the elephant like Tapir. If you can hear a primeval call above the roar of the falls you may be hearing howler monkeys declaring their territorial rights to other groups over the forest canopy. Within the Misiones section some 448 species of bird have been recorded.
Day 1: Arrive Iguazu
Upon arrival into Iguazu airport, assistance will be provided by one or our staff representatives who will transfer you to our Jungle Lodge Hotel, where you will spend three nights in a Standard Room on a B&B basis.
Day 2: Explore the Brazilian side of the falls
Today you will be transferred into Brazil and taken on a half day tour of the Brazilian Falls. They are located on the western side of the Paraná State in Brazil and were declared Natural World Heritage in the year 1986 by UNESCO. This Brazilian park (185,000 hectares / 458,000 acres) borders with the Argentinean National Park (67,000 hectares / 166,000 acres) and they are divided by the Iguazú River.
The tour starts at the Visitors’ Center, designed to be the access gateway to the park. The building functions as an embarking and disembarking station.
Half day guided group exploration of the Brazilian side of the Falls (private guides are also available on request)
Please note: If you opt for the Hotel upgrade, you will be able to explore the Brazilian side of the falls directly from your hotel instead of this day excursion.
Day 3: Explore the Argentinean side of the falls
Today you will be taken on a full day tour the Argentinean Falls. UNESCO declared this place Natural World Heritage in 1984. You will explore several trails (described below) that bring you close to many of the individual falls, a more intimate experience in comparison to the Brazilian Park.
Paseo Inferior (Lower Path): this round 1,200-metre-walk (0.8 miles) gives you a great view of the majority of the rapids and falls from a front and lower point of view. The distances range from a bird’s eye point of view of “Garganta del Diablo” (The Devil’s Throat) together with several Brazilian rapids, to spectacular close-ups to other falls. If you like, you will be able to enjoy “Salto Bossetti” (the Bossetti Fall) splash. This walk has some high difficulty level due to the number of steps along the way. Approximate duration: 2 hours.
Paseo Superior (Higher Path): this round 1,300-metre-walk (0.9 miles) will raise your adrenaline level because you will feel the vertigo of being at the edge of some waterfalls. This walk has a breathtaking scenery and cliff top lookouts. This is the least demanding walk of the three traditional ones with no steps along the way. Approximate duration: 1 hour.
Garganta del Diablo Waterfall: to access this place, you will have to take the “Tren Ecológico de la Selva” (Ecological Jungle Train), and you must get off at the stop named after this waterfall. From there, you will start a stroll along the safe new catwalk floor which is a winding path that goes around the islands for 1,100 meters (0,7 miles) and ends in the large balconies located on the edge of The Devil´s Throat. Approximate duration: 2 hours. No steps along the path.
Day 4: Depart Iguazu
You will have the morning and early afternoon to spend at leisure prior to your late afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires.
Optional Extension
For travellers wishing to extend their time in the Misiones Rainforest area we can also arrange journeys to Yacutinga Reserve, a protected area of Sub-tropical ‘Atlantic Forest’ run in a sustainable manor by members of the local Guarani Community. For this and other options please contact one of our Argentina Experts.
Dates
from US$ 820
based on two people sharing a standard double / twin room* in the Argentinean Jungle Hotel.
Private day excursion supplement: from £170 / US$220 pp
Single Supplement: £364 / US$395 and add: £460 / US$570 for private day excursion supplement
*room upgrades are available. Please ask.
from US$ 2,615
based on two people sharing a Deluxe Falls double / twin room in the Luxury 5* Brazilian Jungle Hotel - the only hotel located within Brazil's Iguassu National Park.
Single supplement: £1,640 / US$2,010*
*room upgrades are available. Please ask.
Please note: price includes privately guided day excursion of the Argentinean side of the falls only. You are free to explore the Brazilian side of the falls in your own time.
Prices include
Accommodation in Jungle Hotel b&b basis
Natural history guiding with English speaking guide on group service as specified
Activities as specified
Private transfers to and from Puerto Iguazu airport
National Park Entry Fees
Prices exclude
Flights
Items not mentioned in the itinerary
Activity Level Medium
Standard of Accommodation: Premium hotel situated in the Iryapú Jungle, 40 minutes from the Falls.
Upgrade Option: Luxury hotel situated within the National Park, offering the exclusive opportunity for guests to explore the National Park after the gates close each evening.
Upgrade Price: From £1,345 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
