The Ultimate Iguazu Falls Itinerary from Buenos Aires

Last updated on August 29th, 2025 at 08:56 pm

Forget what TLC said — you should absolutely go chasing waterfalls and you should 10000% go chasing them at Iguazu Falls in Argentina or Brazil. Don’t tell me you’re going to fly all the way to South America without making a stop at the incredible Iguazu Falls, one of the newest seven wonders of the world??

Yep, those were my thoughts exactly which is why I’m here to show you how to easily get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls (and back) in less than 48 hours! This 2-day, 1-night itinerary shows you everything you need to know about getting to the falls from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sidenote, who decides something is a “new” wonder of the world anyway? Well whoever decided it, was right on the money because I thought these waterfalls were pretty incredible. I was skeptical that social media hyped it up but I was proven wrong.

Keep reading to learn more about how to get to Iguazu Falls (a UNESCO World Heritage site) from Buenos Aires, including the most convenient transportation options, such as flights and bus travel. Discover the best lodges and hotels near the falls, and which trails are worth seeing vs skipping. Soooo just ignore what TLC said and let’s dive in!

This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links (and waste it on more dog toys or overpriced airport wine) however, this has no impact on the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where to Stay Near Iguazu Falls

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels for an unforgettable visit to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires:

• Gran Meliá Iguazu Falls – Where I stayed and LOVED it. 100% worth the splurge. The only hotel inside Iguazú National Park on the Argentina side, offering luxury rooms with direct views of the falls and unbeatable access to the park.
• O2 Hotel Iguazu Falls – A modern and eco-conscious hotel offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool, ideal for travelers wanting a stylish yet affordable base near the falls.
• Overo Lodge & Selva – A boutique jungle lodge with a serene, intimate vibe, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while staying close to Iguazu’s highlights.
• Wish Foz do Iguaçu – A resort-style property with spacious grounds, multiple restaurants, and a golf course, great for families or travelers wanting a full-service experience.
• Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru – A sleek hotel set in the Iryapú Forest, combining contemporary comfort with natural surroundings for a peaceful escape near the falls.
• Hotel das Cataratas Iguazu Falls – An elegant Belmond property inside the Brazil side of the park, known for its colonial charm, world-class service, and exclusive early access to the waterfalls.

Wondering what made the Gran Melia such a memorable experience? Read my full review on the blog to find out why I would easily splurge on this hotel again in a heartbeat!

Getting to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

There’s a couple options for getting to Iguazu falls from Buenos Aires including buses, rental cars, and flying. I’m a sucker for convenience so I personally flew roundtrip to the falls. I actually flew into Buenos Aires from San Francisco the night before, so my journey started from Buenos Aires at 5 AM.

There are two major airports in Buenos Aires (EZE, AEP) and both of them fly to Cataratas of Iguazu International Airport (IGR) in Iguazu Falls. If you’re flying from Brazil, you’ll probably fly into the other airport at Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU).

Be careful not to mix up the two airports!!! They are literally one letter apart so that makes it confusing as f*ck 🥴

When I was doing my research, it looks like only the Argentina flights fly to the Argentina airport (IGR), whereas in order to get to the Brazil side (IGU), you have to fly from Brazil, so just keep that in mind. 

For my adventure, I booked a cheap 5am flight from an airline that I’d never heard of before called Fly Bondi. Their website was absolute trash and then I later found out they were rated the worst airline in Argentina. So don’t make the same mistake I did because my flight home ended up canceling.

Just book with Aerolíneas Argentinas instead. They’re apart of Skyteam alliance so you know they’re at least semi-reliable. (Shout out to the Aerolineas Argentinas gate agent who helped me buy a ticket at the gate. I never knew this was actually possible, only saw it done in movies)

So I landed at the Igazu airport around 6:50 AM and I pre-arranged transportation from the airport to Gran Melia Iguazu Falls Hotel. It costs $14 USD to pick me up so when I got to the arrivals hall, the driver was there holding a sign with my name. 

If I’m traveling to any country outside of pretty much Europe, I’ll pretty much always pay the extra price to have pre-arranged transportation. I’ve been harassed enough times traveling by myself that the last thing I want is to have to shoo away a bunch of people with my RBF as soon as I get to the destination. 

Top Full Day Tours of Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

Don’t feel like spending hours of research and planning all the logistics yourself? Dude I get it. Not everyone wants to spend days (or weeks) in my case mapping out this crazy (but totally unforgettable) side quest to Iguazu Falls. Well don’t worry because I’ve also searched the interwebs far and wide and put together a short list of the best full day tours of Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires for you.

These itineraries aren’t for the faint of heart so keep in mind you’ll be traveling at lightning speed BUT you’ll get to see one of the most beautiful parts of South America soooooo….it’s pretty worth it if you ask me.

• Private Full-Day Iguazu Falls Tour with Airfare from Buenos Aires – Definitely the top choice for those short on time in Argentina. This Iguazu Falls private guided tour transports you from Buenos Aires to Iguazú National Park, where you can explore the falls from the Argentinian side, in a single day. This unforgettable private experience also includes airfare and national park admission fees for a stress-free outing. Plus, your guide tells you all about the falls and its history, too.
• Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls: Private Day Trip, Flights Included) – Another fantastic full-day private tour option for visiting Iguazu Falls in one day, complete with roundtrip airfare + transportation! (Definitely something I wish I would’ve had instead of the nightmare experience I had flying with Fly Bondi).
• Buenos Aires: Iguazú Falls with Boat Ride (Shared Group Tour) – This small-group tour is a great option for those who don’t need or mind sharing their Iguazu Falls experience with strangers! This tour is a great option for those who also want the flexibility of booking your own flights or maybe you want to leave on a different day!

Day 1: Entrance into Iguazu Falls from the Argentina side

From there, it was about a 20 minute car ride into the hotel, and therefore the park. Gran Meliá is the only hotel that’s located INSIDE Iguazu Falls on the Argentina side which is why I chose to stay there. They advise you to buy a ticket beforehand to avoid extra waiting time, but if you accidentally forget, you can also buy it before entering, and your driver will help you.

Ps. Read my full review of Gran Melia and why I think it’s absolutely worth splurging on one of the two hotels inside Iguazu.

Once I got to the hotel, I was immediately greeted with a delicious green tea refresher and a cold towel, which was nice because it was already like 90° out with 150% humidity. Surprisingly, my room was ready so I quickly put my things down and headed out. 

You can read more about my stay at Gran Meliá here. This was NOT a sponsored stay and I highly recommend anyone with the mean to do so to book here. Theres literally nothing better than being inside the park when you wake up. 

However, if Gran Meliá is out of the question — then I’d recommend staying at Hotel Saint George or Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel in Puerto Iguazu. Both are affordable mid-range options with great reviews and a pool! (super important after hiking all day). Puerto Iguazu is considered the gateway to Iguazu Falls. It’s a small little town filled with hotels, restaurants, and shops. It’s located right in the middle of the Iguazu Falls on the Argentina and Brazil side, making it a really popular overnight destination.

You can also stay in town on the Brazil side – Foz do Iguaçu. But again, I’d only recommend staying here if you plan to go to Brazil next. There’s no point in repeatedly crossing the border for no reason.

Iguazu Falls – Argentina side trails

Lower Circuit: Iguazu Falls Argentina Side

If you’re not staying directly at the Gran Meliá Iguazu hotel, then you’ll probably want to go to where you’re staying first, put your bags down, and grab a taxi directly to the park.

You can also book a private tour or shared tour of the park — I would only recommend this if you don’t mind walking the trails on other people’s time. Otherwise just go on your own (via taxi) or book a private tour.

The Argentina side of the park opens at 8 AM so I suggest doing the Argentina side first as there’s more to see and will take longer to get through than the Brazil side. If you haven’t already bought your tickets, you can buy them here via the official national park website.

I started off with the lower circuit, which took about an hour to complete and was honestly my favorite because it was way less crowded than the upper circuit. I also stumbled upon my favorite waterfall of the entire trip during the lower circuit (more on this later).

There’s signs everywhere so it’s hard to get lost, but you definitely still want to pay attention to where you’re going because there’s a lot of random pathways that lead to nowhere. Or parts of the trail that are under temporary construction.

The sign also said the lower circuit would take 90 minutes, but I think that’s a stretch unless you’re walking with kids or someone elderly who needs a little bit more time. It took me a little more than 30 minutes.

There’s quite a lot to see on the lower circuit, but my favorite was this waterfall called Salto Chico. Maybe it’s because the light hit the waterfall at the right time, but there was a little rainbow forming at the bottom which I thought was absolutely beautiful.

Still looking for a place to stay? Read my detailed review of Gran Melia and why I suggest treating yourself to one of the two hotels inside Iguazu Falls!

Upper Circuit: Iguazu Falls Argentina Side

After the lower circuit, I’d suggest heading to the upper circuit. Personally, I figured I’d knock both of these out while it was still early. At this point, it was still only around ~10 AM.

The map said the upper circuit would take ~120 minutes, but I bumped into a guide along the way and he said that it actually only takes about ~45 minutes. 

The upper circuit is definitely a lot more crowded. (I guess it makes sense, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site after all). It was already pretty packed at 10 AM. Again, this is why I chose to book at the Gran Melia because you can get into the park super early and beat the crowds. 

I think there’s technically more to see on the upper circuit and it is longer, which is probably why it’s more crowded. 

During the upper circuit you’ll get to see Salto Chico (my favorite but from a different perspective), Salto Bossetti, Salto Adán y Eva, Salto Gpque. Bernabé Méndez, and Salto Mbiguà. 

There’s a little resting area after you see all of these waterfalls and then I was honestly contemplating just going back because it was so hot, but decided to make the trek to the last waterfall — Salto San Martin! 

I’m glad I did because there were a lot of little butterflies hanging out on the viewing deck, which was cool and I even saw some of them land on peoples hands and fingers.

After finishing Salto San Martin on the upper circuit, I headed back to the entrance. 

Iguazu Falls Devil’s Throat

After you’ve made the full loop of the upper circuit, you’re gonna end up at “Estacion Cataratas”. From here, you can take a train or walk along the green trail (sendero verde) back down to the entrance of the national park. 

This is where you’ll also want to board the train for the Devil’s Throat. The train cost is included with every admission! But just keep in mind that it only comes every 20-30 minutes so you might be waiting around awhile. If you don’t want to see the Devil’s throat, then just walk 10-15 minutes down the green trail and you’ll be back at Estacion Central aka Central station.

The Devil’s Throat, or Garganta del Diablo, is one of the most awe-inspiring parts of Iguazu Falls. (Look it’s cool and all, but I really liked my Salto Chico find, it felt more off the beaten path). The Devil’s Throat is a massive U-shaped waterfall that plunges 269 feet into a chasm, creating a deafening roar and a mesmerizing mist.

Yes, you will get wet. This is why I opted out of this but if you don’t care, then you should absolutely go and experience it. Standing on the viewing platforms, you’ll feel the power of nature as you witness the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless.

Getting back down: Iguazu Falls Argentina Side

Again — if you have no desire to see the Devil’s throat, then just take the train or walk 10-15 minutes down the green trail and you’ll be back at Estacion Central (Central station) in no time.

And that’s about it for the Argentina side 🇦🇷 

If it’s still early and you’re feeling adventurous, you could also technically head to the Brazil side and do the Brazil side in the afternoon/early evening 🇧🇷

If you’re hot, sweaty, and exhausted like I was, then you can head back to your hotel, which hopefully has a pool and hang out for the day!

Ever thought about waking up to the sound of Iguazu Falls right outside your window? Read my full review of Gran Melia to see if it lives up to the dream (spoiler alert – it definitely does).

Day 2: Entrance into Iguazu Falls from the Brazil side

Today’s the day you leave but it’s also the day you get to check out the Brazilian side of the park! People kept talking about both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side like it was as simple as crossing the street.

No – that’s not the case at all. Or maybe it’s because I was staying at Gran Melia where it actually takes ONE HOUR to get from the hotel to the entrance of the Iguazu Falls Brazil side.

If you’re staying in Puerto Iguazu, it’s a lot faster, only about ~35 minutes depending on immigration at the border. This is why you want to hire a taxi or go with a group because they get to cut the lines at the border, making it a lot faster for you to get across.

The Brazil side of Iguazu Falls opens one hour later than the Argentina side, at 9am. So you want to leave your hotel no later than ~730am in order to cross the border and get into Parque Nacional do Iguaçu. Crossing the border itself is relatively easy, just be prepared for long wait times.

The park entrance on the Brazil side was a lot more hectic for me as I didn’t experience any of the craziness on the Argentina side because Gran Melia connects directly to the trails. If you have the means and want to avoid more lines, then you need to stay at the only hotel located inside the park on the Brazil side – Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls.

Now I splurged for Gran Melia ($500 USD/night) but Hotel das Cataratas is even a couple hundred more than that. So just be prepared.

Anyways, once you get into Parque Nacional do Iguaçu aka Iguazu on the Brazil side, you’re going to get on a bus at the bus terminal that takes you throughout the park. Unless you’re staying at Hotel das Cataratas, everyone is required to buy a ticket and take the bus into the park.

Iguazu Falls – Brazil side trails

Boarding the bus from the Iguazu Falls visitor center (Brazil)

Mostly everyone starts their journey into the Brazil side from the visitor center. You can buy your ticket online in advance or directly from the ticket machine at the bottom. Unlike the Argentina side, there’s a reservation time associated with it so I bought mine the day of since I wasn’t sure about the timing.

From the visitor center, you’ll get on a bus and there are 5 stops along the route. If you just want to see the falls, then you’ll take the bus 4 stops to the “Path of the Falls” stop aka Trilha das Cataratas. (It’s also right across from Hotel das Cataratas which is a massive pink building so you can’t miss it.

Path of the Falls Trail

The Path of the Falls Trail on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is a 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) walk that follows the Iguazu River and offers spectacular views of the falls. The trail is relatively easy and flat, making it accessible for most visitors.

You can expect to see hundreds of waterfalls crashing down into the gorge below, as well as lush rainforest and diverse wildlife. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the Porto Canoas restaurant, which offers stunning views of the falls and a delicious buffet menu of Brazilian and international cuisine.

Porto Canoas Restaurant

The Porto Canoas Restaurant is located within the Iguazu National Park, just a short walk from the end of the Path of the Falls Trail. The restaurant offers a delicious buffet lunch with a variety of Brazilian and international dishes, all while enjoying stunning views of the Iguazu River and the falls.

If you’re 100% certain that you’ll want to have lunch inside the park, you might as well purchase your reservation along with the park ticket directly from the national park’s website.

Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel Pitstop

By this time, you’re probably hot and sweaty like I was. Since I also have a love for luxury boutique hotels, I decided to pop into Hotel das Cataratas for an iced coffee and a snack before making my way back to the entrance.

Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel is a luxurious resort nestled right inside Iguazu National Park in Brazil. Similar to Gran Melia, they are the ONLY hotel located inside the park on the Brazil side.

The building is adorably pink and they have a ton of crazy amenities like nighttime tours through the falls, a beautiful pool, or wine tasting onsite.

Sadly I’m not in the tax bracket that can afford a night at The Belmond (maybe if I wasn’t alone) but it was the perfect place to relax with a refreshing iced latte and some air-conditioning.

Getting back down: Iguazu Falls Brazil Side

Getting back down in easy — there’s only one way via the bus that you came in on. I guess technically you could walk but that’d be crazy town. Especially in the heat of the day.

The bus seems to come every ~15 minutes or so and will take you right back down to the visitor center. From there, you can call a taxi back to the Argentina side or find your driver and/or tour group.

My driver insisted on waiting for me (I assumed it was because he wanted to get paid but it also felt safer to just have him take me back rather than having to hail another ride).

And that’s it for your short but sweet visit to Iguazu National Park on the Brazil side 🇧🇷

Traveling to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires: Final Thoughts

Seeeeeeeee — getting to iguazu falls from Buenos Aires is totally doable right?! I know it might sound rushed on paper but it’s so worth seeing. I’ve never been to Niagara Falls in New York or Victoria Falls in Africa but people say that this literally blows the other waterfalls out of the water (no pun intended).

If you don’t feel like splitting the parks up across both days, it’s also possible to see it all in one day and then just chill for the second day before heading back to Buenos Aires. If you’re staying at the Gran Melia, you might want to do this to really enjoy all the amenities the hotel has to offer.

On the Argentina side, make sure you don’t miss the Devil’s throat and the upper/lower circuits (along with my buddy Salto Chico). On the Brazil side, head directly to the main waterfalls path (trilha das cataratas) until you reach the end at Porto Canoas.

If you have time or want to see more of the Brazil side – you can also check out the Macuco Safari Boat or take on a strenuous hike via the Poco Preto trail (Trilha do Poço Preto).

Did you get a chance to visit the Argentina and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls National Park? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting other parts of Argentina?

Check out my other travel guides on Argentina here.

Visiting other parts of South America?

Check out my other travel guides on South America here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!