The Iguazu Falls which spans across Argentina and Brazil are the largest waterfall system in the world. This waterfall system consists of an astounding number of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometers. For travelers who enjoy a spectatcle , the Iguazu Falls are a must visit. The Argentinean side of the waterfalls are located within the Iguazu National Park in the Misiones region.
How do i get there from Buenos Aires?
From Buenos Aires, you have the option of travelling by air or by land to Puerto Iguazu, the town closest to the falls. For those short on time, flying will be a better option as flights take approximately 90 minutes whereas buses takes 17 hours to make the journey. The advantages of the buses are that they are cheaper than flights, meals are provided and you can save on one night’s accomodation. Many bus companies ply this route and updated prices and schedules can be found on the website – www.platforma.com.ar. Tickets can be bought from the website but you need to print out the ticket. You can also buy the ticket over the counter at the Retiro Bus Terminal in Buenos Aires. A 10 percent discount is given by most companies if you pay cash when purchasing tickets over the counter.
The first part of your journey is completed when you arrive in Puerto Iguazu. The buses from Buenos Aires will drop you off at the main bus terminal at Puerto Iguazu. At the same terminal, you will find counters selling bus tickets to the waterfalls. These buses leave regularly every 30 minutes and fortunately only take 30 minutes to get to the Argentinean entrance of the Iguazu Falls National Park. There are also regular buses to go to the Brazilian entrace to the falls.
How much does it cost?
You have to pay for a ticket to the national park at the entrance. Due to inflation, the rate for the ticket constantly changes. It is best to check before your visit. As of February 2018, the rate for foreigners is 500 Argentinean Pesos. Keep the ticket if you are planning to visit the next day as you get 50% discount for a second visit.
With the ticket, you are free to hop on the trains that run in the park. You can also walk on the comfortable and numerous trails in the park. They will bring you to viewpoints where you can admire the impressive Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat) and a series of smaller but no less impressive waterfalls.
There are also tour operators offering boat rides that will take you even closer to the waterfalls. If you are looking for an extra shot of adrenaline, these tours will provide it. The tours cost between 30 to 50 US Dollars depending on the length of the rides.
How much time should i spend here?
You can easily spend two days exploring all the walking trails on the Argentinean side of the park and going on the boat rides although most visitors only visit for one day. If you plan to go to both the Brazlian and Argentinean side of the falls, allocate a minimum time of a full day for each country. If you are spending the whole day at the parks, a supply of empanadas and sandwiches from town would be a good idea as food options are limited within the park.
You get closer to the falls on the Brazilian side but as 80% of the falls are in Argentina, you will have a better appreciation of the immense scale of the waterfall system from the Argentinean entrance.
Where do i stay?
Puerto Iguazu is the base for exploring the falls. A quiet town with a good range of accomodations and restaurants – it is pleasant place to base yourself.
There are frequent bus connections to other Argentinean cities in the north such as Cordoba and Mendoza. To travel to places south of Buenos Aires, you will have to first go to Buenos Aires to make a connection from there.
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