If you’re traveling to Iguazu Falls, you should see both the Argentinian and Brazilian side! One of the most common ways to do so is to stay in the town of Puerto Iguazu Argentina. From there, you can visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil and the National Park easily on a day trip. Not only is it simple and inexpensive to do, but the Brazilian side offers stunning panoramic views that are completely different than what you’ll see in Argentina.
Getting to Iguazu Falls in Brazil
Traveling to Iguazu Falls in Brazil from Puerto Iguazu shouldn’t take more than an hour including the border crossing. Below are the two most popular ways to get there from the Argentina side.
Taxi: A taxi or private shuttle is the fastest way to get to Iguazu National Park in Brazil. You can actually hire a driver to take you right to your hotel.
We were quoted 1,500 Argentinian Pesos to go and return, but decided to take the bus as it was half the price!
Public Bus: An Iguazu Falls day trip to Brazil by bus is not difficult. However, there are some things to know prior to your journey.
The bus leaves from the main terminal called Puerto Iguazu Bus Station in the center of town. It runs every half hour and cost 180 Pesos ($3 USD) each way.
Make sure to buy your return tickets at the same time. We took the 8:30am bus, and recommend going even earlier to be there when the park opens at 9am.
Bus or Taxi For Your Iguazu Falls Day Trip?
This all comes down to your budget and personal preference. However, if you have 3 or more people in your group, it would make sense to take a taxi to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls!
The bus tickets come out to be just over $3 USD each way and cost us around $12 to go round trip. With the time it took to get to the bus stop, do the group border crossing, and repeat on the way back, we feel like a private transfer might be the way to go.
It really depends on how much you want to spend and what you’re comfortable with.
Border Crossing to Iguazu National Park Brazil
The border crossing is straight forward. Still, it’s definitely the longest part of getting to Iguazu Falls in Brazil. When taking the bus to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, always take everything with you when you get on and off.
It’s not dangerous by any means. Yet, it’s still important to not forget any of your belongings!
Leaving for the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls
Argentina Exit Stamp: When you reach the border the bus will stop at the Argentinian side first. Once you get off you’ll be directed into a small building.
Here you wait in line until you receive an exit stamp from the Argentina officials. The bus will also have pulled up by time you exit so follow the others and hop back on.
Brazil Entry Visa: The drive to the Brazilian entry point is actually a few minutes long. It always feels strange being in no mans land traveling in the point between two countries.
The driver will show you where to go, and there shouldn’t be more than the group on your bus going through customs in the morning. As always, double check the Brazil Visa requirements for your own country before entering.
Returning From the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls
Brazil Exit: Follow the bus driver and quickly get your stamp on the way out of Brazil.
Argentina Entry: Be aware that your 90 day Argentina visa starts from your first day of arrival… So don’t think that you have an extra day because you were in Brazil!
Also, whenever we entered Argentina we were asked our hotel name. Have this available with the correct spelling.
Iguazu National Park Brazil Info
Hours: 9am-5pm
Cost: Adults cost 97 Brazilian Real, while kids under 7 years old are free to enter.
Money: Add Brazil to your credit card notifications when visiting the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls from Argentina. Tickets, trinkets, and food can all paid by card.
Just remember you won’t be able to exchange cash at the park. You can also avoid the long park lines by using a credit card to buy your tickets.
Packing Food vs. Lunch Buffett: You are allowed to bring a packed lunch, but it’s best to eat it in the food courts to avoid the animals. There is fast food, as well as a large lunch buffet to enjoy.
Animal Attacks: Coatis, jaguars, and toucans all call the Iguazu Falls in Brazil home. Coatis are raccoon-like creatures that roam freely through the park and are pros at snatching bags and food!
Safety: Your packing list for the day should start with a passport, credit card, sunblock, and insect repellent. The sun is extremely powerful even on cloudy days.
Walking the Route of the Waterfalls
Starting the Adventure
So now you made the trek to Iguazu Falls in Brazil, bought your tickets, and are ready to see the falls! Unfortunately, the next thing you might see is the massive line that wraps through the main entry hall.
Unless you’re on a pre-booked group tour, get into line and start your wait. In total, it took us about 30 minutes until we got to the front and loaded onto the massive double decker bus.
This is a tourist bus that transfers you from the entry to the main area of the falls. You’ll have to take it both ways as there is no option for walking.
Three Bus Stops
1. Iguazu Falls Brazil Boat Tour: This stop is only if you booked tickets and have a set time for a boat tour. We chose to do our river adventure in Argentina, but have been told they’re very similar.
Either way, make a point to do it in one of the countries. As you can from the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, our boat trip was EPIC!
2. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: The second stop is not only a luxury hotel (book here), but also the start of the waterfall trail. This is where many people disembark and start the leisurely walk to the main viewing platform.
3. Elevator and Stores: The third and final stop is at the main area. Here you’ll find the buffet, a spot to eat your packed lunch, and access to the elevator that takes you down to the main viewing platform.
Our First Look at Iguazu Falls in Brazil
We got off the bus at the second stop which was the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas and the start of the waterfall route. Winding down the path, we quickly came out to our first viewpoint!
No matter if it’s on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls or Argentinian, the first time you them it will be incredible! Brazil is known for its sweeping panoramic views of the falls, and you’ll waste no time getting a glimpse of them.
Trail of the Waterfalls
The waterfall route would take us to several different viewpoints. We mentioned the Coatis before, and these pesky animals would make their presence felt quickly!
They honestly reminded us of the crazy monkeys in Bali in Southeast Asia. The way they sneak up on tourists and go into their bags looking for food is wild.
Many people were trying to get close and even take photos with the animals, but you should avoid that. The Coatis have long fangs and are known to carry rabies.
When we visited in the beginning of October we were told that it was “low season.” Well, if that’s the case we literally can’t imagine what peak season looks like!
Everyone was squeezed on the paths and fighting for a spot to take a picture. Still, we don’t mean to say that in a negative way.
I would fight all day to get to the front of the platforms and see the amazing Iguazu Falls in Brazil! Yet, it is important to know we had a much different experience here than on Argentinian side.
Since 80% of the falls reside in Argentina, there’s simply more areas to explore. Everyone isn’t confined to one walking route like on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
Walking Onto the Edge of Iguazu Falls in Brazil
In our opinion, the view at the end is hands down the best moment in the park. This in itself is worth it to make the Iguazu Falls day trip from Argentina to Brazil!
The main viewpoint also has the most scenic angle of the Devil’s Throat, which is the largest and most powerful waterfall in the park. Check out these fun facts about Iguazu Falls before your trip.
As we went in dry season, we didn’t get anything more than a little mist. However, in the wet season, the waterfalls are so strong you can get completely soaked!
Another thing we noticed is that the water patterns will quickly change with the wind. If there isn’t an amazing view of the falls because it’s too misty, just wait till the winds change. No matter what, the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls will be something you’ll never forget.
Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls From Above
After seeing the beautiful views from the main planked walkway, we headed towards the elevator. If you don’t feel like waiting in line like us, simply cut to the left and make the 5 minute climb up the stairs.
The views from the top are stunning and the last one we got on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls! Once we could finally pull ourselves away, we checked out the small gift shops and cafe.
Here we grabbed a refreshing mango smoothie before heading back to Argentina to complete our Iguazu Falls day trip. The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is much smaller than Argentina, so it took us about a half day to complete.
We left Puerto Iguazu Bus Station at 8:30am in the morning and returned around 2:30pm in the afternoon. Check out our two day Iguazu Falls itinerary for both Argentina and Brazil.
More Tips For Iguazu National Park Brazil
Overall, we had an amazing day exploring Iguazu National Park in Brazil. Visiting the park in both countries was one of the highlights of our travels this year! To help future travelers, here are three things you can do to have an even better day than we did.
1. Be at the park and in line for the falls before it even opens. When we arrived at 9:30am (after getting to Iguazu Falls by public bus) the park was already packed. If we did it again we would make sure to be there by 8:30am at the latest.
2. Take the bus to stop 3 first! The long planked walkway that is the best part of the falls is here.
Yet, if you do the walk in reverse you can head straight to this part and hopefully be the first to see it! This was one of the most stunning views from our Iguazu Falls day trip, but pushing and fighting through the crowds limited our enjoyment.
3. Spend a night at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas if possible. Coming in around $300-400 USD per night, this is the only hotel in the park on the Brazil side.
If you can afford it this will allow you to see the views before the crowds arrive, and at a much more relaxed pace.
4. Plan to visit the Argentina side of the Falls the following day.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
