Nov 12, 2025
275 spectacular waterfalls 2.7 km long on the border between Argentina and Brazil. It's Iguazu Falls!
To reach Puerto Iguazú, you first have to go through Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian side.
As we were arriving from São Paulo, our bus dropped us off at the Foz terminal. From there, you need to take a second bus to cross the border. There is one or two per hour, but be careful: for foreigners, the bus stops at the border checkpoint for visa checks and then departs without you. Since we didn't know what time the bus would come and we were tired after the 17-hour journey, we decided to take a taxi. They perform transfers, but it costs 20 euros, compared to 5 euros for a bus.
First Steps in Puerto Iguazú
Arrived at our inn around 3 PM, we discover that the pool is closed for renovations. Too bad. We settle down quietly, head out to buy some cooking supplies, and end the evening chatting with other travelers. Among them, two French people heading south, with whom the conversation flows naturally. One of them even had a mutual acquaintance with Mathilde: it is a small world, even at the other end of the globe.
The Iguazu Falls, a total spectacle
The next day, up at dawn. Direction the Iguazú Falls, on the Argentine side.
But the day starts with a little scare: Tristan loses his phone on the bus. Panic, search, location… After an hour of stress, it miraculously reappears.
What a great way to kick off the day.
The Iguazú National Park stretches over several kilometers, and you need to set aside a full day to explore everything. There are four main circuits:
Upper Circuit: elevated view of the falls.
Lower Circuit: trails in the heart of the forest, closest to the water.
Garganta del Diablo: the famous Devil's Throat, accessible by a small train.
Sendero Macuco: wilder, for walkers.
We have traveled three of the four paths, already quite enough to fill our legs and eyes. Between the coatis (those little mischievous animals of the park), the humid jungle, and the rumbling of the water, it’s a permanent spectacle.
The entrance ticket costs around 35 to 40 € per person, but the magic of the place quickly makes you forget the price.
A little advice: arrive early, around 8 a.m., to avoid the crowd and enjoy the morning light.
We had a picnic on-site (the park snacks are decent, a bit expensive but convenient), then finished the visit around 3 p.m., happy but exhausted after nearly 23 km of walking.
To get your tickets, we recommend visiting the official park website!
Iguazu in Pictures
A Quiet Evening
Back at the inn, we collapsed for a few hours before heading out for dinner. We chose a well-rated hotel restaurant on Google Maps, but the experience was... particular: ham lasagna. Nothing dramatic, just a little unexpected. We ended the evening chatting with Marine, a French woman we met the day before, who was volunteering in Argentina. She gave us plenty of advice for the rest of the trip.
The Three Borders Point
The next day, we set off to discover the Hito Tres Fronteras, the place where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet.
A lookout marks the junction of the three countries, separated by the Paraná and Iguazú rivers. It’s symbolic and peaceful, even if the place remains quite touristy.
On the way, we came across an abandoned boat, rusty but fascinating, a vestige of another era.
Outside of the falls, Puerto Iguazú remains a small quiet town: a few bars, little nightlife, and above all a transient atmosphere. Here, everything revolves around the cataratas
Last days before departure
We spent our last day resting, shopping, and preparing for the next part of the trip.
The next day, a new change of scenery: a bus to Ciudad del Este, on the other side of the Paraguayan border.
And here we go again: passport control, the bus leaves without warning, a thirty-minute walk to the next terminal to catch another one.
Moral: always allow time, patience, and water to cross these borders.
Practical Information
Access
From Foz do Iguaçu, take a bus to Puerto Iguazú. The border crossing may take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the flow.
Taxis and rideshares also make the crossing, faster but more expensive.
Things to see / do
Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side): four circuits, plan for a full day.
Iguaçu Falls (Brazilian side): shorter, but spectacular panoramic view.
Hito Tres Fronteras: viewpoint of the three countries.
Where to sleep
Hostel in Puerto Iguazú: quiet, well-located, often with a pool (when it is operational).
Where to eat
If you want to try a weird Italian place: La Mamma Pastas & Salsas
For a beer in the evening: De La Fonte Bar
Tips
Buy your tickets for the park in advance (official site: iguazuargentina.com).
Arrive early to enjoy the light and avoid the crowd.
Bring something to eat, water, and a raincoat: the falls get you wet.
Check the bus schedules before crossing the borders.
