Iguazu Falls, Argentine Side
Iguazu National Park
Iguazu National Park was created in 1934 by Law No. 12,103, with the mission of preserving the magnificent Iguazu Falls and their surrounding natural environment.
Argentine Side of Iguazu Falls
A Raw Encounter with Nature’s Power
Some places can’t just be described—you have to feel them. The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls is a direct jolt of life: roaring water, breathing jungle, wildlife crossing your path, and thick air that recharges your soul. If you’re planning a trip to this breathtaking corner of the world, here’s more than just a guide—it’s an invitation to fully live the experience.
Why Visit the Argentine Side of Iguazu Falls?
Because you will walk it. Because you will smell it. Because you’ll leave soaked, tired, and completely happy.
The Argentine side of Iguazu National Park allows you to experience over 80% of the waterfalls, both from above and below, on walkways that dive into the jungle and bring you inches from the rushing water. Here, you’re not just a spectator—you become part of the landscape.
Things to Do at Iguazu Falls
Here you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls — prices, schedules, and detailed guides for all trails inside Iguazu National Park (including times and tips).
Upper Circuit
- Distance: 1,750 meters
- Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Low – No stairs
- What you’ll see: Panoramic views from above. Feel the vertigo without getting wet. Perfect for photos.
- Tip: Best early in the morning with soft light and fewer crowds.
Lower Circuit
- Distance: 1,700 meters
- Estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium – With stairs
- What you’ll see: The heart of the action. You’ll walk underneath the falls, almost touching the water.
- Tip: Bring clothes that can get wet. It’s the most exciting trail in the park!
Devil’s Throat
- Distance: 2,200 meters (round trip)
- Estimated time: 2 hours (including the ecological train)
- Difficulty: Low – Flat walkways
- What you’ll see: The most powerful and iconic fall. The roar is deafening, and the mist will soak you.
- Tip: Visit early. Heavy rain or rising waters can cause closure for safety reasons.
Macuco Trail
- Distance: 3,600 meters (round trip)
- Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium – Natural dirt trail, wilder terrain
- What you’ll see: A peaceful jungle walk ending at a hidden waterfall.
- Tip: Perfect if you’re looking for solitude, wildlife sightings, and zero crowds.
Ecological Jungle Train
- Route: 7 km inside the park
- Estimated time: 25 minutes to Devil’s Throat station
- What you’ll see: Lush jungle landscapes, animals crossing, and fresh air.
- Tip: The ride is free with your ticket. Arrive early during peak season to avoid lines.
Green Trail
- Distance: 600 meters
- Estimated time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Very low
- What you’ll see: Quick immersion into the jungle. Connects the entrance with the visitor center and train station. Suitable for all ages.
- Tip: Good alternative to walking instead of waiting for the train.
💡 Traveler Tips
- Arrive early: To avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a raincoat or extra clothes if planning a boat ride.
- Hydration and snacks: Bring water and light snacks. There are food options inside the park, but prices can be high.
- Sun protection and insect repellent: Essential due to the subtropical climate.
- Do not feed wildlife: Especially coatis, as they can become aggressive.
🕒 How Much Time Do You Need to Explore Iguazu Falls?
One full day is enough to complete the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and Devil’s Throat. You might even squeeze in a boat ride if you move quickly, although you’ll have limited time for photography and breaks.
Two days is ideal if you want a more relaxed experience, to fully enjoy all trails, and include extra activities like the Macuco Trail or a boat adventure.
🎟️ Iguazu National Park Ticket Prices (2025)
🎟️ Entrance Fees for Iguazu Falls
Prices vary depending on visitor category and residency:
General Admission
45,000 ARS
Argentine Residents
15,000 ARS
Misiones Province Residents
5,000 ARS
Students
7,000 ARS
Free Admission for:
- Children up to 5 years old
- National retirees and pensioners
- People with disabilities (with official disability certificate)
- Falklands War veterans
- Local residents
🕒 Park Opening Hours
Open: Every day of the year, including holidays and rainy days
From 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Last entrance allowed: Until 4:00 PM
🎟️ How to Buy Tickets for Iguazu Falls
You can purchase your tickets:
- Online through the official website: Iguazú Argentina
- At the park’s ticket offices (payment accepted in Argentine pesos, credit, or debit cards)
👉 Buy your ticket online to avoid lines:
https://ventaweb.apn.gob.ar/reserva/inicio?dp=02
🎟️ Benefit for Second-Day Entry
If you validate your ticket at the end of your first visit, you get a 50% discount for the following day!
🚗 How to Get to Iguazu National Park
Here are the different options for getting to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu city:
With a Travel Agency
If you book a tour package, agencies will handle everything. They pick you up at your hotel, accompany you during the park visit, and bring you back. Some packages even include a guide for the entire experience.
You can check prices directly from agencies. Some packages even include a boat ride adventure!
By Taxi
In Puerto Iguazu city, many taxis offer round-trip service to Iguazu Falls, both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
It’s a great option for groups (up to 4 people) since the cost is similar to public transport, but with the comfort of hotel pick-up at your chosen time. For solo travelers or couples, public transport is usually cheaper.
Book by WhatsApp: 3757432599
By Car
Getting there by car is very easy. From Puerto Iguazu to the national park, there is only one main route, and it takes about 20 minutes.
Take National Route 12, then Provincial Route 101, which leads straight to the Cataratas area. Everything is well signposted.
By Public Bus
Public buses depart from the main bus terminal downtown Puerto Iguazu to Iguazu National Park.
Buses run from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM approximately, every 30 minutes. Look for buses marked: CATARATAS – WATERFALLS. Service operated by Río Uruguay company.
How to Explore Iguazu National Park
You can explore the park on your own or join a licensed tour guide. A guide will be assigned at the park entrance, with groups of up to 30 people. You can also request a private guide just for your family or group.
Your guide will accompany you throughout the visit, sharing knowledge and experiences to enrich your exploration.
Is It Worth Hiring a Tour Guide?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it! Let me explain why. I am a resident of Puerto Iguazu and have visited Iguazu Falls many times. Every visit has been spectacular, full of magic and emotion. But it was mainly about admiring the beauty.
During the pandemic, when hiring a guide became mandatory, I discovered a new dimension: not only enjoying the view but also learning about history, geology, and wildlife.
We encountered many animals—birds, fish, mammals—and the guide shared detailed information about each, even better than what you would find online.
Plus, the guides often tell personal stories and experiences that make the journey even more memorable.
History of Iguazu National Park
Here’s a brief summary of the history of Iguazu National Park.
In 1902, the renowned French landscape architect Carlos Thays was commissioned by the Argentine government to create a site plan for the Iguazu Falls region.
His main mission was to design the necessary infrastructure for visitor access and stays near the waterfalls.
Among his recommendations, he suggested that the surrounding lands be preserved as a public park. As a result, on October 12, 1909, the national government was authorized to reserve lands around the falls for the creation of a National Park.
Although the planning for the Iguazu National Park began earlier, it wasn’t until 1928 that the government officially purchased 75,000 hectares of land, including the falls themselves.
On October 9, 1934, the National Parks Administration was created through Law No. 12.103, legally establishing the Iguazu National Park as the second national park in Argentina, and the first in the northern region of the country.
The park was founded not only to protect the landscape around the falls but also the lush tropical rainforest and its rich biodiversity of plant and animal species.
In 1986, Iguazu National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features of Iguazu National Park
The park is located in the extreme northwest of the Misiones Province, Argentina. It covers an area of 67,000 hectares.
It borders to the north with the Iguazu River, which separates it from Brazil, where the Iguaçu National Park is located.
To the east, it is limited by a north-south line interrupted several times by the Yacuí stream.
To the west, the boundary is a line perpendicular to the road connecting Puerto Iguazú with the falls.
Finally, the southern limit is defined by the Mbocay stream and part of National Route No. 12. From there, it runs west to east until it meets the eastern boundary, approximately 9 km away from National Route 101.
Globally renowned for the beauty and majesty of its waterfalls, the area is one of Argentina’s richest in wildlife and flora diversity: the Misiones Rainforest (known outside Argentina as the Paraná Forest), which once covered the entire Misiones Province.
UQ