Iguazu Falls Brazil: Full Guide to Visiting Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
Is it worth visiting Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side? Absolutely yes. Parque Nacional do Iguaçu offers a completely different experience compared to the Argentine side, with breathtaking panoramic views, lush nature trails, exciting tours like the Macuco Safari, and easy access from Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto IguazĂș.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: opening hours, ticket prices, best trails, top excursions, and practical tips to make the most of your visit!
Iguaçu National Park
Every day, the Iguaçu National Park undergoes meticulous sanitation work throughout the tourist circuit, providing greater protection for visitors.
The park controls individual access to all visitors. A conservation unit with a sanitary barrier is installed at the Visitor Center.
Visiting the Brazilian side of the falls can be done without any inconvenience.
At the border crossing, there are no special requirements to enter Brazil, other than the appropriate identification documents.
Days and Hours
Iguazu Falls Brazil is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Opening hours: from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Transportation Inside the Park
First bus departure from Visitor Center: 9:00 AM
Last return to Visitor Center: 5:30 PM
Unlike the Argentine side, which uses an ecological train to move visitors inside the park, on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls you will travel in a semi-open bus from the Visitor Center to the walkway areas.
Ticket Prices Iguazu Falls Brazil
The following ticket prices already include transportation inside the park.
Foreign Visitors
Ticket
R$
117
Children
Free
(up to 6 years old)
Mercosur Residents
Ticket
R$
105
Children
Free
(up to 6 years old)
How to Buy Tickets?
Online Tickets
You can buy your tickets for the Brazilian Falls online through the official website:
Tickets + Transportation
Save time and money by booking a package that includes entry + round-trip transfer + guide. They pick you up at your hotel, whether you are staying in Argentina or Brazil.
đ Book online your Brazilian Falls entrance + transfer + guide
Top Excursions at Iguazu Falls Brazil
Routes in Iguazu Falls Brazil
Besides observing the Falls up close, at the Iguaçu National Park you can also explore trails, discover the diverse fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest, practice adventure sports like rafting and rappelling, and even get soaked under the falls aboard a motorboat.
To move inside the park, there is a bus system with four main stops you can use to plan your visit.
| Stop | Name | Main Activity | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poço Preto Trail | Hiking or biking + motorboat ride | 4 hours |
| 2 | Macuco Safari | Jeep ride through the jungle + motorboat ride | 2 hours |
| – | Bananeiras Trail | Hiking + optional kayaking | 1.5 hours |
| 3 (Main Stop) | Cataratas Trail | Lookout points + walkway + Devilâs Throat viewpoint | 1.5-2 hours |
| 4 | Porto Canoas | Restaurant + final panoramic viewpoint | 30-60 minutes |
Poço Preto Trail
(First Stop)
After boarding the shuttle bus at the Visitor Center, the first stop is the entrance to the Poço Preto Trail.
This adventure starts on a suspended walkway through the forest, followed by a 9 km hike where visitors can spot local wildlife and flora. The trail ends at the Jacaré Lagoon. You can also opt for a bike ride or electric cart ride instead of walking.
After the hike, you’ll board a motorboat for a peaceful ride along the Iguazu River. The entire experience takes around 4 hours.
Macuco Safari
(Second Stop)
The Macuco Safari is a must-do adventure. Start with a jeep ride through the jungle, then take a short walk of 500 meters through the forest, and finally embark on an exciting boat ride that brings you underneath the Iguazu Falls.
Itâs a thrilling experience perfect for those who want an adrenaline rush amid stunning natural beauty.
Bananeiras Trail
The Bananeiras Trail is located near the Macuco Safari entrance. It offers a 1.6 km trail that can be explored on foot, ending with an optional kayaking activity along the river.
Itâs a refreshing alternative for visitors looking to enjoy nature at a slower pace.
Cataratas Trail
(Main and Third Stop)
This is the main attraction! The Cataratas Trail starts near the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas and stretches for 1.2 km with various panoramic viewpoints of the Iguazu Falls.
As you walk, the views get better and better, culminating at the walkway that extends over the river near the Devilâs Throat, offering an unforgettable experience of the waterfallâs immense power.
Porto Canoas Station
(Fourth and Last Stop)
At Porto Canoas, youâll find a restaurant with a panoramic view of the Iguazu River and the surrounding Atlantic Forest. Itâs a perfect spot to relax and have a meal after exploring the falls.
The restaurant offers Brazilian cuisine with options for all tastes, and you can choose between the indoor air-conditioned area or the outdoor terrace with open-air views.
â ïž Important Safety Tips at Iguazu Falls Brazil
When visiting Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, itâs important to respect nature and follow basic safety recommendations:
- Stay on the marked trails: Do not venture off the designated paths. They are designed to protect both visitors and the environment.
- Watch out for coatis: Although they look cute, coatis can be aggressive when it comes to food. Do not feed them and avoid carrying exposed food.
- Use waterproof gear: Bring a raincoat or poncho for the viewpoints and the walkways close to the waterfalls.
- Take care of your belongings: Coatis are known to snatch bags and food items. Secure your backpack and don’t leave it unattended.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: Even though thereâs forest cover, the open areas can be very sunny.
- Carry water: Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Following these simple tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders.
đ How Long Does It Take to Visit Iguazu Falls Brazil?
The main trail that leads to the viewpoints of Iguazu Falls takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete at a comfortable pace, allowing for plenty of stops to enjoy the views and take photos.
If you plan to do extra activities such as the Macuco Safari boat ride or the Poço Preto Trail, add 2 to 4 more hours to your itinerary.
Many visitors spend a full day exploring the park to fully appreciate the experience.
đ· Best Time of Day to Visit Iguazu Falls Brazil
The best time to visit is early in the morning, right when the park opens. This way, youâll enjoy the trails with fewer visitors, softer light for photography, and cooler temperatures.
If possible, avoid visiting during local holidays or weekends, when the park tends to be busier.
â ïž Important Safety Tips at Iguazu Falls Brazil
When visiting Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, itâs important to respect nature and follow basic safety recommendations:
- Stay on the marked trails: Do not venture off the designated paths. They are designed to protect both visitors and the environment.
- Watch out for coatis: Although they look cute, coatis can be aggressive when it comes to food. Do not feed them and avoid carrying exposed food.
- Use waterproof gear: Bring a raincoat or poncho for the viewpoints and the walkways close to the waterfalls.
- Take care of your belongings: Coatis are known to snatch bags and food items. Secure your backpack and don’t leave it unattended.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: Even though thereâs forest cover, the open areas can be very sunny.
- Carry water: Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Following these simple tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders.
đ How Long Does It Take to Visit Iguazu Falls Brazil?
The main trail that leads to the viewpoints of Iguazu Falls takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete at a comfortable pace, allowing for plenty of stops to enjoy the views and take photos.
If you plan to do extra activities such as the Macuco Safari boat ride or the Poço Preto Trail, add 2 to 4 more hours to your itinerary.
Many visitors spend a full day exploring the park to fully appreciate the experience.
đ· Best Time of Day to Visit Iguazu Falls Brazil
The best time to visit is early in the morning, right when the park opens. This way, youâll enjoy the trails with fewer visitors, softer light for photography, and cooler temperatures.
If possible, avoid visiting during local holidays or weekends, when the park tends to be busier.
đ How to Get to Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
The information below also applies to the Parque das Aves and the helicopter tour over Iguazu Falls, since they are located at the same entrance area.
From Foz do Iguaçu
Public transportation works well in Foz. You can take bus line 120 (from downtown Foz to the National Park), which stops right in front of Parque das Aves and the entrance to the falls.
You can also take a taxi, use Uber (well-established in Foz do Iguaçu), or arrange a transfer service with a local agency.
Get the best deal with:
From Puerto IguazĂș (Argentina)
In Puerto IguazĂș, Uber is not available, but you still have great options: local bus, taxi, or booking a transfer service with an agency.
If you are traveling in a group, renting a car might be a great cost-effective option for touring Foz do Iguaçu. Sharing the rental cost often ends up cheaper than taking taxis or private transfers.
đ Plus, with a rental car youâll have the freedom to visit attractions at your own pace and stop for amazing photo ops whenever you want!
Driving in Foz do Iguaçu is very easy and parking is usually not a problem.
We highly recommend using RentCars to compare prices among different rental companies and find the best deals:
đž Is It Safe to Visit Iguazu Falls with Children?
Yes, visiting Iguazu Falls Brazil is family-friendly. Trails are well-marked and paved. Just make sure to keep an eye on your children around coatis (wild raccoon-like animals) â they can be sneaky!
â° Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
Arriving early in the morning when the park opens is the best way to beat the crowds and enjoy the falls peacefully.
đ§ Should I Visit the Argentine or Brazilian Side First?
Each side offers a different experience! If you want breathtaking panoramic views, start with Brazil. If you’re looking for more intense immersion in nature, start with Argentina.
đ Is Crossing the Border Easy?
Yes, crossing from Puerto IguazĂș to Foz do Iguaçu is fast and simple. You just need your passport or ID card. Transportation services simplify the process even more!
đ What Should You Bring to the Iguazu National Park (Brazilian Side)?
Wear light clothes, bring sunscreen, a raincoat or poncho (for water spray!), comfortable shoes, and clear up your phoneâs storage â youâll want lots of photos!
đ Features of Iguaçu National Park
The Iguaçu National Park, created in 1939 by Decree No. 1.035, preserves the largest remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. With over 185,262 hectares, the park protects a rich biodiversity, featuring species like the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), yellow-throated caiman (Caiman latirostris), and vibrant purple-breasted parrots (Amazona vinacea), among many others â some still unknown to science.
This incredible ecosystem diversity, combined with the breathtaking beauty of the Iguazu Falls, earned the Iguaçu National Park its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 â making it Brazilâs first protected conservation area with this honor.
United by the Iguazu River to its neighbor, the IguazĂș National Park (Argentina), both parks together form one of the most important biological corridors in South America, covering over 600,000 hectares of protected areas and 400,000 hectares of natural forests.
đ± Preserving this natural wonder is a shared responsibility between Brazil and Argentina â a true global heritage we must all protect.
đ Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?
The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls will leave you breathless. Get your tickets, pack your camera, and get ready to witness one of the most powerful natural spectacles on Earth.