What to do in Puerto Iguazú? My personal experience
Hello everyone! If you are reading this, you are probably planning a trip to Puerto Iguazu or maybe you are just dreaming of one. Whatever your situation, I have some recommendations based on my own experience that you can’t miss!
The majestic Iguazú Falls
Let’s start with the main course. Did you know that the Iguazu Falls are considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? It’s not hard to see why. The first time I peered over the edge of the overlook, I felt a mixture of awe and excitement. The moisture-laden breeze, the deafening sound of the falls and the immensity of this natural jewel is something that simply cannot be described in words. You have to live it!
Boat ride under the falls
Once you have admired the falls from the viewpoints, I recommend that you go one step further. Have you ever imagined what it feels like to be under one of those gigantic waterfalls? Well, don’t be left wanting. There are local companies that offer boat rides that take you just below the falls. Be warned: you’re going to get wet! But what’s a little water compared to an unforgettable experience?
An encounter with the local fauna
Do you like animals? Puerto Iguazú is a true paradise for nature lovers. On my walks through the trails of the Iguazú National Park, I had the opportunity to come across monkeys, coatis and an incredible variety of tropical birds. But a word of advice: always keep your belongings securely fastened! Coatis are known to be a bit mischievous.
The triple frontier
Have you ever been to three countries at the same time? In Puerto Iguazú you can do it. The point where the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay converge is known as the Triple Frontier. From the Argentinean landmark, you can admire the coasts of the other two countries. It’s a unique experience and a must-see photo!
Culture and gastronomy
I end this tour by recommending that you immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a delicious Argentinean barbecue or freshly made empanadas. The hospitality of the people of Iguazu is something I always highlight in my visits. Be sure to chat with the locals and learn their stories. Every corner of Puerto Iguazú has a story to tell.
Puerto Iguazú, a small town with large waterfalls, is a short drive from the national park with the magnificent falls that share its name.
Although the main attraction for tourists is this waterfall declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, visitors can also dedicate a few days to various ecocentric, cultural and leisure activities.
Located in the littoral zone of northern Argentina, next to the rainforest and the borders of Brazil and Paraguay, you can spend one or two days at the falls and then explore them.
Around the city and outside of Puerto Iguazu, visit some peculiar attractions, learn about the Guarani Indians and observe the exotic fauna for which this region is known.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Puerto Iguazu:
Iguazu National Park
Iguazu, one of the natural wonders of the world and home to hundreds of waterfalls, is the reason people come to the city.
is the reason people come to the city.
In the Argentine part of the national park there is a lot to do, so you can walk around even after you have visited the most famous waterfalls.
There are two main trails – the Upper Circuit and the Lower Circuit – and a couple of smaller trails that take you through the jungle landscape to view the waterfalls.
Along the way you will see native plants such as ferns, orchids and cacti, as well as creatures such as capybaras, hummingbirds and lizards.
There is also a free boat to the island of St. Martin, where you can hike more trails and sunbathe on an idyllic beach.
2. Devil’s Throat
Take the train or walk to the beginning of the trail that will take you to the viewpoint of La Garganta del Diablo.
It is the highest and most famous of all the Iguazu Falls, so get your cameras and raincoats ready (there may be some fog). You will feel the power of nature as millions of liters of water rush down 80 meters from this chasm-shaped waterfall complex.
Watch for butterflies, birds and crocodiles around the river near the footbridge, and watch out for coatis (furry mammals) that will try to steal your food.
3. Waterfall cruise
After getting as close as you can to the falls on foot, take an exciting boat ride on the Iguazu River to get even closer.
Bring your waterproof gear and a change of clothes and prepare to be drenched by these rushing waters on a thrilling ride over the falls themselves.
You will have an incredibly different view of the falls from your perspective on the river.
Boats leave from the Lower Circuit or Puerto Macuco and take tourists through the rapids to the waterfalls and directly to the San Martin waterfall.
Some boats have watertight compartments, but be sure to stow your electronics before you get too close.
4. Zip line
To add a little more adventure to your visit to Iguazu, head into the jungle to go zip lining with one of the city’s tour agencies.
Take a stroll through the countryside, walk through the jungle and reach the three zip lines where you will descend at full speed, one after the other.
After the canopy experience, you can also rappel down a waterfall, an adventurous activity but suitable for beginners and families.
Be prepared to get wet and muddy, and bring a swimsuit for a short swim at the end.
It is a good half-day adventure in the real jungle, away from all the tourists in the national park.
5. The House of Bottles
This fascinating bungalow was built entirely from recycled bottles and pallets and other previously used packaging materials, and is well worth a look.
The house is a unique attraction and the owner, who helps build homes for the less fortunate in the surrounding area, can tell you all about the construction techniques he and his family used during a guided talk.
It is only 300 meters from the road leading to the falls, and here they sell original handicrafts made from plastic bottles and tin cans that make great gifts.
The house is full of decor and furniture made from things that would have ended up in a landfill, so you’ll see things like chairs made from old tires.
6. Shopping for local handicrafts
In the handicraft market you will find everything typical Argentinean, such as the mate and the bombillas (metal straws) used to drink this traditional herbal beverage.
You can buy handicrafts made by the Guarani, such as pottery, baskets woven with geometric motifs, carved wooden bowls and the embroidered linen napkins and blouses known as aho-poi.
There is also a lot of jewelry and metalwork, and you can find semi-precious stones at excellent prices that are mined nearby.
There is a handicraft market next to the Hito Tres Fronteras (landmark marking the three borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay), and even more stores along Victoria Aguirre Avenue and along Brazil Avenue.
7. The Aripuca
The Aripuca, a sort of family-owned ecotourism attraction, is a huge house built with incredibly old tree trunks that contains different informative areas and exhibits.
Designed to teach visitors about the traditional culture of the Guaraní people and to promote the conservation of environmental resources, the house was built from the design of a trap used by the locals to capture animals.
You can pass through here on your way from the city to the national park, and here they have a market that sells handicrafts and ice cream with natural flavors such as yerba mate and flower petals.
8. Guira Oga
To see even more wildlife than you saw in the national park, head to this animal refuge where you’ll find lots of birds, from toucans and parrots to eagles and owls.
They also have inside some capuchin monkeys, anteaters, capybaras and other native mammals.
It is a rescue center rather than a zoo, so most of the birds here were brought in to be rehabilitated after being injured in the park.
Some will be released in the future, while others can no longer survive in the wild and live in the reserve.
It is only five kilometers from the city and the guides will take you on a tour to see the animals and tell you about the work they do here.
9. A spa day in the jungle
After a long day or two of hiking the falls, head out of the city into the jungle and get a massage surrounded by lush vegetation at the Jungle Spa.
Just a few kilometers from Puerto Iguazú, enjoy treatments performed by professional staff in the midst of birds and exotic trees.
They have a gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and saunas for relaxation, as well as various types of massages, manicures, pedicures and yoga classes.
The spa also offers exclusive treatments, such as mud therapy, chocolate baths and hydrotherapy.
For luxury treatments inside the park, head to the Sheraton Iguazu or Hotel das Cataratas.
10. Visit to the Guaraní Indigenous Community and Reserve.
A community tourism project easily accessible from the center of the city of Puerto Iguazú. Take a guided tour through the jungle and the indigenous settlement of the Mbya Guaraní Yryapú Community.
Get to know the customs of the Guarani people and their way of life, while visiting the places where they grow vegetables and fruits and learning about local traditions.
You will hear stories about the community’s history, religion and language, and learn about their ancient methods of hunting, survival and medicine.
The cost of the visits is used for social and medical assistance, and you will be able to purchase handicrafts such as woven baskets, seed necklaces and bracelets, and animal figures carved in wood from members of the local community.
11. The mines of Wanda
Some of Argentina’s best semi-precious stones, such as amethysts, agates, quartz and topaz, are found in these rainforest mines.
About 60 kilometers from the city of Puerto Iguazú, along the Paraná River, the mines are located in the town of Wanda, which was settled by Polish immigrants.
Mining companies have been operating here since the 1950s, and tourists can take guided tours to see where the gemstones are found and how the mining process works.
You will go down into the mines and learn how gemstones and geodes are formed, as well as see the workshops where the stones are polished and carved.
12. Garden of the Hummingbirds
Here you can get up close to several species of beautiful fluttering hummingbirds that come to feed in a garden filled with lots of feeders.
It is a tourist attraction located on the private property of a family that loves hummingbirds (so make sure they are open before heading home). The owners have a passion for nature and care for wild birds themselves, and it all started when hummingbirds began coming to their garden to feed.
For a small entrance fee, you can sit amidst the lush surroundings and feeders to observe and take photos, and the knowledgeable owners will help you identify the birds.
13. Full moon excursion in Iguazú
It only happens a few nights a month, so if you find yourself here during a full moon, you’re in luck! During these five nights a month, the Iguazu National Park opens for visitors to tour the falls by moonlight and contemplate the hundreds of waterfalls that fall on the Argentine side.
There are three excursions per night, and visitors take the train to the Devil’s Throat for a unique and magical experience, listening to the sounds of nightlife along the way.
You can view the falls in a more intimate setting, with hauntingly beautiful lighting, and some are even lucky enough to see a “midnight rainbow” created by moonlight coming through the mist.
14. Yabotí Biosphere Reserve and Moconá Falls
Visit this rainforest reserve in the province of Misiones, where eight Guarani tribes still live.
Named after the river that runs through it, you can float down the strong currents of water in inner tubes, go rafting and venture on hiking trails in this purely Amazonian-looking forest.
Also located within the reserve, the Moconá Falls form along the Uruguay River, but this curtain of water extends the length of the river, not the width of it, at a height of 10 meters, running parallel to the river itself.
The dense forests in this area have been threatened by logging, although they are home to endangered species of parrots and toucans, as well as jaguars and pumas.
Visitors can go bird watching, kayaking or on “safaris” in search of footprints in this subtropical biosphere.
15. Have a drink at Feirinha
This is the place to start the night or enjoy happy hour in Puerto Iguazú.
Visit this strip of stores and Brazilian food stalls (especially on weekends) for a cheap beer or a glass of wine while tasting the traditional food of the region.
Grab a plate of picadas (or picanhas in Portuguese), an assortment of cured meats, cheeses and olives, and sit outside with a drink.
It is a large local Brazilian market ideal for strolling around or grabbing a bite to eat at affordable prices.
Located on Avenida Brasil, one of the city’s main shopping areas, at one end of the street you will find items such as clothing, leather and soccer equipment, and at the other, these food and beverage options.
The best time to walk the Upper Circuit is from 1 to 2 hours, starting at the lookout tower and passing by the Dos Hermanas, Bossetti, Chico, Ramírez and San Martín falls (the widest in the park).
Along the way, you can also contemplate the San Martin Island and the Brazilian side, and you will pass by several streams and creeks.
The Lower Circuit, 1.8 km long, is covered in 2 hours, passing first by the Lanusse and Alvar Núñez falls, and then by the Lower Iguazú River and the furious Dos Mosqueteros and Tres Mosqueteros falls.
The trail meanders towards the Ramírez, Chico and Dos Hermanos waterfalls.
Here you will find an inspiring view of the Devil’s Throat and the Bossetti Falls.
From the Salto Bossetti waterfall, a small trail leads to a small pier, where you can take a free boat to San Martin Island.
Conclusion
Puerto Iguazú is more than just waterfalls. It is a complete experience that combines nature, adventure, culture and hospitality. If you have the opportunity to visit this corner of Argentina, do not miss it. And if you’ve already been here, what are you waiting for to come back? I assure you there is always something new to discover!
