taytrum travels

Iguazú Falls is a bucket list natural wonder for good reason. Many people are also excited to visit this area because you can visit two, or even three countries quickly and easily within this one spot. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about crossing the Brazil-Argentina border at Iguazú Falls.

How to Cross the Border Between Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu

Crossing from Foz do Iguaçu to Puerto Iguazú (or vice-versa) is not too hard, however there are a few things to know in advance. These tips will help your South America travel plans go more smoothly.

1. A river marks the border between Brazil and Argentina here. You must take a bridge over the Iguazú River to cross. On each side you have Brazilian and Argentine immigration checks.
2. There is not a footpath or sidewalk to cross by foot over the bridge. You must take transportation such as a taxi, rental car, or bus.
3. It is possible to visit the Brazilian side as just a day trip. The Brazilian side of the park can be done in less than four hours.
4. You must bring your passport. Many nationalities do not need visas arranged in advance for visit Argentina and Brazil. Beginning January 2024, Americans will need a visa for Brazil though. Sidenote if you’re a passport stamp junkie: As of 2023, Brazil stamps your passport. Argentina does not.
5. Local currencies (Argentine pesos and Brazilian reales) can be acquired on both sides of the border in town or at some hotels.

The easiest way to cross between the two countries is to use a local taxi driver. Your hotel can help arrange this, or you can hail a taxi on the street. This gives you personalized flexibility on when to go and where to be dropped off. The prices are reasonable, and you can sometimes learn a bit more about the area from the local drivers.

There is also a bus route in Puerto Iguazú that stops at the Brazilian immigration point. This is the cheapest way to cross, but requires you to work around the bus schedule and deal with crowds. From Brazil, there is also a bus to Iguazú Falls.

Alternatively, you could book a multi-day guided tour that takes you to both the Argentine waterfall side and Brazilian side through Get Your Guide or Viator. This is the most expensive way to visit both sides, but takes most of the thinking and planning out of the equation for you. Using a taxi is the moderate compromise between the two other options in my opinion.

Iguazú Falls Border Crossing Time and Experience

In 2023, I paid 10,000 pesos for a taxi to take me from Puerto Iguazú to my hotel outside the park on the Brazilian side. At the time, this was equivalent to $21 USD. Once I arrived at the Brazilian side, I had to get out of the car and enter a building for immigration. There was no line and it was very quick. I left during a weekday around noon. Leaving Argentina took a bit longer. Immigration and customs on Argentina’s side as you leave has cars pull up to windows to present their documents.

Important note: I traveled here during the low season and my taxi driver explained that during the high season the wait can be much longer. If you are traveling during the southern hemisphere’s summer period and especially if you plan to fly out of Foz do Iguaçu that same day, budget for 1-2 additional hours to get through immigration and traffic at the bridge.

The Best Way to Get to Iguazú Falls

For most people, it will be fastest and easiest to get to Iguazú Falls by plane from a major city in Argentina or Brazil like Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro. There are many regional flights that connect this corner of the continent to the major hubs. The airports in Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazú are both relatively small and simple to navigate.

From the airport, you can easily flag a taxi to take you to a hotel. It is best to base your stay in Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazú and venture into the parks during the day. Puerto Iguazú is more walkable and oriented towards travelers in my opinion. If you can afford it and plan far enough in advance, both sides of the park have luxury hotels that are within the park boundaries.

How many days for Iguazú Falls?

I would spend at least two full days at Iguazú Falls. This would give you at least one full day on each side of the park. If you’re short on time, you could do a half day on the Brazil side. When I visited in 2023, I spent five days in Iguazú, which was plenty of time for a slow-paced visit to the area.

When is the best time to see Iguazú Falls?

Weighing the weather and the crowds, the best time to see Iguazú Falls is from April to May and September to October. During these windows, there are fewer crowds and the heat will not be too bad. If you prefer to see the falls when the volume of water is highest, you’ll need to go in the rainy season between November and December. In July, locals enjoy a winter holiday period, and you may find larger crowds here at this time.

Do you need a visa to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls?

Starting in January 2024, Americans will need a visa to visit Brazil. Argentina currently welcomes American travelers with a passport scan (no stamp) upon arrival. As always, check with the Department of State, or your nationality’s equivalent, to learn the most up to date information.

What is the third country to visit here?

After exploring Iguazú Falls, you may be interested in a day trip or continuing your onward travels into Paraguay to the west of Foz do Iguaçu. Ciudad del Este, Paraguay is a city on the Paraná River. One of the main things that draws international visitors in is the three borders marker and viewpoint.

On all three sides of the Y-shaped river convergence, there is a marker with a viewpoint of the borders of the three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Many people like visiting this cool spot, or even go to visit all three markers (hitos in Spanish or marcos in Portuguese).

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