To reach Puerto Iguazú, you first need to go through Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side.
Since we were arriving from São Paulo, our bus dropped us off at the Foz terminal. From there, you’ll need to catch a second bus to cross the border. They run once or twice an hour, but keep in mind: for foreigners, the bus will pull over at the border checkpoint
First steps in Puerto Iguazú
Since we didn’t know the bus schedule and were pretty exhausted after our 17-hour journey, we decided to just grab a taxi. They do offer transfers, but it will set you back 20 euros, compared to only 5 euros for the bus.
Buenos
Aires
Puerto
Iguazu
Arriving at our hostel around 3 p.m., we found out the pool was closed for maintenance. Oh well. We settled in, headed out to grab some groceries, and spent the evening chatting with other travelers. Among them were two French guys heading south, and we hit it off right away. One of them actually had a mutual friend with Mathilde—it really is a small world, even on the other side of the globe.
The Iguazu Falls: a truly breathtaking spectacle
The next day, it’s an early wake-up call at dawn. We’re heading to the Iguazú Falls on the Argentine side.
However, the day starts with a bit of a scare: Tristan loses his phone on the bus. Panic ensues, searching, tracking… After an hour of pure stress, it miraculously turns up.
Talk about a way to kickstart the day!
The Iguazú National Park stretches over several kilometers, and you really need a full day to explore it all. There are four main trails:
- Upper Circuit: panoramic views from high above the falls.
- Lower Circuit: pathways through the heart of the forest, getting you as close to the water as possible.
- Garganta del Diablo: the famous Devil’s Throat, which you can reach by a little train.
- Sendero Macuco: a more wild trail, perfect for hikers.
We covered three of the four trails, which was more than enough to stretch our legs and feast our eyes. Between the coatis (those cheeky little creatures around the park), the humid jungle, and the roar of the water, it’s a non-stop show.
The entry ticket costs around 35 to 40 € par personne, but the magic of the place quickly makes you forget the price.
Quick tip: arrive early, around 8 a.m., to beat the crowds and enjoy the morning light.
We had a picnic on site (the park’s snack bars are decent, a bit pricey but handy), then wrapped up our visit around 3 p.m., happy but completely exhausted after walking nearly 23 km.
To get your tickets, we recommend visiting le site officiel du parc!
A quiet evening
Back at the hostel, we crashed for a few hours before heading out again for dinner. We picked a hotel restaurant with great reviews on Google Maps, but the meal was… an experience: ham lasagna. Nothing terrible, just a bit unexpected! We ended the evening chatting with Marine, a French traveler we’d met the day before who was volunteering in Argentina. She gave us tons of great tips for the rest of our trip.
The Three Borders Borderpoint
The next day, we set off to discover the Hito Tres Fronteras, the spot where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet.
A viewpoint marks the junction of the three countries, separated by the Paraná and Iguazú rivers. It’s symbolic and peaceful, even if the place gets quite touristy.
Along the way, we stumbled upon an abandoned boat, rusty but fascinating—a relic from another era.
Aside from the falls, Puerto Iguazú is just a quiet little town with a few bars, not much nightlife, and a real feel of a place people are just passing through. Around here, everything revolves around the cataratas.
Just a few days left before you head off!
We spent our last day resting, doing some shopping, and planning the next leg of our journey.
The next day, a total change of scenery: a bus to Ciudad del Este, just across the Paraguayan border.
And here we go again: passport control, the bus pulling away without warning, and a thirty-minute walk to the next terminal to catch another one.
The take-away: always pack plenty of time, patience, and water when crossing these borders.
Getting There
- From Foz do Iguaçu, catch a bus to Puerto Iguazú. Border crossing can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxis and rideshares are also available for a quicker, though slightly pricier, crossing.
What to See & Do
- Chutes d’Iguazú (côté argentin): four trails to explore, so plan for a full day here.
- Chutes d’Iguaçu (côté brésilien): a shorter visit, but offers spectacular panoramic views.
- Hito Tres Fronteras: a great viewpoint overlooking all three countries.
Where to Stay
- Hostel à Puerto Iguazú: quiet, well-located, and often includes a pool (when it’s up and running).
Where to Eat
- If you’re in the mood for a quirky take on Italian food: La Mamma Pastas & Salsas
- For a relaxed evening beer: De La Fonte Bar
Travel Tips
- Buy your park tickets in advance (official site: iguazuargentina.com).
- Get an early start to catch the best morning light and beat the crowds.
- Pack snacks, water, and a raincoat—you will definitely get wet near the falls.
- Always double-check the bus schedules before heading across the border.
Reflecting on Iguazu
Summaries
