Things to do in Puerto Iguazú

Puerto Iguazú began in 1902 as Puerto Aguirre. It sits where the Iguazú meets the Paraná, at the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay touch. The falls, about 17 km away, are why most things to do in Puerto Iguazú exist.

The town and the borders

The town is small, and an afternoon covers it.

• Hito Tres Fronteras. A viewpoint at the confluence, about a kilometre from the centre, with Brazil and Paraguay across the water.
• Güirá Oga. A wildlife rescue centre on Route 12, a few kilometres out.
• Tancredo Neves Bridge. Opened in 1985, it carries the road to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.

Two sides of the falls

The falls are about 275 drops, up to 80 m high. Argentina holds almost 80 per cent of them, and its walkways run close. The Brazilian side has the wide view.

• Argentine park. Created in 1934, a World Heritage Site since 1984. Walkways lead along the Upper and Lower circuits and out to the Devil's Throat, which takes about half the river's flow. A boat ride reaches the foot of the falls.
• Brazilian park. Listed in 1986. A walkway along the canyon reaches the lower base of the Devil's Throat.
• Itaipu. A dam on the Paraná, 7.9 km long and 196 m high, shared by Brazil and Paraguay and generating since 1984.
• Bird Park. At Foz do Iguaçu, opened in 1994 on 16 hectares.

What gets booked

Tours in Puerto Iguazú are mostly private. Cars collect you at the hotel and cross the bridge for the Brazilian side, Itaipu and the Bird Park.

• Extras. Dinner shows and duty-free shopping runs.
• South on Route 12. One long day to the Wanda mines, 55 km from the falls and known for amethyst, and on to San Ignacio Miní, a Jesuit mission on its present site since 1696.
• Longer stays. Guided tours of the falls run three and four days.

Practical

• Weather. January afternoons reach 32C, with nights near 21C. July afternoons reach 22C, with nights near 11C. About 1,960 mm of rain falls a year, and no month gets under 100 mm.
• Time. Allow a full day for the Argentine side. The Brazilian half-day runs about five hours.
• Season. The national tourism site names autumn, March to May, as the best time to go.
• High water. The river runs highest from December to February. A flood in June 2014 carried away most of the Devil's Throat walkway, and rising water closes it from time to time.
• Border. Take your passport for Brazil. Some nationalities need a Brazilian visa.
• In the park. Bring insect repellent, and do not feed the coatis or monkeys.