A calm town in northeastern Argentina, gateway to Iguazú Falls. Visitors explore the lush Iguazú National Park and experience the local Guaraní culture.
Puerto Iguazú, a city in Argentina's Misiones province, is the gateway to Iguazú Falls. The city offers more than just the famous waterfalls. You can walk through rainforests, see native animals, and learn about Guarani culture. Activities include boat rides near the falls, nature walks, and visits to local communities. Puerto Iguazú caters to travelers interested in natural wonders and cultural experiences.
Exploring Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Puerto Iguazú's main draw. Plan to spend at least a full day exploring the walkways on the Argentine side, which give you views from different angles. For an exciting experience, take a speedboat ride that brings you close to the spray of the falls. If you want to see the falls from above, you can book a helicopter ride over the 275 individual cascades, including the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat).
Natural Wonders Beyond the Falls
Puerto Iguazú has more to offer in terms of nature. You can hike the 4.5 km Sendero Macuco trail through jungle terrain, where you might see brown capuchin monkeys and toucans. The trail ends at a secluded waterfall with a swimming hole. Animal lovers will appreciate the Güirá Oga animal refuge. This center rehabilitates and breeds local fauna, allowing you to learn about and observe the area's wildlife.
Learning About Local Culture
To understand the area's indigenous heritage, visit the Comunidad Guarani Yriapu. This community lives a largely self-sustainable lifestyle on a 300-hectare plot. You can talk with locals, learn about their traditions, and buy handmade souvenirs. For an educational experience, visit La Aripuca, a park that raises awareness about deforestation. The park has a house made from enormous tree trunks and offers guided tours that explain environmental conservation.
Three Frontiers and Cross-Border Excursions
At the western end of Puerto Iguazú, you'll find the Three Frontiers viewpoint. From this spot, you can see the meeting point of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, and look out over Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay at the same time. In the evening, there's a sound and light show with videos projected onto the mist. For a different view of the falls, you can take a day trip to the Brazilian side. It has fewer walking trails but provides a good vantage point above the Garganta del Diablo.
Practical Information for Your Visit
The best time to visit Puerto Iguazú is during August and September when the falls have high water levels and hiking conditions are good. To get to the city, you can fly into Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR), which has several daily flights from Buenos Aires. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs around AR$350. For places to stay, consider the Gran Melia Iguazu or the Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru, which are comfortable and well-located. For getting around, buses are available with one-way fares costing AR$5, while taxis use a fixed-fare system for popular destinations.
