Introduction: Iguaçu waterfalls Brazil
The Iguaçu waterfalls Brazil or Iguazu waterfalls are dividing the Iguaçu river into a lower and an upper section. The river sources near Curitiba and for most of its course goes through Brazil. However most the waterfalls are in Argentina.
To visit the falls in the Brazilian side, we had to get to the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu and as we were staying in Puerto Iguacu, first we went through immigration to enter Brazil.
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Getting to Iguaçu waterfalls Brazil
Bus
The easiest and cheapest way to get to the waterfall is by bus (you can of course also get there by cars, motorbike, bike…).
For us, it was really easy. As we knew the park was opening only at 9am, we left our guesthouse around 7:55am and walk to the bus station. And by 8:08am, a coach arrived with a big sign “Brasil Cataratas Falls”. We just raised our hand to stop the bus and hoped in.
It was a yellow bus named “Crucero Del Norte”. When we enter the coach, we bought 2 tickets (300 pesos each) to get there. The driver told us that the return is at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. As we didn’t know how long we would need, we didn’t buy the return ticket directly.
The bus was comfortable and wasn’t full at all, we were maybe 7 people on it.
Tips: Once we were back, we also saw that RIO URUGUAY bus operator had services with city bus and coach going to the Brazilian side.
The borders
Neither Tina nor I needed visa to get to Brazil or Argentina, therefor passing immigration was quite easy.
After maybe 5min, the bus made a first stop at the Argentinian border. We went off the bus and enter the immigration office, got an exist stamp and exit the building from the other side, where the bus was waiting us.
Everyone’s on board. Then We crossed the bridges between the 2 countries and made another stop at the Brazilian border. This time, we first had to walk back to the other side of the building to get in the immigration office from Argentina to Brazil.
Once done and everyone on the bus, we kept on until the national parc and arrived at 8:41am.
National park
Entering the park
As mentioned earlier, the Brazilian national park opened only at 9am. While we could buy the ticket before the opening of the park in Argentina, here the tickets offices only open at 9am sharp!
First, when we arrived, we lined up to get our ticket. If you do not want to wait, you can also buy the ticket from electronic terminals with credit card.
A bit later, we purchased our tickets for 72 BRL (we still had Real from Brazil, but you can also pay in pesos, euro or dollars).
The entrance fee of the park is: (for tourist)
- 59 BRL to enter
- 11 BRL for the bus in and out to the park
- 2 BRL for the foundation
Tips: You can also come with your bike and walk if you do not wish to take the bus but it approx. 11km.
Once our tickets in hand, we lined up to take the bus. But first, picture time, together, hands up, kiss. When you exit the park, you can buy them.
The bus ride took 15 to 20min and by 9h40 we were at the beginning of the trail.
Trail to the waterfalls
Here, there is only 1 trail to the waterfalls. The other trails are for optional activities.
The trail is made that you can only go one way around the waterfall. You start at the furthest point and finish in front the devil’s throat.
This side was much more crowded than the Argentinian side but yet beautiful. It gives a different approach of the waterfalls.
At first, you get a real panoramic view of the falls before ending up right in front of them.
Once we finished the trail, we made a lunch break with a nice view. At the end of the train, there is a complex with nice sitting area, WC, shops and restaurants. Or you can also eat standing while admiring the falls.
Going back from Iguaçu waterfalls Brazil
Once you are ready, you can either go back on the trail or take the bus back to the entrance. We took the 12h20 bus to the entrance of the park. At this time, there were less people entering the trail. And later it was also less crowded at the ticket office. But it was much warmer.
From there, you simply go back where the coach to the park dropped you and wait for him. It will be the same as getting in, first immigrations.
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazu
- Budget: Casa 24 Puerto Iguazu
- Mid-Range: Ocio Apart
- Luxurious: Gran Melia Iguazu
