Foz de Iguazu Argentina
Experience Chile can add Foz de Iguazu to the start or end of your South American itinerary and route you via Buenos Aires - although we can also route you via Brazil if required.
The usual program consists of transfer in and out, a two-night stay and one full day visiting the falls, but this can be extended if you wish. We will arrange accommodation in any of the hotels in, and around the Iguazu water falls as wells as options further into the forest. The flight from Buenos Aires is around 3.5hrs.
Introduction
The River Iguaçu (Rio Iguazu), which means “big”, is the river that leads to the falls and has its source 19km upstream where the River Alto merges into it. The Rio Iguazu (meaning big) is then swelled by some 30 other rivers as it flows across a plateau and swirls around a number of islands before it opens up to a width of 4km. Continuing its downward journey it moves fast and furious over rapids for 3.5km until speed and gravity bring it thundering over a 74m high precipice of 270 separate waterfalls spanning 2,430m.
One waterfall, called the “Devils Throat”, is set in a U-shaped vertical arc, measuring 150m in diameter and 700m in surface length, is accepted as the most impressive sight as well as straddling across the border division between Brazil and Argentina.
A permanent mist hovers over the area and on both sides of the falls are national parks full of beautiful flora and fauna.
Foz de Iguazu The Argentine and Brazilian Sides
Two-thirds of the falls lie within Argentine territory and the other third in Brazil. The water of the lower Iguaçu collects in a canyon that then drains into the Paraná River - a short distance downstream from the Itaipu Dam. The point at which all these water flows meet marks the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Most visitors reach the falls coming from the Argentine side through the city of Puerto Iguaçu. However, visitors should be aware that Brazil and Paraguay require citizens from some countries to obtain entry visas, which is often time-consuming. For example, North American visitors from Argentina who want to cross over into Brazil to see the falls from that side need an entry visa to enter Brazil and this can mean having to visit the Brazilian consulate at the nearest city in Argentina, in person.
International Airports
There are two international airports that service Iguaçu Falls (one in Brazil and one in Argentina), although each is several km from the actual falls: the Brazilian Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) and the Argentine Cataratas del Iguaçu International Airport (IGR).
Clothes to Pack
Summer clothing, light tops, shorts, light pants, and warmer tops for cool evenings. Hat, sun-protection cream and sunglasses.
SUGGESTION: For the tours that take you under the waterfalls it is suggested you use a set of "older clothes" for that day because although you will receive wet weather tops you may still get wet underneath.
Experience Chile Itineraries
Should we include a visit to the Foz de Iguazu in your Southern America itinerary we would suggest a minimum of two nights in order to relax upon arrival, have a full day and second night and then travel back to Buenos Aires or on to a place in Brazil. Naturally, you can stay for longer.
A visit to Iguazu is ideal at the beginning or end of your South American itinerary and particularly convenient if you are passing through Buenos Aires.