Things to Do at Iguazú Falls: A Luxury Guide | OffTheGrid Travel
The Garganta del Diablo, the Devil's Throat, Iguazú National Park
Iguazú is not one waterfall but a chain of them, strung along the border between Argentina and Brazil and protected on both sides as national parks. Seeing it well takes more than an afternoon. This is how we plan time at the falls for our clients, from the walkways to the water itself, with Gran Meliá Iguazú as the base.
Upper and lower trails, and the Devil's Throat.
The Gran Aventura and open-boat safaris.
Güirá Oga and the Hito Tres Fronteras.
What is there to do at Iguazú Falls?
In short: walk the trails above and below the falls, ride the eco-train to the Devil's Throat, take a boat to the base of the falls, cross to Brazil for the panoramic view, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Staying inside the park at Gran Meliá Iguazú lets you spread this over several days, at your own pace.
Walking the Argentine side
The upper and lower trails
The Argentine side of the Iguazú National Park holds most of the falls, and its walkways run both above and below them. The upper trail follows the edge of the falls from above. The lower trail drops into the forest for views looking up at the water. Both begin close to the hotel, so an early start puts you on them before most day visitors arrive.
The Devil's Throat
The park's eco-train, the Tren Ecológico de la Selva, runs through the rainforest to the walkway for the Garganta del Diablo, the Devil's Throat. This is the most dramatic point of the falls, a horseshoe of water where the Iguazú River drops away beneath the viewing platform. Go early, and bring a light waterproof: the spray carries.
The eco-train runs through the rainforest to the Devil's Throat
Can you take a boat under Iguazú Falls?
Yes, and for many of our clients it is the part they remember most. The Gran Aventura boat trip heads upriver to the base of the falls, close enough to be soaked. Gran Meliá Iguazú can also arrange open-boat safaris to the base of the falls on request. Pack a dry bag and a change of clothes.
Should you visit the Brazilian side too?
If time allows, yes. The Brazilian side has fewer falls but the wider view, with a walkway of around 1,200 metres looking back across to the Argentine cascades. Half a day is enough, and it fits well on a departure day if you are flying on from Foz do Iguaçu. Check the FCDO's travel advice for Brazil before you go.
The Brazilian side, for the panoramic view back across the falls
Beyond the falls
Güirá Oga, a wildlife refuge around 25 minutes from the hotel, is worth a morning. The Hito Tres Fronteras, about 40 minutes away, marks the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet across the rivers. In the park itself, coatis and capuchin monkeys are regular company on the trails.
Back at the hotel, there are mate ritual classes, art workshops, yoga and wine tastings, and the Yasí Spa, whose 30-minute water circuit is well placed after a day on the walkways.
The falls reward those who stay. The best of Iguazú happens early, late, and on the water.
How many days do you need at Iguazú Falls?
Two nights is the minimum we suggest. Three lets you walk the Argentine trails, ride out to the Devil's Throat, take a boat to the falls and cross to Brazil without rushing. Read our Gran Meliá Iguazú review, see the full hotel listing, or speak to us about building Iguazú into a longer South America journey.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of Iguazú Falls is better, Argentina or Brazil?
Both are worth seeing. The Argentine side holds most of the falls and the closest views, including the Devil's Throat. The Brazilian side offers the wider panorama back across the falls. OffTheGrid Travel recommends seeing both.
How many days do you need at Iguazú Falls?
Two nights at minimum, and ideally three, to walk the Argentine trails, visit the Devil's Throat, take a boat to the falls and spend half a day on the Brazilian side.
Can you take a boat to the base of Iguazú Falls?
Yes. The Gran Aventura boat trip travels upriver to the base of the falls, and Gran Meliá Iguazú can arrange open-boat safaris on request. Expect to get wet.
What wildlife can you see at Iguazú Falls?
Coatis and capuchin monkeys are commonly seen along the trails. The Güirá Oga wildlife refuge, around 25 minutes from Gran Meliá Iguazú, is also worth visiting.
Where is the best place to stay at Iguazú Falls?
Gran Meliá Iguazú is the only hotel inside Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side, so the trails and the park's eco-train start close to the hotel.
OffTheGrid Travel curates bespoke luxury holidays across our Roam, Restore and Renew collections. Tell us how active you want your time at Iguazú to be, and we will shape the days around it.
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