Brazil · February 2026
Overview
If the Argentine side puts you inside the falls, the Brazilian side shows you the whole picture. From the trail you see the full panorama of the falls across the river, ending on a walkway into the spray in front of the Devil's Throat. It takes only half a day, and together with the Argentine side it is one of the best two days of any trip to South America.
The Guaraní named the falls "big water". The Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to see them in 1541. Brazil's Iguaçu National Park was created in 1939 and became a UNESCO site in 1986. Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviation pioneer, visited in 1916 and pushed for the land to become a public park. Nearby, the Itaipu Dam, opened in 1984 and shared by Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world.
How long to stay: 2 to 3 days to see both sides plus Itaipu or the bird park.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the west of Paraná state, at the triple border with Argentina and Paraguay. The park entrance is about 25 km from Foz do Iguaçu city.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | BRL 80–150 ($15–29) | BRL 300–550 ($58–106) | BRL 1,200+ ($231+) |
| Food | BRL 70–120 ($13–23) | BRL 150–280 ($29–54) | BRL 400+ ($77+) |
| Park day | BRL 134 + bus | + Macuco Safari | Helicopter flight |
| Daily total | BRL 300–420 ($58–81) | BRL 800–1,400 ($154–269) | BRL 2,500+ ($481+) |
Things to Do
A 1.2 km trail along the cliff with views of the falls on the Argentine side, ending at a walkway that goes out over the river, right in front of the Devil's Throat. Expect to get wet. At the end, an elevator takes you up to a viewpoint.
Price: BRL 134 for foreigners (BRL 121 for Brazil and Mercosur residents), including the park's double-decker bus · Time needed: 2 to 3 hours · Tip: buy online and choose an early time slot.
An open truck through the jungle, a short walk, then a speedboat up the river into the spray of the falls.
Price: about BRL 400–500 · Tip: wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothes.
A 10-minute flight over the falls from just outside the park, the only way to see their full size.
Price: about BRL 800–1,000.
A bird park next to the national park entrance, with huge walk-through aviaries of toucans, macaws and flamingos, focused on rescue and conservation.
Price: about BRL 100–130 · Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.
One of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, about 7.9 km long, providing most of Paraguay's electricity and part of Brazil's. Tours range from a panoramic bus tour to the inside of the power plant.
Price: about BRL 50–150 depending on the tour.
A landmark where you can see Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, with a light and culture show at sunset.
Price: small fee.
Cross the border to Puerto Iguazú for the Devil's Throat catwalks. See the Argentine Iguazú guide.
Tip: bring your passport; taxis and tours cross the border easily.
Transit Tips
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By air: flights from São Paulo, Rio and other cities to IGU.
From the airport: Uber or bus 120 to the park (15 minutes) or the city (20 minutes).
From Argentina: buses and taxis from Puerto Iguazú cross the bridge.
Uber and 99: easy and cheap.
Bus 120: from the city terminal to the airport and the park.
Keep in mind that Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazú normally have the same time, but check your phone at the border in case either country changes its clocks. Bring a rain poncho or clothes that can get wet: the spray at the Devil's Throat soaks everyone.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Portuguese can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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