Iguazu Falls - Brazil
- Nathalie Almeida
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
Foz do Iguaçu is a city that borders Argentina and Paraguay. Foz do Iguaçu is home to the impressive Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, recognized and admired worldwide. In 1986, UNESCO declared it a Natural World Heritage Site and, in 2012, the Iguaçu Falls were elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
Iguaçu National Park: Home to the famous Iguaçu Falls. In 1986, UNESCO declared it a World Natural Heritage Site, and in 2012, the Iguaçu Falls were elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. The park offers different trails and viewpoints to enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfalls.
Macuco Safari Tour: Offers exciting boat trips to the Iguaçu Falls, allowing a closer experience of the waters.
Aerial View / Helicopter Tour – Helisul offers panoramic flights that are, in our opinion, UNMISSABLE. The flights last on average 15 minutes.
Parque das Aves : A bird sanctuary that is home to several species from the region, offering visitors the opportunity to interact with exotic birds. It is the only institution in the world focused on the conservation of birds from the Atlantic Forest . The Iguaçu Forest is one of the most important remnants of the Atlantic Forest in existence and the park is located within this forest. You can have a complete experience of connection and knowledge about the birds and their forests, a natural heritage of global importance within your reach. The visit consists of a long and pleasant walk through the aviaries and the forest, providing a unique and sensational tour.
Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant / Itaipu binacional : One of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world, it offers guided tours to see its facilities and learn about its importance.
Tip: when you visit the plant, you can request a stamp on your passport (right at the beginning of the tour), since Itaipu belongs partly to Brazil and partly to Paraguay.
Marco das Três Fronteiras : Here you can see the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, marked by the confluence of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers. When visiting the city, take the opportunity to also visit the cities that border Foz do Iguaçu – Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina).
Ciudad del Este
Ciudad del Este, located in Paraguay, is a city known mainly for its vibrant commerce, making it a point of interest for tourists looking for products at competitive prices. But don't be fooled, there's much more to it than that and it's surprising! It's worth opening up to discover Paraguay beyond shopping.
Friendship Bridge : This bridge connects Paraguay to Brazil, connecting Ciudad del Este to Foz do Iguaçu. It is an important landmark on the border and can be interesting for a quick visit, as well as providing views of both cities. If you choose to cross on foot, it is important to be very careful. This option is not recommended for safety reasons.
Shopping and Commerce : Ciudad del Este is famous for its electronics, perfumes, clothing and many other products at low prices. There are several shopping malls and street shops, such as Shopping China and Shopping del Este , which are the most popular among tourists.
Ñacunday National Park : Located about 40 km from the city, it is a perfect destination for those who enjoy nature and hiking. The park is home to a rich fauna and flora, as well as waterfalls and a peaceful atmosphere.
Templo de Luminárias : A point of religious interest, where you can see an impressive structure and a peaceful environment, ideal for those who appreciate architecture and peaceful places.
Art Museum : For culture lovers, the Ciudad del Este Art Museum offers a glimpse into the local art scene, with exhibitions of contemporary and regional art.
Monday Falls : Further south of Ciudad del Este, Monday Falls is a lesser-known natural attraction that offers beautiful views, trails, and picnic areas. The walk is quite pleasant and shows you more than just shopping in Paraguay!
Although the city is not so focused on traditional tourism, it offers a combination of shopping and natural attractions for those looking for an alternative itinerary.
Puerto Iguazu
Duty Free Shop Puerto Iguazú : A large shopping complex located in the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazú, where tourists can shop tax-free.
Iguazu Falls (Argentine side) : The main attraction of Puerto Iguazú is the impressive Iguazu Falls. The Iguazu National Park, on the Argentine side, offers an infrastructure of trails that allow for an immersive experience, with different viewpoints, such as the famous "Devil's Throat". You can take boat trips, hike through the jungle and even visit the upper viewpoint for panoramic views.
Hito Tres Fronteras : This is a landmark that marks the meeting of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, and where the three borders meet: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. From the viewpoint, you have an impressive view of where the three countries meet, as well as a symbolic monument to visit.
Green Path : A hike through the subtropical jungle in Iguaçu National Park that offers an immersion in the local flora and magnificent views of the vegetation and fauna. It is a short trail, perfect for those who want to enjoy nature up close.
Wax Museum of Historical Figures : Located in Puerto Iguazú, this museum is interesting for those who enjoy history and culture. It displays wax figures of great personalities from Argentina and the world.
La Aripuca : An ecotourism attraction that promotes environmental awareness. La Aripuca is a construction made from tree trunks that were illegally removed from the forest, with the aim of showing the impact of logging. It also provides information about local biodiversity and the ecosystem.
Puerto Iguazú Crafts Fair : For those who like souvenirs, the fair offers local artisanal products, such as clothing, jewelry, wooden crafts and ceramics, as well as typical foods.
Itaipu Binacional (visit to the Argentine side) : Although it is closer to Foz do Iguaçu, it is possible to visit the Itaipu hydroelectric plant on the Argentine side, which offers an educational and awareness-raising experience about renewable energy.
Sendero Macuco : One of the most popular trails in Iguaçu National Park, the Macuco trail offers a walk through the jungle, where you can observe local fauna, such as monkeys and birds, until you reach a beautiful waterfall, called "Catarata Arrechea".
Boat trip on the Iguaçu River : Offered by some tour operators, the boat trip takes visitors to the falls, providing an exciting experience of being up close to the waterfalls. The boat goes close to the Devil's Throat and allows you to feel the force of the water in a unique way.
Continuing on the Brazilian side...
Buddhist Temple : A temple with oriental architecture and peaceful gardens, ideal for contemplation and meditation.
Free entry
Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque: Sunni mosque, inspired by the second largest sacred center of Islam, the Al.Aqsa mosque, in Jerusalem (the first is Mecca, in Saudi Arabia).
Tips from Foz do Iguaçu Agencies:
MMC Tourism
Loumar Tourism
These two agencies offered quality and culturally enriching tours. They were our choices for guided tours and we were VERY satisfied with the service provided.
*We have no sponsorship involved in these nominations.
These were the two agencies where we bought the tours. In Foz, each location is far from each other, so:
If you go by car, you have the advantage of getting around more easily.
If you choose to travel by plane or bus, agencies are a practical way to take your tours because they include transportation.
Car by app: Uber is a bit complicated to request depending on your location. At the airport, there is a movement that makes it difficult to use cars by app (they have their own app in the city), however, leaving the airport area it was practical to get a car by app (including to return to the airport).
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