Iguazu

Iguazu Falls

Notes

  • Iguazu airport (IGR) has a post-apocalyptic look.
  • There is nothing else going on in this town other than the Falls. Hotels are in Iguazu town (about 20KM – 15 miles from the airport)
  • The most convenient way to get into town is taxi. There is no need to pre-book one. Just walk out after landing, pre-pay for a taxi at the taxi booth. It costs 120 peso
  • There is also a mini-bus / van that goes to town right after every flight lands – the van drops passengers to their individual hotels. It costs 35 pesos. They also pickup right from the hotel, but that requires a reservation to be made 24 hours in advance. Call Raul to make pick-up reservation. No website. When you arrive at IGR airport, claim your bag and come out of the arrivals area (through the double glass doors). The bus kiosk is right outside the glass doors to your left. The taxi counter is inside the glass double doors. Ignore them and come out to the bus counter. See picture.
  • You can walk to La Triple Frontera park from your hotel in Iguazu town (of course depends upon where your hotel is in Iguazu town)
  • There is a Bus that goes from La Triple Frontera park to the waterfalls – costs 25 peso. Takes about half hour. Not crowded at all. Comfortable. The bus company is called Rio Uruguay. You can also get the bus from the Iguazu town center bus station. Every 30 minutes.
  • Returning from the Iguazu Falls to Iguazu town, you come out of the main park entrance and then go to the right all the way to the end. There is a office where you pay for the ticket. Then get on the bus right in front. See schedule for buses leaving falls, going to Iguazu town.
  • The waterfall is locally called Cataratas. Iguazu is the town. The waterfalls are Cataratas. Park entrance fee is 130 peso. If you’re going to come back the very next day you can talk to the cashier before you leave. He will record your ticket number and ask you for a photo ID. CA drivers ID was good, passport not required. When you come back the next day, show yesterday’s ticket and the photo ID and your entrance fee is half (65 peso).
  • You can drop off your bag by the main entrance. 1 bag 1 day 10 peso.

    THE PARK:

    • I only visited the Argentine side of the park, so all information here is only about the Argentine side.
    • Without the Macuco Trail, you can easily see the whole Argentine side of the park in one day. Don’t believe the people that tell you that you need 1.5 days. Its typically the people with vested interests that want you to stay more than 1 day (taxis/hotels/restaurants). There are essentially 6 things to do in the Argentine side of the park –
      1. You could hike along the Green Trail – instead of riding the first segment of the train. This is alright. DO IT.
      2. Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) (You have to take 2 trains, and then a bit of a walk to get there). Takes 2 hours. This is a MUST SEE.
      3. Upper Circuit (a walk along the top of several waterfalls). Takes 30 to 45 minutes
      4. Lower Circuit (a walk along the bottom of several waterfalls). Takes 1 to 1.5 hours. This is a MUST SEE.
      5. Free boat to San Martin Island + little hike to vista points. Takes 1 hour. This is a MUST SEE.
      6. Trek along the Macuco Trail Not many people do this, I dint do it either, but it looks good.
    • You have to take 2 trains to get to Devil’s Throat. You should walk the first segment (that’s the Green Trail). DO NOT walk the second segment. It’s a long walk with no views whatsoever due to the dense tree cover on both sides. Also you have to walk right along the train track so you’ll be inhaling the train engine’s fumes. TAKE THE TRAIN.
    • Devil’s Throat is spectacular. After taking one or two trains, you walk for a bit to get to an overlook right on the edge of the horseshoe shaped Devil’s Throat. This is a spectacular site, with huge water-flow. Expect to get wet a little bit due to the mist. This is a MUST SEE.
    • Upper trail is alright – you could skip it if you are short on time.
    • Lower trail is pretty good. You see a lot of waterfalls from the below. This is a MUST SEE.

    • Iguazu Falls

    Pictures taken with a Canon T3I with the 18-55 and 55-250 kit lenses
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