Is a Day Trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires Worth It?

If you only have time in your itinerary to do a quick day trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. This post will answer that question and give you all you need to know to get the most out of your quick trip.

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Is a Day Trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires Worth It?

While you could easily spend 2-3 days in Iguazu Falls, if the only way you can fit it in is by doing a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires, then it’s definitely worth it. However, you should prepare yourself for a very long day. Additionally, you may not get to do everything you would like during your trip.

How to Get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

There are a couple of ways to go from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and I’ll cover each in this section. Which way you choose is completely up to you and will depend on how much time you have as well as your budget.

Fly

The quickest way to get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls is by flying. You can fly into either Brazil or Argentina as both have airports close to the falls. If flying into Brazil, you will want to arrive at Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) and if you plan to arrive in Argentina, you will want to fly to Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR).

The flight will take just under 2 hours and is a direct flight. You can expect to pay around $300 per person if you book your flight in advance (at least a month). Peak travel times are December to February so you will want to purchase tickets sooner rather than later for the best prices and choice of flight times.

Bus

Although there are buses available to get to Iguazu Falls, this is not the recommended option if you are only going there on a day trip. In fact, traveling by bus from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls will take you 18 hours and typically occurs overnight. Tickets can cost between $160-$200 depending on the type of seat you choose.

Tour

For an all-inclusive and easy day trip to Iguazu Falls, consider taking a tour. These will provide you with a guide, transportation, admission fees, and a quick overview of the highlights and popular viewing areas. This will be the most stress free and best option if you are short on time.

3 Best Tours from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

One of the easiest ways to visit the falls is on a tour from Buenos Aires. When choosing the right one for you, look to see what’s included, where the stops are, and if any meals or snacks are included. Most tours only visit one side of the falls.

1. Iguazu Falls Private Day Trip from Buenos Aires with Airfare

This is the tour I chose as my top pick because although it doesn’t include a boat tour, it visits the highlights and all the trails on the Argentinian side of the falls. In addition, it is wheelchair accessible and a good option for people of all abilities. It also includes airfare and comes highly rated in reviews.

Not included are gratuities, souvenirs, and food/drinks.

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2. Day Trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires (Argentinian Side)

This is also a private tour although it comes at a cheaper price than the one listed above. The main difference is that this one indicates that it is not wheelchair accessible. As a result, this 5-star review tour is an excellent option for those without mobility problems.

Included in the price of the tour are hotel pick up/drop off, airfare, park fees, and guided tour of the Argentinian side of the falls. Food and drink are excluded from the price.

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3. Private Day tour Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires with Great adventure

This tour has two options tour only or tour with airfare. This allows you to book the tour at the cheapest price if you feel like you can easily get to and from the airport in Buenos Aires and find a better flight price than the company. Alternatively, you could let the company handle all the details and pay a higher price.

This 5-star review tour allows you to tour the Argentinian side of the falls as well as take a boat ride to the base of the falls (where you will get soaked). This allows you to truly feel the power that Iguazu Falls creates. Excluded from the price are gratuities and food/drink.

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Iguazu Falls FAQ’s

Can I see both sides of the falls on a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires?

While it is technically possible to see both the Argentinian and Brazilian side of the falls in one day, most tours only take you to one side (typically the Argentinian side). If you would like to see both sides, it is highly advisable to spend more than one day at Iguazu Falls. Both sides are worth visiting and offer unique perspectives.

What is the weather in Iguazu Falls like?

Iguazu Falls has a subtropical climate. It is surrounded by a rainforest so precipitation can happen at any time. However, during the summer months of January and February it can get hot and very humid.

Other seasons will bring milder temperatures as well as fewer crowds. Even during the winter high temperatures can reach the mid-seventies (Fahrenheit). During the summer, highs can be in the nineties.

When is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls?

The falls are a popular tourist destination, so you may want to avoid peak tourist season if you prefer quieter environments. The busiest months are usually January, February, and July. April and May will have mild temperatures while being less crowded.

Since it’s in a rainforest, rain can occur at any time and there is no designated rainy season. Temperatures will vary depending on the season. The season may also dictate which activities are available.

So, as long as crowds are not a concern, then any time you can visit the falls is a good time and will come with its pros and cons.

What are the animals at Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls is home to a rich variety of animal species, including:

• Jaguars: These large cats are the top predators in the area but are elusive and difficult to spot.
  
• Coatis: These raccoon-like mammals are common in the park and can often be seen near the trails and viewpoints. They are known for their boldness and may approach visitors in search of food.
  
• Capuchin Monkeys: These small, agile monkeys are often seen in the treetops around the falls.
  
• Toucans: These colorful birds with large bills are a common sight in the park and can often be seen perched on branches or flying overhead.
  
• Macaws: These large, colorful parrots are also found in the area and are known for their loud calls and striking plumage.
  
• Giant Otters: These sleek, aquatic mammals are rare but can sometimes be spotted in the rivers and pools around the falls.

In addition to these species, there are many other animals that live in the park, including butterflies, snakes, lizards, and various bird and mammal species. The park is known for its biodiversity, and conservation efforts are in place to protect the area’s wildlife. Many animals that reside within the park on the endangered species list.

Do I need a tour to do a day trip to Iguazu Falls?

While it is not necessary to take a tour to visit Iguazu Falls on a day trip, it can make the experience more convenient and informative. Taking a guided tour can provide you with more information about the falls, the surrounding flora and fauna, and the history and culture of the area. Some tours may also include a boat ride or other activities.

However, if you are on a budget, you can organize a day trip to Iguazu Falls on your own. To do this, you will need to book flights, arrange transportation to and from the airports, and factor in the cost of admission to Iguazu Falls. The advantage of this is that you can go at your own pace and choose which side of the falls you’d like to visit.

Ultimately, whether you take a tour or not depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. If you prefer the convenience and information provided by a guided tour, it may be worth the extra cost. However, if you prefer more flexibility and are comfortable navigating on your own, you can save money by going on your own.

How much does it cost to visit Iguazu Falls?

The entrance fee to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina, where the majority of the falls are located, is currently $25 per person. You can pay at the ticket offices at the entrance to the park in cash (in Argentine pesos) or with a credit or debit card.

The Iguazu Falls entrance fee on the Brazilian side is $18 for adults and $3 for kids up to the age of 11. ATM machines can be found at the entrance if you wish to withdraw money, otherwise paying by debit or with credit card is also an option.

Is a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires enough time to visit?

In my opinion, a day trip to Iguazu Falls is not enough time to do the area justice. While you will see most of the highlights of the falls, there is still so much more you can see and do. Ideally, you will want to spend 2-3 days at Iguazu Falls to immerse yourself in the plethora of activities and gorgeous scenery.

However, as I mentioned earlier in the post, if all you have available is a quick day trip, then Iguazu Falls is still worth visiting. It’s an incredible place to look for wildlife and see the power and beauty that mother nature offers.

Where should I stay in Iguazu Falls if I decide to stay more than one day?

There are several hotel options on both the Argentinian and Brazilian side of the falls. If you want to stay within the national park, then spending a night or more at the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel is an excellent option. It has everything you need onsite.

Is Iguazu Falls Wheelchair Accessible?

Good news! Iguazu Falls is wheelchair accessible. Both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides have wheelchair access and accessible shuttles to the overlooks. Pathways are also mostly accessible (a few of the hiking trails are not). For more information on wheelchair accessibility at Iguazu Falls, make sure to read my post dedicated to the topic.

Final Thoughts on a Day Trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

I hope that this post has convinced you that a day trip to Iguazu Falls is worth the time and effort. More so, I hope that this post has encouraged you to dedicate more time to visit this incredible place on a separate trip. It is truly a wonder of mother nature that will leave you in awe and wanting more.