Is Iguazu Falls Wheelchair Accessible? A Complete Guide for Wheelchair Users and People with Limited Mobility
There are some iconic waterfalls in the world, Niagra Falls, Victoria Falls, and Iguazu Falls. If you’re a waterfall lover like me, you want to visit them all. However, you may be wondering is Iguazu Falls wheelchair accessible. This post will answer that question and give you all you need to know about how to visit this incredible place.
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Is Iguazu Falls Wheelchair Accessible? The Argentinian Side
I had the opportunity to visit Iguazu Falls after cruising to Antarctica, and I’m happy to say that the Argentinian side is wheelchair accessible! Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting the falls in a wheelchair or limited mobility.
The Upper Trail
The upper trail is the blue trail on the map above. This trail will take you to the tops of many of the waterfalls located on the Argentinian side. This trail is also fully wheelchair accessible
Surfaces vary from pavement to a metal grated bridge. The bridges can be a bit bumpy due to the seams in the grates, however my small, powered wheelchair had no problem managing them. Railings line the bridges, and the width is wide enough for people to pass you (although it may feel a little tight at times).
This upper trail is also an excellent place to watch for wildlife, so don’t just admire the falls. Keep an eye on the skies and in the trees to see if you can spot some of the local residents.
The Lower Trail
The lower trail is the yellow one depicted on the map. This trail is partially accessible. Stairs prevent you from doing the full loop, however, you can go to the Two Sisters Waterfalls, continue a little further for another overlook, and get a distant view of Devil’s Throat.
To access this trail, you will need to descend a paved pathway that is on a fairly steep incline. Manual wheelchair users may need some assistance. It is also not recommended to access this trail when it’s raining due to slick conditions. My powered wheelchair was able to navigate the incline fine.
The surfaces are a combination of pavement and metal bridges (like the ones on the upper trail). Ramps will allow you to avoid the stairs in some areas, but not all.
Devil’s Throat
If you continue back to the trail head and go clockwise around the loop, you’ll come to an open paved area (that leads to stairs) where you can get a distant glimpse of the Devil’s Throat. The full lower trail was not open when I visited due to rain and flood damage, however, I was able to get to this overlook.
Is Iguazu Falls Wheelchair Accessible? The Brazilian Side
The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is partially wheelchair accessible. There are two stops on the tram that have ramps and elevators to allow access to the viewpoints. Both scenic overlooks offer fantastic views and are worth the trip to visit.
Unfortunately, many of the hiking trails along the falls on the Brazilian side are not wheelchair accessible.
Devil’s Throat Overlook
The Devil’s Throat overlook is the second accessible stop that the bus makes (last stop overall). Ramps and elevators make this series of multilevel viewing areas accessible to all.
There are also metal pathways and bridges that let you get up close to the waterfalls to feel their power. Expect to get soaked if you plan to venture out on these bridges. The wind picks up here, so even with my rain poncho, I was completely wet. Luckily, my powered wheelchair also has a manual mode (which is what I used) to prevent water from damaging the electronics.
Before going all the way out on the bridge 
After
Is There Wheelchair Accessible Transportation at Iguazu Falls?
If you are not staying at a hotel within the park, you will need to arrive at the visitor center. The overlooks and paths are quite a distance from the visitor center so you must take a shuttle.
On the Brazilian side there is one bus that has a fold out ramp and dedicated wheelchair space to take you to the viewing areas. Likewise, the Argentinian side also has a tram with cars that have wheelchair spots. Just seek out staff and they will direct you on where to go to get the accessible cars.
Is the Boat Ride at Iguazu Falls Wheelchair Accessible?
Unfortunately, to access the boat ride to the base of the falls you must be able to climb a series of steep steps (which have no proper handrail). As a result, the ride is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for people with limited mobility.
An able-bodied friend went on the ride and said that the stairs were very difficult on her knees and to manage with just a rope railing as it was unstable.
How is Iguazu Falls for People with Limited Mobility?
People with limited mobility should be aware that there is a lot of walking involved at Iguazu Falls. Pathways are paved or metal bridges and can be slick when wet. There is less walking needed on the Brazilian side as the overlooks are close to the bus stop drop off area.
To fully enjoy your experience, consider using the wheelchair that the park provides (on the Argentinian side) on a first come first served basis. These three wheeled chairs will require that someone assist in pushing you through the trails. A golf cart is also available to help navigate the steeper incline required to access the lower trail.
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7 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do at Iguazu Falls
1. Hike/Roll the Trails
While the average time to spend in the park is around 2-3 hours, you could easily spend more time enjoying the trails. The waterfalls are mesmerizing and it’s easy to just be in awe of them. Additionally, going slowly and quietly through the parks may allow you to see more animals and be more present in the moment.
2. Watch for Wildlife
There are over 80 distinct species of wildlife within Iguazu Falls National Park. This includes 6 different types of cats (including Jaguar and Puma). Many of the animals found here are endangered species as the forests are still being cut down and they are losing their habitat.
Get an early start when the park is less crowded for the best chance at viewing Toucan, Monkeys, butterflies, reptiles, and more.
3. Practice Your Photography
Iguazu Falls is the perfect place to practice photography. From natural landscapes, the waterfalls, wildlife, and more you can hone your skills and try to get the perfect shot. Make sure to practice some of your close up work with the incredible flora and fauna that is also in the park.
4. Iguazu Bird Park (Parque das Aves)
Bird lovers will enjoy visiting this rescue center. The birds that reside here are sadly no longer able to live in the wild, so the center houses them and uses them to educate guests. During your visit you’ll see over 1300 birds from 143 different species. Pathways are compacted dirt and wheelchair accessible.
Get Admission Tickets Now to Avoid Lines!
5. Guira Oga Wildlife Refuge
Are you an animal lover? If so, you’ll want to make sure to visit the Guira Oga Wildlife Refuge during your trip to Iguazu Falls. This 49-acre center rehabilitates injured wildlife with the hopes of returning them to their natural environment. A 90-minute tour will allow you to see the work that they do while getting a closer look at the native animals in the area. It is fully wheelchair accessible.
6. Stand in 3 Countries at Once in Marco Das Américas
Well, almost be in three countries at once. Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay are separated by two rivers. Stand in the overlook to see where the river separates these countries. It is a popular photo stop and there are vendors selling souvenirs and snacks along the major overlook.
Many tours like this one, combine this stop with other sightseeing in Brazil (which doesn’t include the falls). Alternatively, you could also drive there yourself if you’ve rented a vehicle or have a private driver.
7. Visit the Indigenous Guaraní Community
Learn about the Guarani community, culture, and way of life during a visit with the local people. Your admission fee goes directly to the community to help preserve their way of life. You will see their village, schoolhouse, and take a short walk through the jungle during your stay.
Paths are compacted dirt with stone and can be uneven at times. Mostly wheelchair friendly but most tours that you book online are not due to not having adapted vehicles. If you hire private transportation with a guide (like I did… see below) you shouldn’t have any problems.
Where Is Iguazu Falls Located?
Iguazu Falls is a large series of waterfalls bordering the countries of Argentina and Brazil. It is also located near the area where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. The nearest towns are Puerto Iguazu Argentina, Foz do Iguazu Brazil, and Ciudad del Este Paraguay.
How to Get to Iguazu Falls
The easiest way to get to Iguazu Falls is by flying and you have a choice between two different airports to fly into. If you are staying on the Argentinian side of the falls, you’ll want to fly to Cataratas del Iguazú International airport. If you are coming from Brazil or plan to stay on that side of the falls, then fly into Foz do Iguaçu International airport.
Wheelchair Accessible Places to Stay at Iguazu Falls
During my trip, I stayed at the Gran Melia Hotel, which is located within the national park on the Argentinian side of the falls. It was a beautiful hotel that overlooked a section of the falls.
My room was a wheelchair accessible room and it had good accessibility. My only complaints were that the balcony was not accessible, and the bathroom flooded when showering due to poor drainage.
For more information on my stay, make sure to read my Gran Melia Iguazu hotel review.
Check hotel pricing and availability for your trip!
Tips for Traveling to Iguazu Falls with Limited Mobility or in a Wheelchair
- Be prepared for rain
- Trails can be slick and cause your wheelchair to skid on inclines
- Arrive early (like as soon as it opens) to beat the crowds
- Do the Upper Trail first as it tends to be more crowded than the Lower Trail
- If you stay at the Gran Melia hotel, you will not need the tram to access the Argentinian side trails
- Be patient waiting for the one accessible bus on the Brazilian side (since there is only one, you can wait for up to an hour for it to come to the station)
Iguazu Falls FAQ’s
When is the Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls?
There is no designated rainy season at Iguazu Falls. Since it’s in a rainforest, rain can happen at any time. The least crowded months to visit are April and May, with the busiest months including July, January, and February. As a result, the best time to visit is whenever you get a chance!
How Long Should I Spend at Iguazu Falls?
I spent two days at Iguazu Falls and felt like it was enough time to visit both sides of the falls. However, if you plan to do additional activities (mentioned above) or want more time to relax, I suggest adding additional days to your visit.
What’s the Weather Like at Iguazu Falls?
The weather will depend on the time of year you visit, however, there is always a chance of rain (it is a rainforest after all). Summer will bring the hottest and most humid temperatures, while spring and fall offer a more milder experience.
| Spring | 77/66 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Summer | 89/70 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Fall | 83/54 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Winter | 75/54 Degrees Fahrenheit |
What Animals Can I See at Iguazu Falls?
Commonly seen animals at Iguazu Falls include monkeys, reptiles, toucans, butterflies, and turtles. Although Jaguars and Pumas are in the area, people rarely see them.
Do I Need a Tour to Visit Iguazu Falls?
Technically a tour is not necessary to visit the falls, especially if you are staying at the Gran Melia Hotel (which is a short walk from the trails on the Argentina side). However, tours can be beneficial as they will include transportation (if you want to see the Brazilian side and other attractions), and you will have an expert talk about the falls and wildlife in the area.
My tour guide was fantastic and arranged through Santiago Tur. He helped us spot wildlife and truly loved sharing nature with us. He even walked ahead to part the sea of people so that my wheelchair could easily get through the pathways.
This tour also included a fully adapted wheelchair accessible van. I really enjoyed the experience and thought it was worth the price.
Is It Worth Visiting Both the Argentinian and Brazilian Sides of the Falls?
Each side of the falls offers a different and unique perspective, and both are worth visiting. I visited the Brazilian side first and was really impressed. In fact, I was a little worried that the Argentinian side wouldn’t feel as spectacular in relation. I’m happy to say, however, that I was wrong! If you have the chance, definitely visit both sides of Iguazu Falls.
Conclusions on Whether Iguazu Falls is Wheelchair Accessible
My hope is that this post has shown you just how wheelchair accessible Iguazu Falls is! It’s an absolutely beautiful series of waterfalls that borders both Argentina and Brazil. If you are ever in the area, make sure to put Iguazu Falls on your itinerary.
