To Igauzu Falls from Buenos Aires or Sao Paulo?

Dear Travellers,

I've decided to visit Igauzu Falls since I'll be in BA and SP and after seeing the wonderful pictures of the waterfall.

Can anyone advise me on which side should one access the fall from (BA or SP)? I've also read that accessing the fall from both countries are spectacular but I'm lost for choice.

Also, does anyone know if there are planes from SAO PAULO or BUENOS AIRES to igauzu? If so any rough ideas how much / how long? I've learnt the buses take about 11hrs - to 16 hours depending on the citiy one travels from - but that is too long for me.

kind regards,

Kkool

Hi Kkool,

If you are travelling to Iguazu Falls from Sao Paolo you will arrive in Foz do Igaucu. If you approach from Buenos Aires, you will arrive in Puerto Iguazu. Personally, I would recommend staying in Puerto Iguazu - it's a smaller town than Foz and just had a nicer vibe I thought.

From wherever you are staying you can usually arrange transportation to the falls, and you can opt to see the falls from either the Brazilian side and/or the Argentinian side. You would take two seperate days trips to see both sides. From the Argentinian side you will get right up close to the falls. From the Brazilian side, there is a more panoramic view but you are further away from the falls themselves.

Bus from SP to Foz takes approx 12-13 hrs (if I remember correctly)
Bus from BA to Puerto Iguazu takes approx 15-16 hrs.

Suggestion for bus company to use from SP to Foz is Pluma
Suggestion for bus company to use from BA to Puerto Iguazu is Via Bariloche

Recommendation for somewhere to stay in Puerto Iguazu is Hostel Inn

Hope that helps!
Ev

Samsara2 thanks brilliant post. I might fly due to the distance by coach. Thanks again

Thanks Ev, that was really useful for me too as I have just booked 2 weeks in Argentina in October. Given that we have limited time, do you think it's worth using up a day to visit the Brazilian side of Iguacu too or should we just stick to the Argentinian side?

Sorry to hijack the thread!

Hi Bex,

Honest opinion, I think just do one side of the falls if you are caught for time. Obviously, doing both is enjoyable and you get different photo ops, but if you go on the Argentinian side you will get right up to the falls. The sound is thunderous!! and it's really exhilarating feeling the power of the water so close to you. I would go for that option.

Have a great time in Argentina. I'm so jealous!

Thanks Ev. It sounds great - I'm really excited!

Just been there in JAn 09, theargentines have the views, I would not bother with Foz which has a down at the heels feel, whereas Puerto Iguazu is pretty and very relaxed atmosphere. The cama cocha coaches (overnight sleeper buses are excellent, we took one from BA to Puerto Iguazu, included meals and wine! (Bus company via baraloche.)

Quoting fussy

Just been there in JAn 09, theargentines have the views, I would not bother with Foz which has a down at the heels feel, whereas Puerto Iguazu is pretty and very relaxed atmosphere. The cama cocha coaches (overnight sleeper buses are excellent, we took one from BA to Puerto Iguazu, included meals and wine! (Bus company via baraloche.)

Fussy, how long did this take you (via coach)?

Is it worth flying from BA there?

The Brazilian side only takes a few hours and is well worth it to get out into the middle of the river on the catwalk between one falls and the next descent to get wet. The photos are great from that side. There is also an interesting bird park with macaws, parrots, toucans and such flying in house-sized cages and landing next to you. The Argentine side has catwalks over the tops of the falls, a totally different experience, as well as a tranquil and shady place to swim in the river. You can spend more time on that side.
There is bus service from each town to their side of the park, There is also bus service from the bus station in one town to the bus station in the other. This means it is pretty easy to get around to both sides of the park. (There is also an airport on each side and it is usually cheaper to fly 'within the country', i.e. Bs.As to Puerto and Foz to S.P.).
You really don't need to choose one side, but can easily visit both for the complete experience.