About the ride from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazu
Head from Foz do Iguacu in Brazil into Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, to see all perspectives of the incredible Iguazu Falls. The area's natural beauty will take your breath away, as will the rich diversity of the creatures of the rainforest.
The trip from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazu is 8.2 miles (13 km) and takes under an hour. It is a cross-border route, so make sure you have all the proper paperwork for your trip.
Four fascinating things to do in Puerto Iguazu
Here are some cool things to check out in Puerto Iguazu:
Explore Iguazu National Park. It's probably why you made the journey! Iguazu Falls is one of the great natural wonders of the world. In 1984, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The falls are found along the border between Brazil and Argentina. The national park is 261 square miles (677 square km) of lush subtropical rainforest. Visitors can explore various hiking trails or opt for a train or bike ride. Additionally, boat excursions are available.
Visit the GuiraOga.This wildlife refuge on the edge of the Iguazu National Park is focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing exotic wildlife harmed by human activity.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for hiking outside. An environmental educator will be on hand to help you learn about the creatures and their status.
The refuge is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the visits take one and a half hours.
Check out the Images of the Rainforest Museum. This simple museum highlights the woodcarving work of a dentist named Rodolfo Teófilo Allou. He was self-taught and made many beautiful sculptures, including animals and figures of local legends.
Outside the museum, there is a rainforest trail. Stop along the way and take a dip in the Panambí Creek.
Further along the trail, on the way to the Iguazu River, is a small chapel featuring more of Allou's work.
Take a day trip. If you have the time, another site to experience is the San Ignacio ruins.
To reach these Jesuit ruins requires a three-hour trip to the south on Route 12. The mission was established in 1696. Guided tours are available every thirty minutes through the mission grounds and the beautiful sandstone church.
On nights when it is not raining, there is an awesome sound and light show.
How to get from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazu
There are three options for travel from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazu: bus, car and minivan.
Bus
The bus is the cheapest option. Tickets start at $3 a person. The buses are air-conditioned, and some have reclining seats.
The luggage allowance and the departure and arrival locations vary per provider.
Each operator provides multiple departure times, so you'll have no trouble finding a time that suits you. The trip takes under an hour.
Car
The car is a private transfer from the Foz do Iguacu airport to any hotel in Puerto Iguazu. Prices start at $24 for the vehicle. Some operators require a certain number of passengers.
Drivers provide meet and greet service at the airport, and the luggage allowance is around 50 lbs (23 kg) per person. The journey takes around forty-five minutes.
Minivan
There are shared and private minivan options available. Tickets begin at $21 per person for a shared option.
Private minivan prices start around $90. Most can accommodate up to six passengers, allowing you to share the cost with your friends.
The minivans pick up at the Foz do Iguacu airport or local hotels and drop off at the Puerto Iguazu airport or any local hotel.
The luggage allowance varies by provider, so be mindful when booking.
What to expect on the trip from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazu
The journey from Foz do Iguacu to Puerto Iguazu requires a border crossing at the Ponte Tancredo Neves border crossing. It is a ten- to twenty-minute journey from the city center at Foz do Iguacu to the Brazilian immigration post.
If you are not a local and take the bus, advise the driver that you need to stop at Brazilian immigration. Locals don't need to stop. Make sure you are carrying your receipt to help you reboard the bus if need be.
After reboarding, it will be a ten-minute ride to the Argentinian border crossing. All bus passengers will disembark at the Argentinian border check. Be sure to get through expeditiously and keep an eye on fellow passengers to know when they are reboarding the bus.
After the Argentinian border crossing, it is a twenty-minute trip to the bus station.
If you choose a private transfer option like a car or a minivan, the driver will help you navigate the border crossings.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Iguazu?
The best months to visit Puerto Iguazu are April and May or September and October. During these two times of the year, the weather tends to be more pleasant (not as hot and humid), but there is still adequate water flow at the falls.
The dry season is between May and September. The weather tends to be less humid, but the water flow at the falls is lower. There are a lot more tourists during this season, so it can be crowded.
The wet season runs between November and March. The water flow at the falls is stunning during these months, but it is humid and rainy. The high amount of rain can also cause some trail closures. For this reason, those two shoulder seasons are the best times to visit.
How many days should you spend in Puerto Iguazu?
Consider spending two days at Puerto Iguazu. Spend one day exploring the Argentinian side of the falls and the other exploring the Brazilian side. There is a unique aspect to the falls from each location, so be sure to make time to visit both.
Where to visit after Puerto Iguazu
When your waterfall exploration wraps up, how about a visit to the charming town of Posada, about four hours south?
Or keep traveling south to Argentina's intense and electric capital city, Buenos Aires. Experience the vibrant nightlife, passion, and creativity of the Argentinian people as you discover the city.
