Planning a trip to Latin America? Want to book a perfect tour, which covers the vastness of two South American countries? Then this Iguazu Falls itinerary is the one for you.
The greatness of South American countries cannot be described in just words. Each of the locations present inside this continent boasts a wide range of unique experiences. Travelers often get overwhelmed by its abundant features and end up booking the wrong itinerary. This guide is all about taking you on the right path to journey across two of the famous most South American countries – Argentina and Brazil.
This wonderful slice of adventure will make you explore two of these wonderful lands in a remarkable way. While writing this guide, I’ve ensured to add up all local experiences, unique activities, and niche discoveries – to make your South American trip memorable. With an in-depth detailed itinerary, you can be sure of booking the exact tour in a more affordable way.
Linked together by Iguazú Falls, both Argentina and Brazil provide an excellent base to explore touristic opportunities. This tour is typically a culmination of all those little experiences you have when you visit multi-countries. Right from the tango places of Buenos Aires to the samba pulse of Rio de Janeiro, you will discover the best of both worlds. For nature-lovers, the wilderness across these spectacular lands will even excite you more. The bustling cities, the vibrant nightlife, the coastal tropical beaches and not to forget – the dramatic thundering Iguazú Falls – are just some of the highlights you’ll see in this guide.
OVERVIEW OF THE IGUAZU FALLS ITINERARY
This Iguazu Falls itinerary layout is designed for 9 days. You will start your adventure in Buenos Aires (the capital of Argentina) and end in Rio De Janeiro (the capital city of Brazil).
The itinerary designed not only includes touring Iguazú Falls from both countries but also venturing into other South American cultures, traditions, and local cuisine. The South American Discovery tour gives you the perfect chance to visit iconic sites like Christ the Redeemer and Maracanã Football, the idyllic beaches of Ilha Grande, the densely populated lands of Buenos Aires, and the calming regions of Paraty.
Highlights of your Iguazu Falls Itinerary –
- Experience the bustling streets of Buenos Aires.
- Visit Iguazú from both – the Brazilian & Argentinian sides.
- Jungle Waterfall and Cachaça Distillery Tour at Paraty.
- Excursion to Angra dos Reis.
- Hike to Lopes Mendes.
- Discovery of Rio De Janeiro
You can book the exact same tour from G Adventures. With similar tours & South America itineraries, you can browse through their rich catalog to find adventurous trips.
ESSENTIAL PLANNING TIPS FOR IGUAZU FALLS ITINERARY
Before I get to the itinerary part, it’s important to understand a few essential planning tips before you plan your Iguazu Falls trip.
Best time to visit Brazil & Argentina: Generally, the best time to visit both Brazil & Argentina is March to May. People often choose the holiday season (December) to visit these countries, but the temperature is too hot. If you want to avoid crowds, September to October is an ideal time too. To experience Rio Carnival in Brazil, plan your trip in the month of April. The carnival will start on 20th April 2022 and will end on 30th April 2022.
Health & Safety: Both countries are safe to visit. Crime rates have reduced and it’s often the safest of all compared to other Latin & Central Americas regions. For COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, visit this resource section.
Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) to enter both countries. Citizens of the U.S won’t require a visa to enter Brazil & Argentina. A valid U.S passport will be the only requirement.
How much does it cost: If you’re specifically traveling to Brazil & Argentina during the holiday season, then prices may almost be twice as indicated. This South American Discovery tour will cost you around $1700-$1800. This depends on your travel stay, experiences you book, transfer costs, and other daily expenses. Accommodations play a crucial role in deciding the price fluctuation. The type of stay you book can lower your total cost or dramatically increase it. Below, I’ll suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well.
IGUAZU FALLS DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES
Arrive early in the morning to explore the city of Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires, often known as the ‘Paris of South America’, lives up to its expectation of boasting exciting café culture, grand boulevards, and an incredible food scene. The capital city of Argentina is a hotspot for tourists willing to explore its local traditions, rich history, beautiful architecture, verdant parks, and quirky bookstores.
What makes Buenos Aires distinct from other South American destinations, is that the local passions run deep for art, literature, and fashion. It’s similar to what Paris houses but in an American way!
Speaking of what can you do in Buenos Aires, where to visit, and which places to explore – the list is countless! Below are some of the recommended activities you can choose to do in Buenos Aires, or simply explore the streets, markets, bookshops, and cafes.
Things to do in Buenos Aires –
Buenos Aires City Tour – The best possible way to maximize your time exploring Buenos Aires – is to take a guided city tour. This only ensures you save time, but also visit the important highlights of the city. This tour will begin at the Plaza de Mayo or May Square, and will then take you through Avenida de Mayo (May Avenue) and San Telmo. Walk the cobbled streets of Buenos Aires and explore vibrant neighborhoods filled with picturesque buildings. Lastly, this guided tour will also ensure you explore the true original Argentinian tango in the neighborhood of La Boca.
Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – For history & art lovers, the contemporary art museum of Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is a must-see attraction. Housing significant works, from European classics to pre-Renaissance days – the museum is known to host an expansive collection of Argentinian paintings and sculptures. This pre-historic 19th-century display is one of the most impressive collections in the country, and definitely worth your visit. The entry fee is $3.
Explore Recoleta – Shopping enthusiasts will absolutely love the neighborhood of Recoleta – which lines up high-class, desirable fashion stores, boutiques, cafes, and galleries. It’s a great place to look for Argentinian souvenirs. There’s a street fair too, which happens every weekend.
Piazzolla Tango Show – End your day in Buenos Aires by experiencing a classical tango show at Galería Güemes theatre. As we may rightfully know, South America is home to amazing tango shows and beautiful dancing culture – one shouldn’t miss out on witnessing Piazzolla Tango Show when in Argentina. It’s a mixture of live music and tango performances clubbed together based on Astor Piazzolla’s work. The show may last anywhere between 75 minutes to 3 hours. The ticket price will be approx. $45-$50.
Overnight at Buenos Aires.
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES – IGUAZÚ FALLS
Depart early from Buenos Aires to board an early morning flight to Iguazú Falls. (Duration – 1hr 30 mins)
The Iguazu Falls itinerary is designed to give you two full days of exploration from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. For today, we will be hopping onto the Brazilian corner to spectate Iguazú Falls.
Before we get to the guided tour of Iguazú Falls, let’s give you a closer look at the amazing features Iguazú boasts. This dramatic waterfall is 2,700m in width, between the height of 60m and 82m. A large proportion of Iguazú Falls (around 80%) falls on the Argentinian side. Even between the borders of Brazil and Argentine, the Iguazú Falls features close to 275 waterfalls in total, with different volumes of water flowing throughout.
Lucie & Martin from ‘Laidbacktrip’ has curated a detailed guide on Iguazú Falls. Do give it a read!
Brazil Iguazú Falls Guided Tour – Embark on an unforgettable tour of one of the natural wonders of the world at the Brazilian side. Not only do you explore the Iguazú Falls National Park, but also get close to cascading water with a Macuco Safari boat ride.
The journey starts from Foz do Iguaçu with a 3-kilometer journey via an electric vehicle to the Iguazú Falls National Park. On your arrival, you will have to hike through lush green forests and rivers to reach the main river.
A special Zodiac riverboat will finally take you to the actual base of Iguazú Falls. This is your time to sit back and relax and soak in spectacular views of these massive waterfalls. As you gush through the strong forces of the water, do not forget to take snapshots of this beautiful region.
Post your thrilling ride, stop at an observation deck above the mighty Devil’s Throat waterfalls, where you will get an ample amount of time to leisurely stroll around. This viewpoint deck gives you amazing angles to take Iguazú Falls.
You can book this guided tour, along with other optional activities at Iguazú Falls.
DAY 3: IGUAZÚ FALLS
Return back to Argentina to explore the Iguazú Falls.
It’s been a constant debate amongst travel specialists, as to which country provides the best experience to view Iguazú Falls. While the Brazilian side is known for stunning panorama scenes, the Argentinian side is known for scenic trails and amazing vantage points.
Exploring Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side gives you a closer look at the cascading waterfalls in a much more interesting way. There are two circuits – an upper path and a lower path. The upper path has a boardwalk trail leading you to panoramic vistas and dizzying views of the falls. While the lower path leads you to the lower main base of the falls. I would recommend visiting both the circuits for an unforgettable trip.
There are different trails in the region, which you can explore along with the two circuits. You can also take a boat trip to feel the Iguazú Falls.
Optional activities to plan for your Iguazu Falls itinerary –
Iguazú Falls Helicopter Flight – This optional helicopter tour takes you on an aerial journey to give you a bird’s eye view of Iguazú Falls. Sit back, relax and make sure you have your camera ready to click some amazing photos of the waterfalls. You can book this tour at Viator, and also discover other activities from their catalog.
Iguazú Falls Bird Park Visit – Get up close to the native South American wildlife at Iguazú Falls Bird Park and spot macaws, parrots, parakeets, and 150 other species of birds. The park is spread across an area of 12 acres filled with dense forests and native subtropical trees. You’ll also spot butterflies, alligators, and snakes as you venture deep into the park.
DAY 4: IGUAZÚ FALLS – PARATY
Today, you will fly to São Paulo and continue your road journey to Paraty.
Paraty, a historic city of Brazil is best known for its preserved examples of a colonial settlement. The city was known to locals for a long time, but recently gained immense popularity by foreign tourists. With cobblestone streets, beautiful Portuguese-styled architecture, and scenic coastal towns – Paraty becomes one of the must-visit destinations in Brazil.
Here’s a list of recommended activities to explore Paraty –
Visit the Historic Centre – There’s no way that you can miss visiting the Historic Centre when in Paraty. This is truly the heart of the city, which is on every traveler’s list to visit. As you walk through the streets, you will travel back in time looking at all those beautifully structured Portuguese buildings. The shops, the mansions, the old classic look of restaurants and bars – all give you a unique fancy colonial look displaying Portuguese character at its best. This free walking tour is probably the best way to explore the Historic Centre in Paraty. There’s no cost attached, but if you like their service – you can tip them.
Jungle Waterfall and Cachaça Distillery Tour – Post your exploration at the Paraty town, it’s time to escape from the city life to explore the luscious jungles of Paraty. In this guided excursion, you’ll first visit the vibrant Serra da Bocaina National Park. You’ll get a good amount of time to explore the trails. Post your exploration, head to Pedra Branca waterfall – one of the gorgeous waterfalls outside Paraty.
Continue your way through the forest, learn, and get inspired about the rich biodiversity of Bocaina National Park, watching out for native wildlife species. There are natural pools of Poço do Tarzan amidst the dense forest, giving you a perfect opportunity to swim and relax.
Stop for lunch at a cozy restaurant nearby, and then head towards your final attraction – Engenho D’Ouro Alembic. Here, you’ll understand the entire process of cachaça making at one of the distilleries. End your tour by relishing this famous Brazilian beverage.
Overnight at Paraty.
DAY 5: PARATY
Today, you will have a free day to explore Paraty on your own.
There are plenty of optional activities to do in Paraty. Alternatively, you can also stroll around the city on your own, or relax back at the hotel to get some rest.
Optional things to do in Paraty –
Kayaking – Gain a new perspective of Paraty by kayaking your way through the rivers across the mountain ranges and mangroves. It’s an under-rated activity, which really needs to be explored if you are in Paraty.
Paraty Boat Tour – Enjoy water activities in Paraty, as you venture on a journey to four different stops across islands and beaches. Visit stunning places like Ilha Comprida, Praia da Lula, Praia Vermelha and Lagoa Azul. Spare 30-40 minutes on each of these stops and go water-bound to swim or snorkel.
Overnight at Paraty.
DAY 6: PARATY – ILHA GRANDE
Continue your journey up the coast and then take the ferry to reach Ilha Grande.
Ilha Grande is a well-known, bustling getaway destination for locals residing in Rio De Janeiro. Just an hour’s drive from the city, Ilha Grande is known to house amazing resorts, white sandy beaches, eye-catching shops, and dense forest trails.
Boat Tour of Angra dos Reis – The first you need to experience, is a fast-boat trip to Angra dos Reis. This is one of Brazil’s famous swimming & snorkeling spots, taking you across the paradisiacal beaches of Ilha Grande. In this 3-hour guided tour, you’ll stop at different islands and lagoons such as – Cataguases Islands, Botinas Islands, Blue Lagoon, and Saco do Céu. Each of these locations is jaw-dropping, providing a real water-sport experience.
Pico do Papagaio Hike – For mountain lovers, a hike to Pico do Papagaio will make their day! It roughly takes about 4 hours to complete the trail and 2 hours to hike back down. On reaching the top, the 360-degree views of the entire Ilha Grande city are absolutely gorgeous.
Lopes Mendes Hike – Here’s another hike for you, to discover the best of Ilha Grande. Start from Abraão and hike all the way to Lopes Mendes. The entire trail runs through a deep dense jungle, passing through idyllic beaches as well. It approx takes 2.5-3 hours to complete the entire hike. Upon reaching your endpoint, make a visit to the Lopes Mendes beach to relax to a soothing calm experience.
Overnight at Ilha Grande.
DAY 7: ILHA GRANDE
The entire day is at your own leisure.
Choose to do one of the optional activities recommended above, or simply relax at Ilha Grande’s stunning beaches. In the evening, you can also explore some of the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
Overnight at Ilha Grande.
DAY 8: ILHA GRANDE – RIO DE JANEIRO
It’s finally time to hit the capital city of Brazil – Rio De Janeiro.
The white-sand beaches, glitterati markets, bass-forward nightlife, and carnival celebrations – all make Rio (as it’s usually called) makes a year-round destination. The tropical landscapes of Rio De Janeiro have long seduced travelers with their alluring beaches, shimmering coastlines, and lush forested mountains. It’s been a paradise for all forms of travel lovers, seeking to enjoy a calm urban environment. This breath-taking city is also home to historical landmark sites like Christ the Redeemer statue and world-class art museums.
Today, you’ll have a planned activity to discover Rio De Janeiro’s top-most highlights. This includes visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the famous Christ The Redeemer Statue.
This full-day guided tour is the best way to explore the tourist attractions of Rio De Janeiro in a short span of time.
Christ the Redeemer Statue – The first attraction on this tour, is the iconic Christ the Redeemer. One of the seven wonders of the world, a global landmark, and a symbolic representation of the Christian community – visiting this site is a dream for many. It has attracted millions of tourists annually, to see the beautiful structure of Christ and also the spell-binding views that stretch out over the city. To reach the top of the Corcovado Mountain, you will first board the train running through the Tijuca Forest. Upon your arrival, you will have enough time to click perfect selfies or snapshots.
Maracanã Football Stadium – Football lovers will recognize this stadium as a site to legendary victories and crushing defeats. The Maracanã Football Stadium is yet another global iconic site, known for previously hosting the 2014 World Cup. The 78,000-seat arena comes to life with its massive crowd, cheering and bustling with chants, songs, and excitement during the football matches. It’s an unbelievable experience to watch a match here, right inside this stadium. Especially when two international teams clash – the atmosphere is ecstatic. Other games take place year-round, and there are often separate guided tours to discover this stadium in its entirety.
Sambódromo – Home to Rio’s Carnaval, Sambódromo lightens up the mood with its whirling dancers and pounding drum corps during the mega event. Watching the Rio Carnival is a lifetime experience, and no event can become as spectacular as the carnival itself.
Post your exploration of these three iconic attractions in Rio De Janeiro, visit other popular places like Metropolitan Cathedral and Selarón Steps at Lapa. Then stop for lunch, and make your way to the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain.
Sugarloaf Mountain – To reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, the cable-car ride is divided into two stages. The first stage will take you up to the top of Urca Mountain, which offers an incredible aerial of Guanabara Bay and Copacabana beach, whereas the second stage will take you to the Sugarloaf that offers panoramic views of the area surrounding Rio. Altogether, it’s a fantastic ride to see Rio De Janeiro’s main sights from a different angle.
Overnight at Rio De Janeiro.
DAY 9: RIO DE JANEIRO
Depart anytime.
There will be no planned activities, but you can choose to do some of the optional activities exploring Rio De Janeiro tours and experiences. Moreover, you can extend your South American adventure to other locations as well.
ACCOMMODATION IN BRAZIL & ARGENTINA
Choosing a perfect hotel for each of these locations becomes crucial for any travel plan. Accommodation plays a big role in deciding whether your tour price cuts down, or significantly goes up.
To make it simple, I have linked only that hotel stays for each of the below categories which are worth your budget. Go through the catalog, and select the ones you choose to book. All the hotels suggested work well with the above-curated itinerary.
Hotels in Brazil – Visit this section to find budgeted stays and mid-range hotels in Brazil.
Hotels in Argentina – Visit this section to find a plethora of accommodation in Argentina.
For fancy hotels across both countries, check this site.
WHAT TO PACK FOR IGUAZU FALLS TOUR
For any South American trips, I advise you to carry a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.
Essential Items –
T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Fleece top/sweater
Outlet adapter
First-aid kit (bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, and Aspirin)
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Essential Items (warm weather) –
Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses
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