Iguazu Falls: Argentinian Side Boat Ride, Jungle Truck & Train

Summary

Argentinian Iguazu Falls day trip with boat ride, jungle tour and train

You’ll board a train through dense rainforest to reach Devil’s Throat on Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls, walk misty trails past butterflies and roaring water, then crash through spray on a wild boat ride beneath San Martín fall. Includes hotel pickup in Puerto Iguazú, an expert local guide throughout, plus jungle-truck adventure—all packed into one wild day.

What’s the experience like?

We were already half-awake when the van pulled up outside our hotel in Puerto Iguazú—still sticky from last night’s rain, the air buzzing with cicadas. Our guide, Martín, greeted us with a grin and a warning: “You’ll get soaked later—no escape.” I laughed, but he wasn’t joking. The drive to Iguazu Falls only took about 30 minutes, but you could feel the mood shift as we left town behind and slipped into all that green. I kept watching for toucans out the window. Didn’t spot one yet.

The real start was that little open-air train inside the park. There’s something oddly peaceful about gliding through thick jungle while everyone whispers (or tries to). At Garganta del Diablo station, Martín told us to listen for the falls before we could see them—he was right. The roar is like standing near a jet engine but wetter somehow. Walking that long metal walkway over the river felt surreal; you’re just floating above all this wild water and then suddenly—boom—the Devil’s Throat is right there, mist everywhere, people gasping or just silent. I didn’t even try to take a good photo, honestly.

Afterwards we wandered more trails—Upper Path had these smaller falls like Bosetti and Tres Hermanas where butterflies kept landing on my sleeve (one even hitched a ride for a bit). Lunch was quick empanadas at a park café; nothing fancy but I swear food tastes better when your shoes are damp and you’re grinning for no reason. Then came the part Martín warned us about: climbing into those zodiacs for the boat ride. The spray hit before we even got close to San Martín fall—I tried yelling something in Spanish but mostly swallowed river water. Everyone was laughing by then.

The jungle-truck ride after felt almost slow-motion compared to all that chaos—a bumpy eight kilometers with our guide pointing out weird trees and telling stories about jaguars (haven’t seen one of those either). The forest smelled sharp and earthy after rain, kind of like wet tobacco leaves if you know what I mean. By the time we got back to town, my hair was still dripping and my phone case smelled faintly of river mud. But I still think about that first moment at Devil’s Throat—the sound gets under your skin somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iguazu Falls Argentinian side

• Pick up from accommodation
• Travel to Argentinian National Park
• Board train to Devil's Throat
• Walk 1000 meters to biggest fall
• Return and take train to Cataratas Station
• Walk Upper Path to main falls
• Lunch break at park restaurant
• Take Jungle-Truck tour inside jungle
• Enjoy boat ride near waterfalls
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Iguazu Falls Argentinian side tour take?

This is a full-day tour starting early morning from Puerto Iguazú with return in the late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included for this Iguazu Falls day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in Puerto Iguazú only.

What should I bring for the boat ride at Iguazu Falls?

Bring extra clothes or a swimsuit—you will get soaked during the boat ride! A small plastic bag is provided for valuables.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but there are restaurants inside Iguazu National Park where you can buy food.

Can children join the boat ride at Iguazu Falls?

The minimum age is 12 years old for the boat ride portion due to safety regulations.

Does this tour operate from Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)?

No, it only departs from Puerto Iguazú on the Argentinian side.

Are guides multilingual on this tour?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide depending on group composition.

Is it suitable for travelers with heart conditions or pregnant women?

No, travelers with heart problems or pregnant women cannot join the boat ride section.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Iguazú, entry tickets for all activities inside the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls including train rides to Devil’s Throat and Cataratas stations, an expert local guide throughout your journey, an adventurous jungle-truck ride through rainforest paths plus that wild semi-rigid zodiac boat trip under San Martín fall—just don’t forget dry clothes for later.