Iguazu Falls: Boat Ride, Safari Truck & Ecological Train Tour

Summary

Get soaked by Iguazu’s power, ride jungle trains and trucks, see Devil’s Throat

You’ll feel Iguazu Falls with every sense—hear its roar from Devil’s Throat, taste river spray on your lips during a wild boat ride, wander forest walkways with a local guide pointing out wildlife, and bounce through jungle trails by safari truck. Includes hotel pickup and all transport so you can just focus on being swept away by nature.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the damp air clinging to my skin as we stepped off the van in Puerto Iguazu—like walking into a greenhouse, only louder. Our guide, Luciana, waved us over with this easy smile and pointed out a toucan hopping between branches above the parking lot. I’d barely taken two breaths before she was handing out waterproof bags (which I thought was overkill at first—turns out, not even close). The walk into the park felt like following a slow-moving river of people; everyone craning for that first glimpse of water crashing somewhere ahead.

The ecological train rattled through the forest, windows open so you could hear everything: birds screeching, some kid giggling in Spanish behind me. Luciana kept up a steady stream of stories—how Devil’s Throat got its name (something about old legends and mist), which trees had medicinal bark. When we finally reached the platform overlooking Devil’s Throat, it was honestly hard to talk. Water everywhere—white noise so loud it vibrated in my chest. I leaned over and felt spray on my face; couldn’t help laughing because my hair was already sticking up in weird directions from all the humidity.

After wandering both circuits (the lower one felt almost private at times—just us and coatis sniffing around for snacks), we grabbed empanadas from a little stand near the upper walkway. Sunlight came through gaps in the leaves and everything smelled green and earthy, if that makes sense. There was no rush—Luciana just let us wander until we were ready for what she called “the real adventure.”

The safari truck bounced along muddy tracks deeper into the jungle. Our driver joked about monkeys stealing hats (I kept mine tight just in case). Then suddenly we were climbing down what felt like endless stairs toward the riverbank—my legs still remember those steps. The boat ride itself? Wild. We got so close to San Martín fall that my shirt stuck to me like glue and everyone started shouting at once—half joy, half surprise at how cold that spray actually is. Even now, sometimes when I hear running water back home it takes me right back there for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iguazu Falls and boat ride

• Hotel pick-up in Puerto Iguazu
• Drive to Iguazu National Park
• Enter park and show ticket
• Ride ecological train to Devil’s Throat
• Explore lower or upper circuit walkways
• Free time for lunch
• Open-air truck through tropical forest
• Descend stairs to pier
• Boat ride near Tres Mosqueteros and San Martín falls
• Return drive to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Iguazu Falls tour take?

The full day trip usually lasts around 8-9 hours including transfers from Puerto Iguazu hotels.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time inside Iguazu park to buy food or bring your own.

Can children join the boat ride at Iguazu Falls?

No, participants must be at least 13 years old to join the boat ride portion of the tour.

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

Bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet, secure shoes for stairs, sunscreen, insect repellent, and your ID or passport.

Are hotel pickups included from Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)?

No, hotel pickup is only included from Puerto Iguazu hotels on the Argentine side.

Is entry to Iguazu Falls included in this tour price?

No, entrance fees to Iguazu park are not included—you’ll need to purchase them separately at arrival.

Are there physical restrictions for joining this tour?

Yes; people with heart conditions, spinal injuries, pregnancy or certain disabilities cannot join the boat ride segment.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Iguazu hotels, all transport within Iguazu including an ecological train through rainforest trails and an open-air safari truck ride with bilingual guide commentary along the way. You’ll get waterproof bags for your belongings before boarding the boat that takes you right up to several major falls—just remember park entrance fees and lunch aren’t covered.