Iguazu Falls: Private Argentine Side Tour & Boat Ride Option

Summary

Private full day at Iguazu Falls with catwalks, jungle train and boat adventure

You’ll hear Iguazu Falls before you see them—then spend a full day exploring every angle with a local guide who knows all the tricks (and coati warnings). Walk metal catwalks above roaring water, stand in Devil’s Throat mist, and if you’re up for it—take a boat ride under the falls themselves. It’ll stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — not just loud, but everywhere, like the air itself was vibrating. We’d just left Puerto Iguazú behind in this van that smelled faintly of eucalyptus (maybe the driver’s cologne?), and our guide, Mariana, pointed out some wild toucans as we passed a sleepy roadside stall selling empanadas. There’s something about arriving at Iguazu Falls for the first time that makes you feel like you’re stepping into someone else’s dream — all mist and green light and this low rumble in your chest. At the visitor center, Mariana handed us our tickets and grinned, “Ready for a long walk?” I thought I was.

We took the little train through the park — it’s slow but kind of charming, with open windows so you catch glimpses of bright butterflies flickering past. The Upper Circuit feels almost surreal: metal catwalks stretching right over the water, trees dripping after last night’s rain. At one point I leaned over and got sprayed by this tiny waterfall nobody else seemed to notice. Lunch was simple — milanesa sandwiches and cold soda at a picnic table while a coati tried to steal someone’s chips (Mariana warned us they’re basically furry pickpockets). Then she led us toward Devil’s Throat. That walkway is longer than it looks; halfway across, I stopped talking because all you can hear is water pounding somewhere up ahead.

I didn’t expect how close we’d get — standing right above Devil’s Throat, mist soaking my face, rainbow arching through spray so thick it felt like walking into cloud. Some folks were quiet; others started laughing for no reason at all. If you book the boat ride option (we did), it’s wild — they hand out ponchos but forget staying dry. The boat goes straight under San Martin fall; my heart was racing and I tasted river water on my lips (not recommended). Afterwards, everyone looked half-drowned but weirdly happy. On the way back through the jungle in this open truck, I kept thinking about how tiny we all seemed compared to those falls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iguazu Falls Argentinean side

• Pickup at hotel in Puerto Iguazu
• Visit Nature Interpretation Center
• Take train or walk Green Trail
• Visit Upper Circuit and view falls
• Lunch and relax at restaurant
• Take train to Devil's Throat Station
• Walk catwalks to Devil's Throat
• Walk Lower Circuit catwalks
• Optional boat ride under waterfalls
• Return by Movie Truck to Visitors Center
• Transfer back to hotel in Puerto Iguazu

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private Iguazu Falls tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Iguazú are included.

Can I do the boat ride with kids?

The boat ride isn’t allowed for children under 12 years old.

How long does it take to reach Devil's Throat from the entrance?

It takes about 18 minutes by train plus some walking along catwalks.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The circuits are wheelchair accessible except for the boat ride option.

Does this tour depart from Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil?

No, departures are only from Puerto Iguazú in Argentina.

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

A change of clothes or poncho is recommended—you’ll get soaked!

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Puerto Iguazú, entry tickets to all main trails on Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls, a professional bilingual guide leading every step (and warning about sneaky coatis), plus an optional one-hour boat ride beneath the falls if selected—soaked clothes likely but worth it.