Iguazu Falls: Brazil & Argentina Both Sides Day Trip

Summary

Walkways, spray and laughter at Iguazu Falls both sides

You’ll cross between Brazil and Argentina with a local guide, feeling mist on your skin as you walk out over Iguazu Falls’ roaring drop-offs. Gaze down into Devil’s Throat, ride the park train, spot rainbows above San Martin Island, and finish with sweeping views from both sides — there’s nothing quite like sharing that moment with strangers who suddenly feel like friends.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the roar — it was this fine mist on my arms as we stepped out near the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. Our guide, Paulo, grinned and pointed out how the air always smells faintly green here. We’d barely started the day trip from Foz do Iguaçu and already I was fumbling with my phone, trying (and failing) to capture that wild tangle of water and jungle. There’s something about seeing 275 waterfalls all at once that makes you forget you’re supposed to be taking photos.

We took the little train through the park — it rattles along every half hour or so — and then walked out over these metal walkways above the river. The closer we got to Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), the louder everything became. At one point, Paulo stopped us just before the main viewpoint and told us to close our eyes for a second. “Now open,” he said, and honestly? That first look down into Devil’s Throat is burned into my brain. You can feel the vibration in your chest — it’s not just noise, it’s like standing next to a living thing.

After that we wandered up to the Upper Circuit for a different angle. The sun came out for maybe ten minutes and suddenly there was this rainbow stretched right across San Martin Island. Some folks were just sitting quietly on benches, letting their shoes dry off in patches of sunlight. I tried to say “hermoso” to an older couple from Buenos Aires and probably butchered it; they laughed anyway.

Crossing over to the Brazilian side later felt different — somehow wider, more panoramic. We followed Paulo again along these trails facing back toward Argentina, getting soaked by spray but not really caring anymore. There were kids running ahead, shoes squelching, everyone waving at each other in half a dozen languages. I still think about that view from the last platform — how small you feel next to all that water crashing down. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve stood there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iguassu Falls Argentina and Brazil

• Enter Iguazú National Park Argentina
• Take train to Devil's Throat viewpoint
• Walk footbridge to Devil's Throat waterfall
• Explore Upper Circuit trails and observatories
• Travel to Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls
• Walk trails and viewpoints on Brazilian side

Top questions

How long does the full day Iguazu Falls tour take?

The tour lasts a full day including both Brazilian and Argentinean sides; expect around 8-10 hours total.

Is hotel pickup included for this Iguazu Falls day trip?

Yes, roundtrip transfer from most downtown hotels in Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu is included.

Do I need special documents to cross between Brazil & Argentina?

You need an original identity card, National Driver's License or passport—even for children—to cross borders.

Are entry fees or eco taxes included in this tour?

The eco-touristic tax in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) is not included; keep your receipt to avoid double charges.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No lunch is specifically mentioned as included in this tour description.

Can people with limited mobility do this tour?

The Upper Circuit on the Argentine side is wheelchair accessible; overall suitable for all fitness levels.

What are the main highlights of this Iguazu Falls tour?

You’ll visit Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo), Upper Circuit viewpoints, and panoramic trails on both sides.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu plus guidance from a professional local guide throughout both sides of Iguazu Falls; border crossing support is part of it too—just remember you’ll need your passport or ID handy for each country’s entry requirements.