Iguazu Falls which side is better?

April 15 • 2024

Thinking of including a visit to the mighty Iguazu falls in your holiday, but cant decide which side is better? Unsure between Argentina or Brazil, and what are the best hotels to stay in? Here we give you our thoughts and personal experience. The best answer really is….do both!

Iguaza Falls are mother earth at her best and most powerful! Thousands of gallons of water thundering over steep edges of jungle clad cliffs, against the backdrop of blue skies and sunshine…there is no better sight in South America. This incredible spectacle is often peppered with rainbows as shards of sunlight clip the cascades of moving water. The falls cover both Argentina and Brazil, doubling your opportunity to see this amazing site as part of your bespoke holiday.

The unbeatable sound of the thunderous Iguazu falls

Iguazu Falls – Brazil Side

Its generally agreed that you get better whole views of the falls overall on the Brazilian side, as you see everything at once. Most of the falls are on the Argentine side, meaning the scale cant fully be appreciated in one viewpoint (or photo). The single best viewpoint is found on the Brazilian side and the sidewalks here take you closer to spectacular points like Devils Throat. If you choose, there is also a glass lift taking you from the top viewing area to the boardwalk below, where you can wander edge-side along the falls (usually getting wet to boot, all part of the experience) The enormous Parques de Aves is right by the falls, attracting 150 species of birds, so the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls can offer added wildlife spotting opportunities. If you have less time on your Brazil holiday, we could recommend the Brazilian side, as with a 20% share of the falls you can see more in a shorter time frame.

What is the best Iguazu Falls hotel in Brazil?

Where it is worth spending money to upgrade hotels and stretch budgets, we will always advise to. The Brazilian Iguazu falls is as good an example as you will have of this; stay at The Belmond das Cataratas. Its the only hotel within the National Park on the Brazilian side, and in our opinion – the only place to stay for the absolute best all round experience. Guests have exclusive and private access to the falls in the evening and morning, before the crowds arrive. This is a magical experience; we found we were 2 of only a handful of guests at the falls on our lucky visit…one of those pinch-me travel moments. Further to this the hotel is simply world class; fine dining restaurants, stylish colonial grandeur rooms and decor, a gorgeous pool to sit and catch some rays, and a 5* spa to massage out any aches and bumps. A stay here is a holiday within a holiday, and a great way to relax especially if Iguazu Falls are at the end of a long holiday.

The private views of the falls at Belmond des Cataratas Brazil

Iguazu Falls – Argentina Side

80% of Iguazu Falls are on the Argentinean side, meaning there is so much more to see and discover. You can easily spend two full days and still feel like there is more to explore. From the network of boardwalks where you will feel like you are literally on the edge of the world, to the boat trips offered here, although the falls here are vast there are lots of ways to see as much as possible. The noise is everywhere, and adds to the dramatic experience…be sure to take a rain mac as there is no escaping getting wet when you are this close to the falls. The Argentinean side offers a wider range of experiences like the many hiking trails, so bring your walking boots.

What is the best Iguazu Falls hotel in Argentina?

Bust the budget and treat yourself to the 5* Awasi Iguazu Falls, a Relais and Chateux hotel that has it all. Although not as close at the Belmond on the Brazilian side, Awasi is 15 minutes away from the falls along the river bank, where each villa has its own private guide and 4 wheel drive assigned. There is so much to do at this hotel, its thought of everything. Be sure to add some time in to also do very little; enjoy the hotel spa, the gorgeous bar, and build in time to appreciate these incredible surroundings.

Summary

So which side of the Iguazu Falls is best? In summary, each side of the Falls offers a totally unique and special experience and the amount of time you have on holiday this may help decide for you. But, in true Travel Differently style we recommend combining both. Travel for longer, travel slower, and do the falls properly. See all the viewpoints, take the hikes, get photos from boat trips and witness incredible bird life, and at the end of each day head back to a gorgeous hotel for gourmet food and a well earned glass of cold wine.

Speak to our experts about including Iguazu Falls in your bespoke holiday or take a look at our example holidays. An epic trip around Argentina covering Mendoza, remote Salta, glaciers and horse riding ending with some luxury time at the Iguaza Falls? Or if you dream of a Brazil holiday we can include a stay at Iguazu Falls before heading to the Pantanal to spot Jaguars, ending on a remote white sand beach in Paraty.

Iguazu Falls – Brazil Side

What is the best Iguazu Falls hotel in Brazil?

Iguazu Falls – Argentina Side

What is the best Iguazu Falls hotel in Argentina?

Summary

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