Overview
One of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, Iguazú Falls stretches a full mile across the Rio Parana, with 275 separate cascades—one third on the Brazilian side, two thirds on the Argentinian side—laced with rainbows and plunging hundreds of feet in a mist-shrouded subtropical landscape, truly an other-worldly spectacle. The cascades form part of the Iguazú National Park, known for more than 400 different species of birds. A walk along the footbridges of the park is a chance to spot colorful toucans and other birds. The park was declared a Natural World Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO in 1984. The Falls can be reached by paths, footbridges, and Zodiac, offering a number of different perspectives.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Buenos Aires / Iguazu Falls
Transfer to the domestic airport in Buenos Aires (or depart from Salta) for the flight to Iguazú, arriving in the afternoon. Meet with your guide and explore the many paths that wind around the falls, enjoying your first views of the cascades and the thundering sounds of the water. The birdlife around the Falls is abundant and fascinating. Overnight at the Hotel Gran Melia Iguazú...B
Buenos Aires / Iguazu Falls - Day 1
Hotel Gran Melia Iguazú
Iguazú National Park, Argentina
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Just minutes from the three main walking trails on the Argentine side of the falls, the hotel has the perfect location, right in Iguazú National Park, with the splendor of Iguazu Falls easily visible from the restaurant, bar, lobby, and many of the rooms. The exterior of the Melia is less than stunning, but the rooms are comfortable and the service is good. Being right at the falls gives you the chance to come back to your room to rest or change out of wet clothes between excursions. The hotel’s pool and sauna/spa are a nice respite after a day of hiking in the park.
Day 2
Iguazu Falls
Meet your guide first thing in the morning to take the train to Devil’s Throat Lookout (the early morning start avoids the crowds). Here a catwalk trail brings you to a viewing platform right by the horseshoe-shaped main cascade, where several powerful falls unite (bring a dry bag to protect your camera from the heavy mist). After lunch at Restaurant Fortin, rejoin your guide for an exciting afternoon boat ride that brings you along the river to the base of the roaring cascade—be prepared to get wet! Overnight at the Hotel Gran Melia Iguazú...BL
Iguazu Falls - Day 2
Hotel Gran Melia Iguazú
Iguazú National Park, Argentina
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Just minutes from the three main walking trails on the Argentine side of the falls, the hotel has the perfect location, right in Iguazú National Park, with the splendor of Iguazu Falls easily visible from the restaurant, bar, lobby, and many of the rooms. The exterior of the Melia is less than stunning, but the rooms are comfortable and the service is good. Being right at the falls gives you the chance to come back to your room to rest or change out of wet clothes between excursions. The hotel’s pool and sauna/spa are a nice respite after a day of hiking in the park.
Day 3
Iguazu Falls / Buenos Aires
Transfer to the Iguazú Airport for a morning flight to Buenos Aires, with transfer in Buenos Aires to your hotel….B
Optional Visit to Brazilian Side
If you arrive before noon on Day 1 of this extension, you can opt for a quick excursion to the Brazilian side of the Falls for a half-day tour. However, if you prefer a more leisurely visit, we recommend that you add an extra day to your extension (total of three nights instead of two). Please call for pricing.
Optional Birding Tour
The Iguazu rainforest is home to an extraordinary number of birds, with over 420 known species, including toucans, trogons, parakeets and parrots, hummingbirds, and tanagers. This two-hour excursion includes a private vehicle and guide, binoculars, telescope, field guide, and recorded sounds of all the species in the area. Please call for pricing.
