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5 BEST Tours to Iguazu Falls: Which One to Book

5 BEST Tours to Iguazu Falls: Which One to Book

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If you’re wanting to see one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, you’ve come to the right place!

Iguazu Falls is truly is the most amazing waterfall we have ever seen – and we’ve seen a lot! But visiting this natural wonder can be quite challenging. You have to consider which side of the falls you are planning to visit, if you need to cross the border, and how you are going to get there.

With so much to consider when planning you visit, we think taking a tour is a no brainer. Tours make things hassle free and ensure you are making the most out of your time there. So to help you out, we’ve created this list of the BEST Iguazu Falls tours available. Whether you are looking for a quick day tour or a multi-day experience, there is something for everyone on this list!

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour

Boat tour heads to the bottom of Iguazu falls

Don’t have time to read the full article?

Our personal FAVORITE tour is this day tour to both sides of the falls! Departing from either Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu, you will experience Iguazu Falls up close, spot wildlife, and learn all about this natural wonder. Check out all the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Tip: This tour is popular, so book it in advance now and get free cancellation up to 24 hours before you go.

The BEST Iguazu Falls Tours

1. Private Day Tour at Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires with Airfare

Iguazu Falls in Argentina
Iguazu Falls in Argentina
  • Price: $420 USD (without airfare) $840 USD (with airfare)
  • Duration: 1 Day
  • Time: 5:30 am 
  • Highlights: Explore the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, skip the line tickets, private tour
  • Inclusions: Private ground transportation, airfare (if option selected), park fees, guide
  • Pickup from: Buenos Aires
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars (check out the 200+ 5-star reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

If you’re traveling to Buenos Aires and don’t have much time, it’s possible to still visit the falls on a day trip from the city. But since Buenos Aires is 1,300 kilometers (807 miles) away from Iguazu Falls, visiting in one day is no easy feat, which is why doing a private tour such as this one is the best option!

What we love about this tour is that everything is arranged for you from start to finish – which is just what you need when you’ve got a really long day. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Buenos Aires, fly to Puerto Iguazu, explore the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls with your private guide, and return to Buenos Aires in the evening.

You’ll see highlights such as the Nature Interpretation Center and Devil’s Throat, where many people snap that classic Iguazu Falls photo. Your private guide will help you explore the park and make sure that you get the most out of your day there. They help you identify all of the park’s fascinating plants and wildlife, and you can go at your own pace – which is such a big bonus!

If you’re concerned about seeing only one side of the falls, don’t be! Nearly 80% of the falls are on the Argentina side of the border. If you’ve only got time to see one side, we definitely think this one is the best! 

You can also choose to add on some additional experiences such as “The Great Adventure” boat ride (my favorite!) or a 4×4 adventure – so make sure you bring your credit card!

This tour costs $840 USD per person which includes the arranged airfare. If you want to book the flights yourself separately, then you can choose the airfare excluded option for $420 USD per person.

2. 3-Day Iguazu Falls Trip with Airfare from Buenos Aires

Birds fly above Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side
Brazil side!
Boat tour heads to the bottom of Iguazu falls
What a view!
  • Price: Multiple options starting at $500 USD
  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
  • Time: 7 am 
  • Highlights: Explore both the Argentine & Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, airfare and accommodation arranged for you
  • Inclusions: Ground transportation, 2 nights accommodation, airfare (if option selected), park fees, guide, breakfast
  • Pickup from: Buenos Aires
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars (check out the glowing 5-star reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: No

We think that this 3-day, 2-night tour is the best Iguazu Falls trip from Buenos Aires if you have some more time in your itinerary. Two nights and three days is the PERFECT amount of time to explore both sides of Iguazu Falls. You really see everything while still being pretty time-efficient.

Your first day will begin around 7 am with a 2-hour flight to Iguazu. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Buenos Aires for a seamless transfer over to the airport to catch your flight on time. Once in Puerto Iguazu you will have another transport over to your 4 star accommodation, where you will get to unwind and spend the rest of your day relaxing.

Day 2 is when the fun really beings! The whole day is spent exploring the Argentine side of the falls. The guides do a great job of showing you the best sights and sharing interesting info along the way. We also love the Argentine side because you can get much closer to the water – you can even add a boat ride close to the falls if you wish!

On the 3rd and final day, you’ll enjoy a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls in the morning. This side has awesome photo stops, so bring that camera! Then, in the afternoon you will fly back to Buenos Aires and be transported back to your hotel.

For 2 travellers, this tour costs $1,030 USD per person. Solo travelers can also book this tour and get their own room for $1,240 USD. It includes the flight, hotel, two hotel breakfasts, transportation in Iguazu, and entrance fees. There are also different price options available if you want the airfare excluded or prefer a private tour instead.

3. Both Sides of the Falls Day Tour from Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu

The river and Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is a true natural wonder of the world!
  • Price: $105 USD 
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Time: 7 am 
  • Highlights: Visit both sides of the falls in one day, small group tour
  • Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation from Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu, professional tour guide
  • Pickup from: Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars (check out the 280+ 5-star reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

If you’re short on time but want to experience both sides of the falls, this fun day tour can make it happen!

This tour is super convenient because includes airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off from either Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu. These are the two closest towns that you can fly into to use as a base to see the falls . Foz do Iguaçu is located on the Brazilian side and Puerto Iguazu is on the Argentine side. So if you don’t mind organizing your own transport to either of these places, this day tour is perfect for you! And don’t worry, if you’d rather someone else takes care of the flight planning, there are some more great options below!

Most one-day tours only see one side of the falls, but this tour will hit all of the highlights in both countries, so you don’t have to miss a thing! Honestly, the falls on the Argentina and Brazil sides are so different but great in their own ways. I think seeing both is a must if you are already in the area!

You will get to visit Devil’s Throat on the Argentine side, which is the largest waterfall in all of Iguazu Falls National Park! But that’s not all, you will also do the “upper circuit” which has six observatories to take in the magnificent views of the falls.

Next, it’s off to the Brazil side for a 40-minute walk to the stunning falls where you will be treated to epic panoramic views. I didn’t appreciate just how massive the falls were until I saw them from the Brazil side!

The $105 USD price doesn’t include the park entry fees, but all of the transport and logistics are taken care of. Just remember to bring your passport and check if you need a visa in order to cross the border.

4. Two-Day Private Tour to Both Sides of Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu or Foz do Iguaçu

Slow shutter of Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Stunning!
Bailey poses for a photo at Iguazu Falls on the Argentina side
There’s lots of spots for photo ops!
  • Price: $175 USD
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Time: Customizable
  • Highlights: Explore both the Argentine & Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls over the course of 2 days, private guide and transportation
  • Inclusions: Private ground transportation, parking fees, professional bilingual guide
  • Pickup from: Puerto Iguazu or Foz do Iguaçu
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check out all of the 5-star reviews here!)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

Lets be honest, the last thing anyone wants to do on vacation is wait in long lines and waste valuable time! That’s why we love this private, 2-day tour which allows you to skip the queues and maximize your time at the Iguazu Falls.

Although accommodation is not included, the flexible pickup and dropoff options from Puerto Iguazu (Argentina side) or Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil side) mean that you won’t need to worry about transfers to and from the National Park or airport.

We love that this tour has you exploring the Brazil side of the falls one day and then the Argentine side of the falls the next day so it never feels rushed. And since it’s a private tour, the schedule is up to you and they will work with your travel plans to ensure a smooth experience.

Our guide, Marcos, really went above and beyond the entire tour. He organized a boat tour and helicopter ride for us and was an expert when it came to the flora and fauna of the area. He even helped us navigate the border crossing quickly and easily and knew the best spots for photo ops!

The tour only costs $175 USD per person, which is such a great deal for the personable and customizable experience you get. Trust me, this tour will truly make your visit to the falls hassle free – all you have to do is book your own accommodation!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

5. Iguazu Falls Day Tour with Boat ride and Safari Truck Adventure from Puerto Iguazu

Two tour boats at Iguazu Falls
The boat rides to the falls!
Slow shutter of Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Breathtaking!
  • Price: $159 USD 
  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Time: 7 am 
  • Highlights: Visit Argentine side of the falls, boat ride around the falls, open air safari truck adventure, small group tour
  • Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation from Puerto Iguazu, Bilingual guide, Boat Ride, Safari Truck
  • Pickup from: Puerto Iguazu
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars (check out the 200+ 5-star reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

If you are planning to visit Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu and don’t have a ton of time, then we recommend doing this fun full-day tour of the Argentina side of the falls!

By only visiting one side of the falls, you get a really in depth experience. You don’t waste any time at the border crossing and get to spend more time exploring and doing fun activities such as the included boat ride around the falls and the open air Safari truck!

The boat ride was my favorite part of the day. Make sure you bring a change of clothes or a rain poncho, because you are guaranteed to get wet! When I went, the boat went so close to the falls that I got soaked – but that’s all part of the fun!

I also loved the open-air safari truck through the lush jungle. We saw many monkeys and a variety of beautiful plants and flowers.

As I said earlier, the Argentine side of the falls is my favorite, and I love that this tour explores it in depth with so many fun included adventures. It costs $159 USD which includes transportation, your guide, the boat ride, and safari adventure. Just make sure to budget extra for lunch and National Park fees!

Is a tour to Iguazu Falls worth it?

A group of waterfalls at Iguazu Falls
Without a doubt the best waterfall in the world!

Absolutely. Iguazu Falls is 100% worth visiting!

Iguazu Falls is the most beautiful waterfall we’ve ever seen – and we have seen a LOT of waterfalls. It really is spectacular and totally worth a spot on your travel itinerary! Normally, visiting here takes lots of planning, but a tour makes it so easy and fun – you just get to relax and enjoy the experience!

Oh, and if the photos above haven’t got you excited, I don’t know what will!

Where to stay near Iguazu Falls

the outdoor pool at Hotel Amayal
Photo Credit: Hotel Amayal

Because Iguazu Falls isn’t really close to a major center in Brazil or Argentina, many people choose to stay in one of the two towns nearby – either Puerto Iguazú (Argentina side) or Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil side) and do one of the tours above that provide pick-up and drop-off services to these places.

Depending on which side of the falls you’re going to stay on, these are our top picks!

Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil Side)

For the best bang for your buck, we recommend Iguassu Eco Hostel. You’re a 5-minute walk from the Brazil side of the falls and the bird sanctuary we mentioned earlier. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the wildlife is so close – there are monkeys in the trees outside! Rooms start at an unbelievable $20-30 USD per night when booked on Booking.com.

Mid-range travelers will appreciate the JL Hotel by Bourbon with its modern rooms and free breakfast. You’re right in the center of town, close to lots of restaurants and across the street from a shopping center. It’s about a 20-minute drive to the entrance to the falls and there’s a free shuttle service from the airport. Check availability online here!

And of course, Hotel das Cataratas deserves another mention. This stunning luxury hotel is located inside Iguaçu National Park. This means you can visit the falls outside of normal opening/closing hours because you’re already in the park – that’s VIP if you ask me! Book your incredible getaway to this hotel now.

Puerto Iguazú (Argentina Side)

Backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy a stay at The Host Bed&Meeting Hostel with its warm and welcoming vibe. It’s a cheap option with dorm-style rooms and common areas to meet fellow travelers. Breakfast is included and you may just find yourself invited to a dinner party with the other guests! Book your stay through Booking.com or HostelWorld.com.

Hotel Amayal is an excellent mid-range option in the center of Puerto Iguazú. It’s super handy as it’s directly across from the bus terminal where buses to the waterfall, airport, and Brazil leave from. It’s also close to lots of restaurants and cafes. Breakfast is included and there’s a nice rooftop pool! Check availability for this hotel on Booking.com.

For a truly unforgettable experience, Gran Meliá Iguazú deserves another mention. This five-star hotel has location locked down as the only hotel in the national park on the Argentine side. You can get a room with a view of the falls and can wake up to see the fog lifting from the jungle. Plus, you’ll be one of the first at the falls in the morning! Book a room at the Gran Meliá here.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina

spacious room at Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo credit: Hilton Buenos Aires

If you are visiting Buenos Aires, it is still possible to visit the falls on one of the great tour options above that provide airfare. If this is the case, you’re gonna need a comfy place to rest your head before and after your adventure to Iguazu. Luckily, there are many great options in the city. As you’re narrowing it down, you can take a peek at our guide to the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires.

You don’t need to break the bank to stay here, but if you are searching for a luxurious getaway, you can find that too. Here are my top picks for various price ranges!

Hilton Buenos Aires – $$$

You can’t beat the location with the riverside Hilton Buenos Aires. You’ll be within walking distance of downtown and about a 30-minute drive from Palermo. There’s a rooftop pool to relax in or sit down for a meal or drink at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.

The service is exceptional, and the rooms are spacious. It’s a more expensive place to stay at $250-350 USD per night, but worth it if you’re looking for a five-star experience. So for the ultimate luxury in Buenos Aires, book your stay at the Hilton online here.

Broadway Hotel & Suites – $$

Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Broadway Hotel & Suites offers really spacious rooms at a great price. The swimming pool on the roof has amazing panoramic city views and a sun deck to soak up some rays. The rooms feature large windows, minimalistic art deco-type décor, and bathrooms with marble fittings. You’ll also have plenty of choices for shopping and restaurants nearby.

Plus, a junior suite here can be under $70 USD! To snag this awesome deal, I highly recommend you check availability and book online in advance.

Selina Palermo – $

Stay in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires on a budget! Selina Palermo puts you close to the best bars and nightclubs – in the heart of Palermo. The place feels really modern, and there are nice extras like a rooftop bar, hostel events, breakfast, and bike rentals available.

Shared dorm rooms with bunk beds are around $20 USD per night. If sharing isn’t your style, there are affordable private rooms with nice balconies overlooking the city starting at around $90 USD. You can book your stay on Booking.com or HostelWorld.com to secure your room!

Planning your Trip to Argentina

Glacier Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina
The glacier trekking is so much fun!

Accommodation in Argentina

Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!

Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.

Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!

And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.

You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Argentina!

Renting a car in Argentina

renting a car in patagonia
We rented a car in Southern Argentina and found that it was a very convenient and enjoyable way to travel!

We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Argentina when we traveled in Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!

But how? Well, if you’re renting a car in Argentina, the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! It’s a great website and the one we used for our rental.

If you do want to compare prices (and you should), do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!

Tours in Argentina

drinking glacier water from perito moreno glacier
Drinking pure glacier water on our glacier tour!

We love booking online because we can check reviews of the tour and know exactly what to expect on the tour, such as the itinerary and inclusions. Sometimes the tours are pricier online than booking directly in person, but this is why we always book with Viator. If we happen to find the exact same tour for a lower price once we’re at the destination, Viator will actually refund the price difference!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey at Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Thanks for reading!

Iguazu Falls is totally worth seeing during your trip to South America. And doing a tour is the perfect way to do it without the hassle of planning and logistics. Hopefully, this guide has helped you plan your visit and find the tour that fits perfectly into your travel itinerary!

If you’re planning on backpacking through Brazil or exploring the best places in Argentina, make sure to check out our other South American blogs. We’ve traveled extensively around here and have lots of tips and fantastic destinations for you to discover.

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