This semester, one of the most popular destinations for weekend trips has been the Iguazú falls. They are known as one of the world’s seven natural wonders, and it really does live up to this reputation. A must see when in the region! Here, I’ve put together some tips for making the most of your trip to Iguazu.
How to get there?
Putting flight-shame aside for a second, the easiest way to get to Iguazú is by plane. Personally, I booked my tickets around one month before my trip and could choose between various options of direct flights for 1000-1200 SEK for both ways. Bus takes about 18-20 hours and is of course cheaper. Choose your bus company with caution as some are more secure than others.
Where to stay?
When looking at hostels in Iguazú, many of the ones with high rating were sold out already one month before my trip. If you want to stay somewhere really nice and are on a budget, put a small effort into looking up various options. I ended up staying at a really nice hotel as I went during low season and found great discounts on hotels.com.
When to go?
I would say if you are in Buenos Aires-just pick a weekend and go! Iguazú is a must see, and an amazing experience no matter the time of the year. One thing to keep in mind is that January is the most common time for Argentinians and Brazilians alike to have their summer vacation, which means that the parks get more crowded and the prices go up.
The parks
There is an ever-ongoing discussion on which side that’s best, the Argentinean or Brazilian. This blogpost will not very likely end this debate, but for me it’s the Argentinian one, as you get closer up to the falls. The entrance to the Argentinean park costs 800 pesos (135 SEK) for the first day, and half the second day. The treks are easy to navigate, and you could see all of the park in one full day. The park does not have too much to offer food-wise except for snacks, so it could be a good idea to bring something along. When going to the Brazilian side, you easy jump on a bus from the center of Puerto Iguazú and cross the border. The bus takes approximately 1,5 hours. On both sides, the parks are full with this strange-looking (and hungry) animal.
All in all, if you decide to go to Iguazú, you have a great weekend ahead of you. Bring some friends along a take a break from the noisy Buenos Aires to favor the amazing nature of South America.
-Elin-