Visiting the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls is an awe-inspiring experience, offering panoramic views that provide a different perspective compared to the Argentine side.
- Go to the Bus Terminal and Buy a Round Trip Ticket from the Bus Company – Rio Uraguay. 27,000 Cordoba
- The bus stops on both sides of the border. You exit the Bus and go through Argentina’s immigration
- Hop Back on the Bus – go to the Brazilian side of immigration – stay on the bus.
- Get to the Park Central Station – Buy tickets for the falls from a self-service credit card terminal or see the box window for cash – Purchase a Priority pass (59 REAL) will get you to head of lines, 20$ off store purchases, and 10% off lunch.
To fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the falls from the Brazilian side, you should allocate at least half a day. Here’s a breakdown of how you might spend your time:
Morning Visit (4-6 Hours)
- Arrival and Entrance: Depending on where you’re coming from, factor in travel time to the park. Once there, getting through the entrance and starting your exploration can take about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Walking the Main Trail: The main trail on the Brazilian side is approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) long and offers various viewpoints of the falls. Walking this trail at a leisurely pace, stopping for photos and to enjoy the views, can take about 1-2 hours.
- Visit the Devil’s Throat: The Brazilian side offers a unique view of the Devil’s Throat (Garganta do Diabo), which is the largest and most spectacular of the falls. Including time for observation and photos, allocate about 30 minutes.
- Panoramic Elevator: Taking the panoramic elevator to the upper viewing platform offers stunning views of the entire falls complex. Including wait time and viewing, plan for about 30 minutes.
Additional Activities
If you have more time or prefer a full-day experience, consider adding these activities:
- Visit the Bird Park (Parque das Aves): Located near the entrance to the falls on the Brazilian side, this aviary is home to hundreds of species of birds, including toucans and macaws. Visiting can take about 1-2 hours.
- Helicopter Ride: For a bird’s-eye view of the falls, a helicopter tour offers an unforgettable experience. The flight itself is usually about 10-15 minutes, but factor in waiting and preparation time.
- Boat Tour: Similar to the Argentine side, boat tours are available that take you close to the base of the falls for a thrilling perspective. These tours can take about an hour or more, depending on the package.
Conclusion
For a comprehensive visit that includes walking the main trail, enjoying the viewpoints, and perhaps one additional activity, allocating 4 to 6 hours is advisable. However, if you’re pressed for time, the main trail and key viewpoints can be covered in about 2 to 3 hours. Always allow for some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate for travel time, weather conditions, and any delays, especially during peak tourist seasons.
