Ultimate Guide for a Getaway in the Iguazú National Park

What should you visit inside the park? What should you bring with you? And more pieces of advice to make the perfect tour.

Even though there is no need to list all the reasons why you should visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it won’t do any harm if we do so anyway. The strength of the Iguazú Falls waters, recognised across the world since 2011, and the excellent combination between the jungle’s greens and melodies will entice every traveller and make them fall in love with it. Getting amazed by every corner of the Iguazú National Park is an experience that calls for worldwide tourists with adventurous blood, and it is hardly ever forgotten on globetrotters’ list.

We are talking about thousands of hectares of mother nature in its full glory. That’s more than compelling and makes thousands of visitors attend daily. Obviously, it is key to preserve the natural environment and the huge biodiversity in it. Thus, the public is allowed to step on only six of those hectares. Yet, that’s more than enough to make our hearts throb and bring up smiles due to the breathtaking landscapes. Now, what can you do here? Which animals can you find? What must you bring in your bag? You’ll find all these tips and much more in this guide.

What Can You Do in the Iguazú National Park? 

Watch the most Colourful Flora and Fauna

Its nickname is photographic safari, since there are millions of opportunities to capture the most incredible species of the Misiones jungle. The most popular trails are lower circuit, superior circuit, Macuco trail, and Yacaratiá. If we only counted the bird, we’d watch more than 418 species in the area. Some may not even be found anywhere else in the country. Which ones? Toucans, black-fronted piping guans, the great dusky swift, multicoloured tanagers, and crested eagles. There are colours, sizes, flies, and chirps of all kinds. What’s more, thousands of tufted capuchins, and nasuas are the undisputed figures for their grace and charm. There are also crab-eating foxes, lizards, caimans, southern mountain cavy, agoutis, and much more. Yet, the main star, the most wanted, the king of the reddish jungle is the jaguar, a wild and agile feline difficult to watch.

As regards flora, there are lianas, epiphytes, and ferns, just as in Tarzan. Also, a rare place can be found here: the jussara and rosewood forest with examples of 40 metres high —the region’s highest trees.

2. Swim in and Sail the Most Imposing Waters in Misiones

Yes, you are reading it right. You can see the Iguazú river water not only from above, on the walkways disguised in the landscape, but also from a very close distance. In fact, there are two alternatives. One of each for a specific kind of traveller.

On the one hand, the Big Adventure. As the name implies, it’s the ideal plan for the fearless. Adrenaline and laughter are common in this boat which covers the area’s most beautiful sceneries and goes under the falls. So, the fun formula includes bathing under the worldwide recognised water. This excursion is confirmed on a daily basis, depending on the river flow.

On the other hand, if tourists are looking for tranquillity and calmness, they can choose the Ecological Tour, sail other currents avoiding the rapids, and be lost in one of the most beautiful dreams in life. The exact amount of water, green, and animals. 

3. Fall in Love with the Devil’s Throat 

Surely, you’ve never heard this idea and let alone think it can become true. Let us tell you that if you come to Iguazú, you’ll unlock a nature-love level. Nothing can be compared to the Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat, not even these words trying to honour the gem of the world’s seven natural wonders. It’s a synchronised and water spectacle that everyone should tick out of their travel list at least once. Restless, it paints the perfect painting 24/7. What is it about? Water falls of more than 80 metres high, the green mantle embracing them, the rainbows leaning out in the afternoon, and the water drops caressing the guests’ faces to remind them how small they are before such energy.

What Is the Best Time to Visit It?

Admiring the waterfalls is letting life jerk to a halt to smile at one of the most magical landscapes of the country. However, the time depends on your preferences. You’ll find the best of each time of the day below: 

→ In the Morning

• The earlier, the smaller the crowd. So, if you think avoiding it is important, it is crucial to wake up at the crack of dawn to enjoy this experience early in the morning. 
• As there are fewer people, and due to the hours fauna is used to, you can watch more animals.
• The weather is cooler in the morning. Ideal for those trying to avoid the Misiones heat!

→ In the Evening

• This is the moment when rays of sun design colour forms on the water. Or, better said, the best moment to take pictures: when rainbows show up in the landscape. 
• The tour may begin or end in front of the Devil’s Throat. If you want to avoid comparing the rest of the falls (by the way, they are amazing) with this natural craziness, go in the afternoon. 

What Should You Pack in Your Bag? 

Don’t forget your comfortable clothes to enjoy the adventure of going around Iguazú’s most fascinating landscapes. Of course, bring your good trainers to wear them down among trails and natural elation. Yet, if your idea is getting deep inside the Paraná jungle waters, don’t forget to bring an extra change of clothes. A piece of advice? The first change should be light (forget about jeans or jogging pants!), as it will be drenched in water. It may seem obvious, but soaked clothes are heavier, and if you do the Big Adventure in the morning, you’ll have to carry them the whole day.

The climate is highland tropical with a dry season, and temperatures vary from 24 °C in summer to 14 °C in winter. So, whether you take warm clothes or not will depend on the season you’re going. Yet, you must know that Misiones sun can be tricky, so a cap will always be your ally. In the evening, temperatures are lower, so bring a jacket or a hoodie to enjoy all the way through.

Last but not least, insect repellent and sunscreen lotion. Jungle means biodiversity, and insects know that for sure.