Day-by-day plans for 3, 5, and 7 days — organised to make the most of your time.
The optimum itinerary: Argentine side on day 1, Brazilian side on day 2.
Enter at Park Argentina (Puerto Iguazú, 10km). Take the ecological train to Devil's Throat station — walk to the viewing platform directly above the main cataract. Return and walk the Upper and Lower circuits for different perspectives. Total: 8–10km of paved walkways.
Cross the border (passport required) to Foz do Iguaçu (15min bus). The Brazilian park offers a single 1.2km elevated walkway showing the full width of the falls simultaneously — the view that makes sense of the scale. End at the Macuco Safari boat ride (optional).
Adds the Pantanal or Misiones jungle to the falls itinerary.
Arrive and settle in. Evening guided birdwatching walk in the national park — excellent chance of seeing toucans, parrots, and coatis in the fading light.
Complete Argentine side: Devil's Throat, Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, Gran Aventura boat ride.
Morning at the Brazilian side. Afternoon tour of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam — one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century.
Transfer to the private Yacutinga wildlife reserve for a night immersed in the Atlantic Forest — guided walks, wildlife spotting, and swimming in natural pools.