Spending 2 days in Iguazu Falls was an absolute dream! Ever since I was little, I’ve heard my dad’s stories about Argentina—especially his time living in Buenos Aires in his early 20s. With my parents calling the city home over the last 2 years, I knew that on my second visit, we couldn’t pass up the chance to see one of South America’s most incredible natural wonders: Iguazu Falls.
The only challenge? I don’t have unlimited PTO (wouldn’t that be nice?), so we had to make the most of just 2 days in Iguazu Falls. The good news? You can see both the Argentine and Brazilian sides in that time—and trust me, it’s absolutely worth it! Be prepared for early mornings, plenty of walking, and jaw-dropping views at every turn.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan the perfect 2 days in Iguazu Falls—from the best viewpoints and trails to how to get around the park and the one tour that’s absolutely worth booking. Let’s dive in!
2 Days at Iguazu Falls (VIDEO)
Want a sneak peek at what 2 days in Iguazu Falls actually looks like? This video captures the highlights of our adventure. Watch below to see the power and beauty of Iguazu Falls in action—trust me, it’s even more magical in motion! Press play and get ready to be amazed!
@herjoliejourney This is why you should add Iguazu Falls to your bucket list: it’s the largest waterfall system in the world with 275 cascades spread across Argentina and Brazil!!!! Whether you’re walking beside the roaring falls in Argentina or soaking in the panoramic views from Brazil, this natural wonder will leave you speechless 🤯 #beautifuldestinations #bucketlist #bucketlisttravel #iguazufalls #brazil #argentina #traveltok #traveltiktok #sheisnotlost ♬ original sound - arfany cephek1402 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕚 ℕ𝕖𝕨𝕓𝕚𝕖
Taking a 2 Day Trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires?
If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires, here’s what you need to know! First, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—our flights were severely delayed. We flew with Aerolíneas Argentinas on the way there and Flybondi on the way back, and while both were direct flights (which is a win!), delays can definitely happen. So, if you’re short on time, keep that in mind and plan accordingly.
When booking your flights, I highly recommend doing so sooner rather than later—Iguazu Falls is a super popular destination, and flights fill up quickly! You’ll want to fly into Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR), which is the closest airport on the Argentine side. If you’re visiting the Brazilian side instead, you’d fly into Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) in Brazil.
The nearest town to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side is Puerto Iguazú, and getting there from the airport is easy. We just took a taxi, which you can find right outside the terminal. If you’re thinking about squeezing 2 days in Iguazu Falls into your Argentina itinerary, it’s absolutely worth it!
What is so special about Iguazu Falls?
So, why are Iguazu Falls special? Because no matter how many waterfalls you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for this. It’s nature at its most powerful, breathtaking, and unforgettable!
What makes it even more incredible? You get to experience it from two different countries! On the Argentine side, you can walk right up to the falls (hello, Devil’s Throat!), and on the Brazilian side, you get jaw-dropping panoramic views of the entire waterfall system.
And if you’re planning to spend 2 days in Iguazu Falls, you’ll have the perfect amount of time to soak it all in—literally, if you take the boat ride under the falls!
Is It Better to Visit Iguazu Falls in Argentina or Brazil?
If you’re planning 2 days in Iguazu Falls, the big question is: Argentina or Brazil? And honestly? The best answer is both! Each side offers a totally different experience, so if you have time, seeing both is absolutely worth it. But if you have to choose, here’s what you need to know:
- Argentina Side: If you want to feel the power of the falls up close, this is the side for you! Walkways take you rightover and beside the cascades, including the famous Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)—where you’ll stand inches away from the most thunderous waterfall in the park. This side also has more walking trails, so bring comfy shoes!
- Brazil Side: If you want the most epic panoramic views, Brazil is the winner. Since about 80% of Iguazu Falls is technically in Argentina, the Brazilian side gives you the perfect vantage point to see the full scale of the waterfalls. And the best part? You’ll walk into the mist for a dramatic up-close moment without as much hiking.
If you’re spending 2 days in Iguazu Falls, do yourself a favor and visit both—you won’t regret it!
How much does it cost to visit?
Great question! If you’re planning 2 days in Iguazu Falls, you’re probably wondering how much to budget for this epic adventure. The good news? It’s totally doable without breaking the bank! Here’s a quick breakdown of costs:
- Entrance Fees: As of this year, tickets for Iguazú National Park (Argentina side) cost around $42 USD, while the Brazilian side is about $20 USD. Prices vary slightly based on nationality, so check before you go!
- Tours & Extras: If you want to take the incredible boat ride under the falls (highly recommend!), it costs about $65 USD. Other guided tours range from $30-$100 USD, depending on what’s included.
- Food & Drinks: Meals in Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu are pretty affordable, averaging $10-$20 USD per meal, depending on where you eat.
Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls?
If you’re planning 2 days in Iguazu Falls, you’re in for an unforgettable experience—no matter when you go! But if you want the best time to visit, here’s what you need to know:
- March to May (Fall) & September to November (Spring) – These are the sweet spots! The weather is warm but not too hot, crowds are smaller, and the water levels are still impressive. Perfect for comfortable exploring!
- December to February (Summer) – If you don’t mind the heat and humidity, summer brings the most powerful waterfalls thanks to the rainy season. Just be prepared for larger crowds and steamy jungle hikes!
- June to August (Winter) – Cooler temperatures make walking around a breeze, and the crowds are thinner. But water levels might be lower, so the falls may not be as dramatic.
For most travelers, spring and fall are the best times to spend 2 days in Iguazu Falls—you’ll get great weather, breathtaking views, and fewer tourists fighting for that perfect photo spot!
Day One: Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina
If you’re spending 2 days in Iguazu Falls, kicking things off on the Argentina side is the way to go! This side gives you the most immersive experience, where you’ll get up close (and maybe a little too close) to the powerful cascades.
We got an early start on day one, and honestly? It ended up being perfect. Our flight delays turned out to be a silver lining because we landed early and hit the ground running. As soon as the park opened, we were there!
Getting to the Park
The best way to reach Iguazú National Park from Puerto Iguazú? A taxi! It was the easiest and quickest option, and we had no trouble finding one. There’s also a bus if you want a more budget-friendly route, but with limited time, we went for convenience.
How to Buy Entrance Tickets to Iguazu Falls in Argentina
To enter Iguazú National Park (Argentina side), you can either buy your ticket online in advance or purchase it at the entrance. Buying online is the best option if you want to skip the ticket line and head straight inside. Just make sure you buy the tickets that correspond with Argentina. Purchasing at the entrance is a convenient alternative if you didn’t grab a ticket beforehand. The park accepts both cash and card payments.
If you’re planning to visit for a second day, keep your ticket because you’ll get a 50% discount on the entrance fee when you return the next day!
First Stop: A Front Row Seat to the Falls
The moment we stepped into the park, we knew our first stop had to be Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat)—the most powerful and dramatic section of Iguazu Falls. To get there, you’ll need to take the Ecological Jungle Train, a small open-air train that runs through the park. The train departs from Central Station near the entrance and takes about 15 minutes to reach Garganta Station, the closest stop to Devil’s Throat.
Once you hop off the train, get ready for a scenic 0.7-mile walkway over the Iguazú River. It’s a flat, easy walk along a series of metal bridges.
And let me tell you, nothing prepares you for that final moment when you reach the viewing platform. Standing at the edge of Devil’s Throat, you’ll witness an absolutely massive volume of water plunging down with unbelievable force. The mist is so intense that it feels like it’s raining—and that’s where a poncho comes in handy! Trust me, you will get soaked. If you don’t bring a poncho, you can buy one at the park.
It’s an unforgettable, bucket list experience and the perfect way to start your 2 days in Iguazu Falls! Catch a glimpse of the falls here.
Exploring the Trails
The Argentina side has tons of trails that let you see the waterfalls from different angles. We spent the rest of the day wandering through the Upper and Lower Circuits, catching incredible views at every turn. If you love getting up close to nature and feeling the mist on your skin (spoiler alert: you will), you’ll love this side of the park.
Which Trails Should You Do?
There are two main circuits on the Argentina side:
- Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior) – This trail gives you breathtaking panoramic views of the waterfalls from above. The walkway is flat and easy, making it a great option for all fitness levels. It’s about 1.75 km (1.1 miles) long and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete at a relaxed pace.
- Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior) – This is the real adventure! The lower trail takes you closer to the waterfalls, so be ready to get wet. It has some stairs and inclines but is still manageable for most visitors. It’s about 1.4 km (0.9 miles)and takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop (which will be a lot because the views are unreal).
If you start early, you can easily complete both the Upper and Lower Circuits in one day. We took our time, stopping to snap photos (and let’s be honest—just stare in awe), and still had plenty of time to enjoy both trails.
Day Two: Checking Out Iguazu Falls in Brazil
For day two of our 2 days in Iguazu Falls, we crossed the border into Brazil to experience the falls from a whole new perspective! We coordinated with our cab driver from the day before to pick us up early in the morning and take us straight to the entrance of the park on the Brazil side.
Getting to Iguazu Falls in Brazil
The drive from Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) to the entrance of Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) is about 15 km (9 miles)and takes roughly 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to stop at immigration before entering Brazil, so make sure you have your passport with you! The line can get long, which is exactly why you want to start your day early. Once we got through immigration, it was a smooth ride straight to the park entrance.
Getting a Front-Row View of the Falls
As soon as the park opened, we made our way inside. Unlike the Argentina side, which has multiple trails, the Brazil side is more about the big picture views—and let me tell you, they are jaw-dropping.
The main walkway follows the canyon rim and leads you right up to the falls. It’s an easy walk, about 1.5 km (just under a mile), and along the way, you’ll get panoramic views of the cascades from different angles.
The highlight? The final stretch of the trail, where you walk out on a platform that takes you directly over the water. This is where you’ll get right in the mist of the falls, so if you didn’t pack a poncho…well, let’s just say you’ll be dripping by the time you’re done!
Taking a Boat Tour Directly Under the Waterfalls
Because just seeing the waterfalls wasn’t enough, we decided to book a Macuco Safari Boat Tour—which, in hindsight, was basically signing up to get waterboarded by Iguazu Falls. 😂 But honestly? It was SO worth it. Here’s what you need to know about booking this wild experience:
- How to book: You can reserve tickets online in advance through the Macuco Safari website or book directly at the park’s visitor center when you arrive. This is a super popular tour, so if you want a guaranteed spot, I’d recommend booking ahead.
- What to expect: First, you take an electric jeep ride through the rainforest, then hop on a speedboat that takes you directly under the waterfalls. And when I say under, I mean right into the roaring water. There’s no avoiding it—you will get absolutely drenched.
- What to bring: A poncho (if you want any chance of staying semi-dry), a waterproof phone case, and a change of clothes if you don’t want to walk around soaked for the rest of the day.
@herjoliejourney Some people take a boat ride... I signed up for a full-on waterfall shower 💦😆 The Macuco Safari on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is hands down one of the best ways to experience this natural wonder! 🌿🚤 Would you be brave enough to get this close to the falls?! 👀👇 #iguazufalls #iguazu #southamerica #beautifuldestinations #funnyvideo ♬ Original Sound - Unknown