Puerto Iguazú

The gateway town to Iguazú Falls, Puerto Iguazú offers hotels, restaurants, and services catering to visitors exploring the falls and surrounding jungle. The town itself has a pleasant atmosphere with access to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls.

Things to do

• Iguazú Falls Argentine Side — Explore the most extensive trail system with 275 cascades viewed from multiple elevated walkways and boat rides through the jungle.
• Iguazú Falls Brazilian Side — Cross into Brazil for panoramic vistas of the entire falls horseshoe from the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu visitor platform.
• Jungle Explorer Speedboat Tours — Experience thrilling zodiac boat rides that take you directly into the mist at the base of the major waterfalls.
• Puerto Iguazú Town Plaza — Stroll the central plaza area with colonial architecture, local shops, and a relaxed riverside atmosphere along the Paraná River.
• Sendero Macuco Trail — Hike this 3.8km jungle path through native forest with opportunities to spot toucans, coatis, and subtropical wildlife before reaching a small waterfall.
• Yacaretá Dam Viewpoint — Visit the observation area for views of this massive hydroelectric dam and the Paraná River landscape north of town.
• Duty-Free Shopping District — Browse the Puerto Iguazú free trade zone for electronics, perfumes, and imported goods at reduced prices near the town center.

Food to try

• Surubí a la Parrilla — A local white fish from the Paraná River grilled with simple seasonings, tender and delicate, served in most riverside restaurants.
• Tereré — A traditional Yerba Mate drink served cold with ice and medicinal herbs, the regional alternative to hot mate in warm weather.
• Chipa — A cheese-filled cornmeal bread baked in wood ovens, commonly sold by street vendors and bakeries as a breakfast or snack staple.
• Dorado Frito — Golden dorado fish fried whole or in fillets, a prized catch from the Paraná River with firm, flavorful white meat.
• Morcilla y Chinchulines — Grilled blood sausage and chitterlings served as part of an asado, reflecting the region's gaucho meat-grilling tradition.

Local customs & good to know

• Currency and Payment — While Argentine pesos are official, US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas; however, carrying both currencies is practical for better exchange rates.
• Summer Heat Considerations — December to February brings intense humidity and heat (85-95°F); plan falls visits early morning and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Cross-Border Access — Keep your passport handy as day trips to Brazil and Paraguay are common; Argentine citizens have special Mercosur travel agreements but foreigners need proper documentation.
• Mealtime Customs — Dinner service typically begins at 8-9 PM in local restaurants, and a leisurely pace is expected; tipping 10% is appreciated but not obligatory.