Guide
Iguazú in 5 days: the Falls, rainforest, Wanda and the Triple Frontier
Both sides of the Falls without rushing, the Macuco Trail, the Wanda mines and Puerto Iguazú, built only with places we have reviewed.
By the editorial team of Iguazu.ar · Updated on
Quick answer
With five days: day one, the Argentine side of the Falls; day two, the Brazilian side and Parque das Aves; day three, the Macuco Trail to Arrechea Falls (a second-day park ticket is discounted); day four, the Wanda mines; and day five, Güirá Oga, La Aripuca and sunset at the Triple Frontier landmark. Check first whether the Devil's Throat has reopened.
Day 1: Argentine side
Iguazú National Park from early on: Upper and Lower circuits, with San Martín Falls and Dos Hermanas Falls.
Day 2: Brazilian side
Cross with your ID and visit Iguaçu National Park and Parque das Aves. If it is not Monday, end at the Marco das Três Fronteiras.
Day 3: into the rainforest
Go back to the park for the Macuco Trail to Arrechea Falls: it closes at 3 pm, so enter early.
Day 4: Wanda
The Wanda mines and, next door, the Guaraní Mythological Park. Bring cash for the town’s ecotourism fee.
Day 5: Puerto Iguazú
Güirá Oga and La Aripuca in the morning, the Triple Frontier landmark at sunset and a farewell dinner at La Rueda 1975 or with The Argentine Experience (booking required).
Places in this guide
Parque Nacional Iguazú
The gateway to the falls: tickets, hours, the jungle train, trails and what to know before visiting the Área Cataratas.
See details →Salto San Martín
The second-largest of the falls, facing San Martín Island; seen from both circuits and from the water.
See details →Salto Dos Hermanas
Twin falls tucked into the jungle, seen from above on the Upper Circuit and from below on the Lower Circuit of Iguazú National Park.
See details →Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
The Brazilian side of the Falls: a short canyon-edge trail with the panoramic view of the falls and a walkway facing the Devil's Throat.
See details →Parque das Aves
A walking route through large enclosures of Atlantic Forest birds, a few metres from the entrance to Iguaçu National Park.
See details →Marco das Três Fronteiras
A Foz lookout where the Iguazú meets the Paraná: you see Argentina and Paraguay, with open-air performances at sunset.
See details →Salto Arrechea
A 23 m waterfall deep in the forest at the end of the Macuco Trail: 7 km round trip on a rough path inside the national park.
See details →Compañía Minera Wanda
An amethyst, agate and quartz mine about 40 km from Puerto Iguazú, with guided tours of the quarry and tunnels plus a gem shop.
See details →Parque Mitológico Guaraní
Trail of sculptures depicting Guaraní mythological figures on the grounds of the Wanda Mining Company, next to the gemstone mine.
See details →Güirá Oga
A refuge that rescues and rehabilitates Misiones rainforest wildlife. 1.5 h guided visit by eco-trailer and on foot, on RN 12.
See details →La Aripuca
A 17 m structure built from rescued native tree trunks, inspired by a Guaraní trap. Trails, crafts and regional food.
See details →Hito Tres Fronteras
Lookout over the meeting of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, facing Brazil and Paraguay. A sunset classic close to the town centre.
See details →La Rueda 1975
Family restaurant since 1975 on Córdoba Avenue: Argentine beef, river fish, homemade pasta and a huge wine cellar.
See details →The Argentine Experience
Hands-on 10-course dinner with 3 wines downtown: fold pastries, brew herbal tea, mix cocktails. Prepaid online booking.
See details →Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going back to the National Park for a second day?
Yes, if you want to walk the Macuco Trail without rushing: according to the park's official website, a second-day ticket is 50% off.
How do I get to Wanda without a car?
By bus along Route 12 to the Wanda terminal, then a taxi or remis to the mine. By car it is about 51 km from Puerto Iguazú.
Which day should I avoid the Marco das Três Fronteiras?
Mondays, when it is closed.