# Cataratas del Iguazú

> About 275 falls on the Brazilian border, a World Heritage Site since 1984; roughly 80% of them are on the Argentine side.

URL: https://iguazu.ar/en/place/cataratas-del-iguazu/
Checked: 2026-10-10

## Facts

- **Type:** Waterfall
- **Area:** Parque Nacional Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
- **Address:** Ruta Nacional 101 km 142, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones
- **Distance from Plaza San Martín in Puerto Iguazú:** 17 km
- **Opening hours:** Área Cataratas: 8 am to 6 pm daily. Full Moon: check-in 7:45, 8:30 or 9:15 pm depending on your slot, about 2.5 hours. Sunset tour: dates and times vary.
- **Phone:** +54 9 3757 674714
- **Web:** https://iguazuargentina.com/
- **Coordinates:** -25.69229, -54.44043
- **Google Maps:** https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-25.69229,-54.44043
- **OpenStreetMap:** https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/233048015
- **Wikipedia:** https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataratas_del_Iguaz%C3%BA
- **Wikidata:** https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36332

## Description

Iguazú Falls form a semicircular front about 2.7 km wide where the Iguazú River drops over basalt steps, right on the border between Argentina and Brazil. There are around 275 individual falls, and about 80% of them are on the Argentine side. The name comes from Guaraní and roughly means big water. UNESCO listed the Argentine park as a World Heritage Site in 1984 and the Brazilian one in 1986.

On the Argentine side you walk among the falls and above them; the Brazilian side gives a better overall panorama, which is why many people do both. Average flow is around 1,500 cubic meters per second, but it varies a lot: after rain in the Brazilian basin the water turns brown, louder, with a thick mist that soaks the viewpoints. Besides daytime visits, the park runs guided full-moon and sunset tours with limited places.

## Local tip

Bring swimwear or clothes that can get wet and a bag for your phone: the official site suggests it, and at high flow the mist drenches the viewpoints.

## Practical guide

**Before you go:**
- During big floods, like those of 2026, sectors close and boat trips are suspended. Check the day's status.
- The Full Moon Walk goes to the Devil's Throat balcony, currently closed: confirm it's running before you buy.
- If a special tour is cancelled for weather, you're notified by email and offered a new date or a refund.

**What to do:**
- See the falls from above on the Upper Circuit and from below on the Lower
- Join the Full Moon Walk (five nights a month, limited places)
- Try Sunset at the Falls, a guided tour after closing time
- Cross to Foz do Iguaçu for the Brazilian panoramic view
- Notice how the water's color and force change with the river flow

- **How long:** Half a day for the basics; a full day to enjoy them properly
- **Who it suits:** Anyone who wants to see one of the world's great waterfalls; the night tours are a plus for couples and photographers.
- **Best time:** There is water all year, but flow varies: after rain the falls are stronger and mistier. In 2026 the river is running high due to El Niño; check conditions a few days ahead.
- **Getting there:** Visit them from Iguazú National Park (Route 101 km 142), about 17 km from Puerto Iguazú; Río Uruguay buses leave the terminal every 20 minutes. The Brazilian side is reached from Foz do Iguaçu, crossing the border with ID.
- **Admission and prices:** Included in the park ticket (since 1 June 2026: international ARS 60,000; residents of Argentina ARS 25,000). Full Moon and Sunset tours are extra: adults ARS 95,000, children 6-12 ARS 47,500, under-5s free (official site, checked Oct 2026).
- **Booking:** Recommended · Full Moon and Sunset tours have limited places and go on sale on the official site 30 to 90 days before each date; park entry is not included.
- **Parking:** Iguazú National Park parking: paid, 8 am to 6 pm.
- **Accessibility:** Many of the views are on the Upper Circuit, which is fully accessible. Sunset at the Falls is also accessible, with free wheelchairs pushed by a companion.

## Sources (checked on 2026-10-09)

- [UNESCO Centro del Patrimonio Mundial – Parque Nacional Iguazú](https://whc.unesco.org/es/list/303) · 2026-10-09
- [Wikipedia – Cataratas del Iguazú](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataratas_del_Iguaz%C3%BA) · 2026-10-09
- [Iguazú Argentina – Paseo de Luna Llena](https://iguazuargentina.com/es/paseo-de-luna-llena) · 2026-10-09
- [Iguazú Argentina – Atardecer en Cataratas](https://iguazuargentina.com/es/atardecer-en-cataratas) · 2026-10-09
- [Iguazú Argentina (concesionario oficial del Área Cataratas) – Tarifas](https://iguazuargentina.com/es/tarifas) · 2026-10-09
- [Iguazú Argentina – Horarios y consejos](https://iguazuargentina.com/es/horarios-y-consejos) · 2026-10-09
- [Primera Edición – La crecida del río volvió a transformar el paisaje de los saltos](https://www.primeraedicion.com.ar/nota/101118928/cataratas-iguazu-crecida-caudal-bruma-garganta-del-diablo/) · 2026-06-30
- [Infobae – Cerraron la Garganta del Diablo por la crecida del río (lanchas suspendidas)](https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/2026/07/23/cerraron-el-acceso-a-la-garganta-del-diablo-en-las-cataratas-del-iguazu-por-la-impactante-crecida-del-rio/) · 2026-07-23

## Nearby

- [Salto San Martín](https://iguazu.ar/en/place/salto-san-martin/) (Waterfall, 550 m)
- [Garganta del Diablo](https://iguazu.ar/en/place/garganta-del-diablo/) (Waterfall, 550 m)
- [Salto Mbiguá](https://iguazu.ar/en/place/salto-mbigua/) (Waterfall, 730 m)
- [Salto Bernabé Méndez](https://iguazu.ar/en/place/salto-bernabe-mendez/) (Waterfall, 800 m)
- [Bernabè Mèndes. guardaparque](https://iguazu.ar/en/place/bernabe-mendes-guardaparque/) (Sight, 830 m)

## FAQ

**Where is Cataratas del Iguazú?**
At Ruta Nacional 101 km 142, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Parque Nacional Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina, 17 km from Plaza San Martín in Puerto Iguazú. Coordinates: -25.69229, -54.44043.

**What are the opening hours of Cataratas del Iguazú?**
According to data checked on October 9, 2026: Área Cataratas: 8 am to 6 pm daily. Full Moon: check-in 7:45, 8:30 or 9:15 pm depending on your slot, about 2.5 hours. Sunset tour: dates and times vary.. Hours change by season, so confirm before going.

**How much time do you need for Cataratas del Iguazú?**
Half a day for the basics; a full day to enjoy them properly

**How much does it cost to visit Cataratas del Iguazú?**
Included in the park ticket (since 1 June 2026: international ARS 60,000; residents of Argentina ARS 25,000). Full Moon and Sunset tours are extra: adults ARS 95,000, children 6-12 ARS 47,500, under-5s free (official site, checked Oct 2026). (checked on October 9, 2026; confirm before going).

**Do you need to book Cataratas del Iguazú?**
Recommended. Full Moon and Sunset tours have limited places and go on sale on the official site 30 to 90 days before each date; park entry is not included.

**When is the best time to visit Cataratas del Iguazú?**
There is water all year, but flow varies: after rain the falls are stronger and mistier. In 2026 the river is running high due to El Niño; check conditions a few days ahead.

**How do I get to Cataratas del Iguazú?**
Visit them from Iguazú National Park (Route 101 km 142), about 17 km from Puerto Iguazú; Río Uruguay buses leave the terminal every 20 minutes. The Brazilian side is reached from Foz do Iguaçu, crossing the border with ID.

**What is the phone number of Cataratas del Iguazú?**
+54 9 3757 674714.

**What is near Cataratas del Iguazú?**
Salto San Martín (550 m), Garganta del Diablo (550 m), Salto Mbiguá (730 m).

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Source: Iguazu.ar (https://iguazu.ar). Data from OpenStreetMap (ODbL) updated on 2026-10-10. When citing, link to the original page.