hollie614

Hi, We're going to Iguazu Falls in November... do we have to book tours for the falls (AR and Brazil sides) before we go? Do they sell out? Do the same tours to both sides of the falls? Any advice is appreciated.

CollegeMom

I was just there in late August, and had a tour booked for an afternoon, but changed it to an earlier day because of the rain predicted for the afternoon of the tour. (It did rain that afternoon). It was not a problem to change the day, but it was also low season. Depending on when in Nov. you plan to go, it is probably best to have the reservation ahead of time since according to article referenced here on Iguazu Falls the writer did not get to go because it was sold out. I only did the Argentine side which was awesome despite the low water. The later you go in Nov. the better since there should be more water with the rains. Even with low water volume, it was worth seeing and hearing! Enjoy!

Pottle

I was there in 05', and am returning next month.

You DO NOT need to be a part of a tour; in fact, that is a significant disadvantage. The pathways in and around the falls are safe, paved and well sign posted. The brochures provided at the park entrance map those paths and show highlights to visit. This is true of both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. You couldn't get lost if you tried.

If you use a tour, you're committed to keeping with it, and do not have the flexibility to linger in a place of interest, nor the ability to leave a place of lesser interest, to say nothing of being part of a herded mob.

If you're staying at the Sheraton, step outside the hotel and you're on the paths. If staying outside, take a taxi (or bus) to the entrance, and enjoy the parks at your leisure.

The parks do not have capacity control, so there's no need to be concerned with being "sold out".

These falls deserve their "World Heritage" designation. Enjoy your trip.

mikemo

We're walking in late Oct., but we walk up and down at 6300-6800 ft every day.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

tower

hollie: we did the boat ride "under" the falls" and the jeep trip through the rainforest, hiking to the boat dock..and did not have reservations...not too crowded and we had no trouble getting on both...other than that we walked forever and enjoyed every minute. Spectacular!

Stu T.

CollegeMom

When I suggested a tour in my earlier post, I should have really said an excursion on the river and through the jungle. The trails, cat walks and paths are easily done without a tour. In fact they are better on your own since you can stay as long as you want up to the park closing time which is 6 p.m., but the park service man starts getting people to leave the falls area by 5 to allow ample time to walk out of the park. Depending on your passport origin, there may be an additional fee to cross into Brazil and return.

Giovanna

As the others have noted, a tour is not necessarily a must, but I would suggest you get a hotel reserved. We went there last November for two nights and had some problem booking a hotel, even with a travel agent in BsAs. We ended up staying at the Hotel St. George, which was fine. Others have hated it, but even though our room was shabby, it was clean and the grounds, pool area, etc. were great.

mjmcfp

Skip the tour. The falls are an easy self-guide. Don't miss the ride under the falls! We stayed at the Hotel Cataratas which was a mistake because the time and taxi cost were an inconvenience. It is such a world destination I would recommend staying at the Sheraton(?) right at the falls. Fly in early on day one and leave as late as possible on day two.

CollegeMom

The Iguazu Sheraton is pricey, but it pays for itself in convenience since you are already in the park. You can walk the paths, cat walks, and trails before and after the tour buses arrive. The Sherton has a higher fee for the falls side rooms, but unless you spend daytime hours in your room or really enjoy spending time on the balcony, the forest side rooms (also with balconies) are fine. We spent all of our time during the day by the falls instead of at the hotel. The lobby and dining room have falls views. The falls are dark at night so then it doesn't matter which side you are on. The so so buffet at the hotel was 75 pesos for lunch or dinner, but there also was a menu which offered better choices.Reserve the hotel as early as possible since it is often full.

hollie614

Thanks all... I'm staying at the Sheraton. Do you think i have to book the river ride under the falls in advance?