3 Full Days in Iguazu?
Jun 28th, 2014, 04:18 PM
#1
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3 Full Days in Iguazu?
Hello, more questions for our retirement trip!
After repeatedly hearing the comment "You are not going to Iguazu!!!" we decided it might be necessary to add it to our list. We will be flying from Salta and AA's schedule dictates that we will be arriving around 8:30pm. Because we can't get into our apartment in BA until 4 days later, I am thinking we could spend 3 full days in Iguazu before flying to BA. I have read forum comments and it seems to be divided as far as value of that long a stay. My usual attitude is that almost anywhere is worth 3 days if you look hard enough. Taking this attitude with the fact that it is costing an arm and a leg to get there and back, I am inclined to be happy with the 3 days.
Does anyone have any strong opinions about this as well as sights or activities other than the falls. And yes, any suggestions for middle of the road hostel or hotel are appreciated. As I mentioned in my last post, my brain is turning to pudding from planning this trip.
Cheers!
After repeatedly hearing the comment "You are not going to Iguazu!!!" we decided it might be necessary to add it to our list. We will be flying from Salta and AA's schedule dictates that we will be arriving around 8:30pm. Because we can't get into our apartment in BA until 4 days later, I am thinking we could spend 3 full days in Iguazu before flying to BA. I have read forum comments and it seems to be divided as far as value of that long a stay. My usual attitude is that almost anywhere is worth 3 days if you look hard enough. Taking this attitude with the fact that it is costing an arm and a leg to get there and back, I am inclined to be happy with the 3 days.
Does anyone have any strong opinions about this as well as sights or activities other than the falls. And yes, any suggestions for middle of the road hostel or hotel are appreciated. As I mentioned in my last post, my brain is turning to pudding from planning this trip.
Cheers!
Jun 28th, 2014, 04:38 PM
#2
You should absolutely visit Iguazu! (See: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...y-spectacular/ )
I suppose you could spend a night in Uruguay on the way to BsAs, but no reason you can't fill three days in Iguazu. I spent two visiting the falls, and didn't do any of the extra activities or visit the Bird Park or the dam.
I can recommend the place I stayed: http://www.lasorgentehotel.com/en/home.html - but take a flashlight.
I suppose you could spend a night in Uruguay on the way to BsAs, but no reason you can't fill three days in Iguazu. I spent two visiting the falls, and didn't do any of the extra activities or visit the Bird Park or the dam.
I can recommend the place I stayed: http://www.lasorgentehotel.com/en/home.html - but take a flashlight.
Jun 30th, 2014, 03:49 PM
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Iguazu falls are really unique. 3 days is a perfect amount. You'll need one full day for each side of the falls and could use one more to see the Parque das Aves and the Itaipu Binacional, which is also nice by night. You'll also have a spare day to see the falls if it rains.
www.parquedasaves.com.br/pt/
https://www.turismoitaipu.com.br/en
Canzi Cataratas Hotel is very close to the brazilian side of the falls and the Birds Park, which is convenient IF you rent a car. Renting a car is not mandatory to see the region.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/br/canzi.pt-br.html
www.parquedasaves.com.br/pt/
https://www.turismoitaipu.com.br/en
Canzi Cataratas Hotel is very close to the brazilian side of the falls and the Birds Park, which is convenient IF you rent a car. Renting a car is not mandatory to see the region.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/br/canzi.pt-br.html
Jun 30th, 2014, 04:10 PM
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Thank you both for your encouragement and suggestions. We originally thought it was too much money to fly for just 3 days but now feel we would probably regret not seeing this spectular sight.
We are flying Aerolineas Argentina despite all the bad press it receives here. Lan only flies with a stop in Buenos Aires which made for a long day and is quite a bit more money. Will be taking a,long bus ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Salta and don't fancy 2 more so soon after. Wish us luck with AA!
We are flying Aerolineas Argentina despite all the bad press it receives here. Lan only flies with a stop in Buenos Aires which made for a long day and is quite a bit more money. Will be taking a,long bus ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Salta and don't fancy 2 more so soon after. Wish us luck with AA!
Jul 1st, 2014, 06:49 AM
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Good decision to spend a few days in Iguazu. we spent 3 days there, one at the Argentine side of the falls, one on the Brazilian side and the other in Foz de Iguazu town. it wasn't too long and well worth it!
we stayed at Hostal Marco Polo which was a decent mid range place. Nothing special but in a good location for the bus station for getting to the falls and to the Brazil border
It is a long bus bus ride from SPdeA to Salta but it is through some pretty amazing scenery so it well fly by (ok, maybe not fly, but plenty to look at along the way!)
we stayed at Hostal Marco Polo which was a decent mid range place. Nothing special but in a good location for the bus station for getting to the falls and to the Brazil border
It is a long bus bus ride from SPdeA to Salta but it is through some pretty amazing scenery so it well fly by (ok, maybe not fly, but plenty to look at along the way!)
Jul 1st, 2014, 09:50 AM
#7
Should you decide to spend fewer days in Iguazu, you could consider getting to BsAs a day earlier and spending a night or two in a hotel in a different barrio from that of your apartment. We have done that in reverse and been pleased with this plan.
Jul 2nd, 2014, 06:38 AM
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You will not regret your 3 days at Iguazu, plenty to do/see around, especially if you are a nature lover.
We flew Aerolineas a few times back and forth during our trip in Argentina, and had absolutely no problem. All flights were comfortable, and most important, on time. I know they get a bad press, but we have only good words for them.
We flew Aerolineas a few times back and forth during our trip in Argentina, and had absolutely no problem. All flights were comfortable, and most important, on time. I know they get a bad press, but we have only good words for them.
Sep 23rd, 2014, 02:23 PM
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Since you're in the vicinity, take the time to experience Iquazu. I'll post some Brazilian-side pix for you to get some feel for the power of 270+ cataracts! We stayed ar Hotel Das Cataratas with walking paths and foot bridges to within spray of the falls.
Sep 23rd, 2014, 02:28 PM
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Sep 23rd, 2014, 02:34 PM
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CindyJO: South American summer is coming up in a few months..hopefully you've made arrangements already. Best advice we took was from a Fodorite Argentinian who had us rethink summer and we chose April (autumn) and did not regret it a bit. Cool and comfortable weather throughout the month we were there. The Amazon was much warmer, of course.
stu
stu
Sep 26th, 2014, 11:45 PM
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If you choose to spend 3 full days at the falls, you will want to see both sides of the park (and the bird park), not just the Argentine side. Remember that you may need (depending on your passport) a Brazilian visa, and leave sufficient time to get one before your trip. But it will also add to your costs.
As to getting around, there are inexpensive local public buses. One goes from the bus station in Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, crosses the border, and goes to the bus depot in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. On both sides, from the bus station (described) in the town, a bus runs to the park entrance on that side. And of course, there are taxis.
Just to give you the layout, there is an airport on each side, between the town and the park, but closer to the park. There are accomodations in both towns and more rural ones along the road to the park. If you are flying in and out of IGU, it would be more,logical to stay in Puerto Iguazu.
There are adventure boat rides under the falls from both sides. The helicopter pad is near the entrance to the Brazilian side of the park, and across from the bird park. You can also do a trip to the dam.
As to getting around, there are inexpensive local public buses. One goes from the bus station in Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, crosses the border, and goes to the bus depot in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. On both sides, from the bus station (described) in the town, a bus runs to the park entrance on that side. And of course, there are taxis.
Just to give you the layout, there is an airport on each side, between the town and the park, but closer to the park. There are accomodations in both towns and more rural ones along the road to the park. If you are flying in and out of IGU, it would be more,logical to stay in Puerto Iguazu.
There are adventure boat rides under the falls from both sides. The helicopter pad is near the entrance to the Brazilian side of the park, and across from the bird park. You can also do a trip to the dam.
Sep 27th, 2014, 08:30 AM
#14
Taking the bus from the Puerto Iguazu bus station to the Foz do Iguazu bus station is stupid. It wastes time and guarantees that you will need a visa. There is a bus from the Puerto Iguazu bus station that goes directly to the park on the Brazilian side, and when I took it no one was required to get off at the Brazilian border, the bus driver seemed to count heads, made a note, and then kept going.
Sep 29th, 2014, 08:19 AM
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This must be a new bus service (since I last visited), because that was not possible when I was there. You had to take two buses. Very good idea though.
Is there one that goes from Foz to the entrance to the park on the Argentine side as well?
Technically, you do need a visa for Brazil though afaik, and need to grit your passport stamped. Where is it noted/written that you don't? Just because the bus doesn't stop at the border automatically does not signify this. You are in Brazilian territory. (In fact, I read one post where a guy was complaining about getting fined and claiming ignorance only worsened his situation.)
Is there one that goes from Foz to the entrance to the park on the Argentine side as well?
Technically, you do need a visa for Brazil though afaik, and need to grit your passport stamped. Where is it noted/written that you don't? Just because the bus doesn't stop at the border automatically does not signify this. You are in Brazilian territory. (In fact, I read one post where a guy was complaining about getting fined and claiming ignorance only worsened his situation.)
Sep 29th, 2014, 09:56 AM
#16
I am reporting my experience in fall 2012. I did not need a visa, as I was traveling on my UK passport, but NO-ONE, repeat, NO-ONE, on the bus had to get off and deal with Brazilian immigration. In either direction. Maybe the Brazilian authorities have realized they are losing tourist dollars...
I have no idea whether there is a similar service from Foz, as I did not visit Foz.
I did not, and do not, dispute that officially US citizens require a visa for Brazil. I am reporting my experience that in practice it can be possible to enter Brazil without one.
I have no idea whether there is a similar service from Foz, as I did not visit Foz.
I did not, and do not, dispute that officially US citizens require a visa for Brazil. I am reporting my experience that in practice it can be possible to enter Brazil without one.
