Iguazu Falls-"Best" Way to Reach/See
Nov 22nd, 2016, 07:51 AM
#1
Original Poster
Iguazu Falls-"Best" Way to Reach/See
I apologize if all of this "housekeeping" type stuff has been discussed ad infinitum and if that is the case and you have a link TO that discussion, please provide it.
The situation: we will fly into BA and be taking a cruise a few days later. The ship spends two nights docked prior to departure.
What we thought we might do is fly in and then make our way to Iguazu Falls and <B>perhaps</B> spend a night or two there. We know about "the falls" and have viewed countless YouTube videos of it. We know there are several hotels and at least one supposedly "overlooks" the cataract.
My question is what would the "best" or "most convenient" way to reach the falls be? "Best" being defined as "least amount of hassle" and not necessarily the cheapest (this is most definitely going to be a <B>one time event</B
.
I am trying to determine if the thing is worth seeing in person. I realize all those videos are great but there's a lot to be said IMO for actually being there.
I appreciate any thoughts/help, etc., with all of this. Thank you.
The situation: we will fly into BA and be taking a cruise a few days later. The ship spends two nights docked prior to departure.
What we thought we might do is fly in and then make our way to Iguazu Falls and <B>perhaps</B> spend a night or two there. We know about "the falls" and have viewed countless YouTube videos of it. We know there are several hotels and at least one supposedly "overlooks" the cataract.
My question is what would the "best" or "most convenient" way to reach the falls be? "Best" being defined as "least amount of hassle" and not necessarily the cheapest (this is most definitely going to be a <B>one time event</B
.I am trying to determine if the thing is worth seeing in person. I realize all those videos are great but there's a lot to be said IMO for actually being there.
I appreciate any thoughts/help, etc., with all of this. Thank you.
Nov 22nd, 2016, 08:31 AM
#2
You have to fly unless you want to spend 24 hours on a bus..which I suspect not. LATAM is the more reliable airline, the route is AEP to IGR, nonstop (change of airport from the international..good news is AEP is in-town, near Palermo.
People seem to suggest staying at the Sheraton which is inside the park. I personally decided not to do it, which was probably a mistake since I wasn't all that enchanted with Buenos Aires.
Are you doing the Cape Horn cruise..it's a great itinerary no matter who you go with.
People seem to suggest staying at the Sheraton which is inside the park. I personally decided not to do it, which was probably a mistake since I wasn't all that enchanted with Buenos Aires.
Are you doing the Cape Horn cruise..it's a great itinerary no matter who you go with.
Nov 22nd, 2016, 08:50 AM
#3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having just done this, I think seeing the Falls would be a great way to spend a couple of nites. No fotos or videos prepares you for the experience.
You will certainly have to fly as the bus ride is very long and, according to one person I spoke with, most unpleasant, while the flights are fairly short and leave from the Aeroparque Jorge Newberry which is on the Rio de la Plata not that far from where your ship will dock, so the taxi should not cost too much or take too long.
I'd reserve the flights in advance; to do that you'll have to fly LATAM rather than Aerolineas Argentinas because I don't think you can pay on-line for AA unless you're Argentinian--at least I couldn't.
You'll want to get a visa for Brazil and see both sides of the falls, as each offers a different look. Plus there is a fantastic Bird Park just across the road from the entrance to the Brazilian side of the Falls which is don't miss, IMO.
Spend two nites at the Gran Crucero Puerto Iguazu Hotel as it is more or less between the roads to the two sides of the Falls and outside of Puerto Iguazu proper.
The best way to reach the Falls -- most economic, hassle free, and efficient--would be to take the public bus that stops just down the road from the Gran Crucero Hotel. The ones that go to the Falls have a sign that says "cataratas" and then "argentinas" or "brasilianas" depending on which they go to. The buses go right to the park entrance and return regularly. No need for a tour or a taxi.
Be sure to take plenty of Argentine pesos to the Argentine side: they only accept Argentine pesos in cash, and the day I was there, the ATM was out of money, probably because it is besieged by people who didn't know they needed cash to get in. The Brazilian side accepts Argentine Pesos, US Dollars, Brazilian reales, and credit cards, as does the Bird Park.
I'd arrange for a late flight back to BA and do the Argentine side the first day, then the Brazilian side the second---that way you can leave your luggage at the Hotel after checkout and pick it up when you return from the Falls, as the bus goes right past the Hotel I'm not certain they have a left-luggage policy but would be extremely surprised if they don't--it is a first-class hotel in every way.
!Buen viaje!
You will certainly have to fly as the bus ride is very long and, according to one person I spoke with, most unpleasant, while the flights are fairly short and leave from the Aeroparque Jorge Newberry which is on the Rio de la Plata not that far from where your ship will dock, so the taxi should not cost too much or take too long.
I'd reserve the flights in advance; to do that you'll have to fly LATAM rather than Aerolineas Argentinas because I don't think you can pay on-line for AA unless you're Argentinian--at least I couldn't.
You'll want to get a visa for Brazil and see both sides of the falls, as each offers a different look. Plus there is a fantastic Bird Park just across the road from the entrance to the Brazilian side of the Falls which is don't miss, IMO.
Spend two nites at the Gran Crucero Puerto Iguazu Hotel as it is more or less between the roads to the two sides of the Falls and outside of Puerto Iguazu proper.
The best way to reach the Falls -- most economic, hassle free, and efficient--would be to take the public bus that stops just down the road from the Gran Crucero Hotel. The ones that go to the Falls have a sign that says "cataratas" and then "argentinas" or "brasilianas" depending on which they go to. The buses go right to the park entrance and return regularly. No need for a tour or a taxi.
Be sure to take plenty of Argentine pesos to the Argentine side: they only accept Argentine pesos in cash, and the day I was there, the ATM was out of money, probably because it is besieged by people who didn't know they needed cash to get in. The Brazilian side accepts Argentine Pesos, US Dollars, Brazilian reales, and credit cards, as does the Bird Park.
I'd arrange for a late flight back to BA and do the Argentine side the first day, then the Brazilian side the second---that way you can leave your luggage at the Hotel after checkout and pick it up when you return from the Falls, as the bus goes right past the Hotel I'm not certain they have a left-luggage policy but would be extremely surprised if they don't--it is a first-class hotel in every way.
!Buen viaje!
Nov 22nd, 2016, 08:59 AM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My input on this subject, covered countless times:
Everyone and his brother says "the thing is worth seeing in person".
Many people say you should try to see both the Argentine side AND the Brazilian side, but you need a visa for the Brazilian side and I feel you should stay at least two nights, if you want to "do" both sides.
The "best" or "most convenient" way to reach the falls is to fly. For only the Argentine side, you could get an early flight in and a late flight back the next day
There is only one hotel INSIDE the park and it is the Sheraton http://tinyurl.com/guwtcme You get several advantages by staying there: you can have a room overlooking the Falls, you can get into the park earlier, you can simply WALK to the Falls, that kind of thing. Food at the hotel: so,so and expensive. You can cab it into town for dinner.
The weather will be warm and humid, pretty much during any season.
Everyone and his brother says "the thing is worth seeing in person".
Many people say you should try to see both the Argentine side AND the Brazilian side, but you need a visa for the Brazilian side and I feel you should stay at least two nights, if you want to "do" both sides.
The "best" or "most convenient" way to reach the falls is to fly. For only the Argentine side, you could get an early flight in and a late flight back the next day
There is only one hotel INSIDE the park and it is the Sheraton http://tinyurl.com/guwtcme You get several advantages by staying there: you can have a room overlooking the Falls, you can get into the park earlier, you can simply WALK to the Falls, that kind of thing. Food at the hotel: so,so and expensive. You can cab it into town for dinner.
The weather will be warm and humid, pretty much during any season.
Nov 22nd, 2016, 05:56 PM
#5
Original Poster
Thank you so very much for taking the time to respond and for the wealth of information as well as this is exactly what I was hoping to learn.
To answer one question above: no we are not taking the Cape Horn cruise but rather one which does Rio, various other points in Brazil and Uruguay at Carnival time.
To answer one question above: no we are not taking the Cape Horn cruise but rather one which does Rio, various other points in Brazil and Uruguay at Carnival time.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 02:05 AM
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is it worth seeing in person? Of course it is. We just got back from our last visit and we're no less blown away the second time.
I see little point in staying in the Sheraton in the park. You might just as well stay in Puerto Iguazu and get taxis to one or both sides of the fall. The it takes less than an hour.
Having done the trip by bus and plane, I would suggest the plane which is probably the only realistic option in the time you have. Do be aware that SA airlines have a tendency to change flights at the drop of a hat - our flights from salt to Iguazu were changed six times and re-routed via BA.
The Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls do offer completely different perspectives and are who they worth doing if you have the time. Flight timings are key here. If you got an early flight in and a late flight out, you cloud conceivably do both sides with one overnight. Given my experience of airlines in SA, my main concern would be not missing your cruise departure.
I see little point in staying in the Sheraton in the park. You might just as well stay in Puerto Iguazu and get taxis to one or both sides of the fall. The it takes less than an hour.
Having done the trip by bus and plane, I would suggest the plane which is probably the only realistic option in the time you have. Do be aware that SA airlines have a tendency to change flights at the drop of a hat - our flights from salt to Iguazu were changed six times and re-routed via BA.
The Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls do offer completely different perspectives and are who they worth doing if you have the time. Flight timings are key here. If you got an early flight in and a late flight out, you cloud conceivably do both sides with one overnight. Given my experience of airlines in SA, my main concern would be not missing your cruise departure.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 06:51 AM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that it is worth seeing both sides. Ideally, you need two full days to see both sides of the park and the Bird Park. Often this means two nights, since travel to/from each take up half a day. The iconic photos that probably attracted you to this destination are usually those taken from the Brazilian side.
There is one hotel inside the park? One in the Brazilian side of the park (Hotel Bourbon Cataratas) and one in the Argentine side of the park (Sheraton).
There are lots of pleasant resort type hotels on the road between Foz do Iguacu town and the Brazilian side of the park, more in the town, and also options in Puerto Iguazu town.
If I can help with any questions/details about Rio or other cruise ports in Brazil, I would be happy to answer further posts.
There is one hotel inside the park? One in the Brazilian side of the park (Hotel Bourbon Cataratas) and one in the Argentine side of the park (Sheraton).
There are lots of pleasant resort type hotels on the road between Foz do Iguacu town and the Brazilian side of the park, more in the town, and also options in Puerto Iguazu town.
If I can help with any questions/details about Rio or other cruise ports in Brazil, I would be happy to answer further posts.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 05:17 PM
#10
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yo Dukey....suggest you try to see both sides although we were very satisfied doing the Brazilian side staying at the comfortable Das Cataratas Hotel.....see pics....and then taking the boat directly to the falls (see pics). Much less hustle bustle on Brazilian side. We flew from there to Rio then on to the Amazon where we had booked a private 5-night river trip...have a great time.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 05:24 PM
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nov 23rd, 2016, 07:20 PM
#12
Original Poster
SambaChula, thank you for the offer of assistance; as a matter of fact I am researching the best way to get tickets to the Rio Samba parade.
Stu, thanks very much for your insight and for sharing those great pictures. When the falls and cruise part of the trip are over I think we will be flying from BA to Lima for a few days there prior to returning home to South Florida.
Stu, thanks very much for your insight and for sharing those great pictures. When the falls and cruise part of the trip are over I think we will be flying from BA to Lima for a few days there prior to returning home to South Florida.
Nov 24th, 2016, 05:36 AM
#13
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whoever you buy from will be a reseller/middleman with some (slightly varied) markup.
This FAQ is helpful to answer a lot of questions:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/sambodro...me_tickets.php
and they are a reliable reseller to buy from. (You may read some old posts about problems they had a few years ago, but more recent reports state they've not had them since, or before that year.)
There are several other reliable resellers online. Ask about them if you find they have a significantly different price for the same seats.
This FAQ is helpful to answer a lot of questions:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/sambodro...me_tickets.php
and they are a reliable reseller to buy from. (You may read some old posts about problems they had a few years ago, but more recent reports state they've not had them since, or before that year.)
There are several other reliable resellers online. Ask about them if you find they have a significantly different price for the same seats.
Dec 8th, 2016, 09:56 AM
#15
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was planning on doing a trip like this after a Cape Horn cruise, before flying back to the US. Is it worth the time and expense to see just the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls? I don't want to spend the money getting a visa for Brazil for only one day. I have no plans or interest in going anywhere else in Brazil. Looking on kayak, the flight on LATAM is $374 RT. The visa for Brazil is $160 for US citizens.
Plus the hotel, this is a costly side trip for 1-2 days. I have seen Victoria Falls, do I need to see Iguazu?
Plus the hotel, this is a costly side trip for 1-2 days. I have seen Victoria Falls, do I need to see Iguazu?
Dec 9th, 2016, 05:49 AM
#16
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In your situation, I don't think I would bother just for one day to see only the Argentine side. If you go, bite the bullet, pay $160, and spend a couple days to see both sides.
Iguazú is very different from Victoria, former being a series of falls where as the latter is one big cascade. I suppose it depends on how much you like waterfalls.
Maybe the president elect will stop charging the exhorbitant fees for some country's citizens to visit the USA and put an end to these "reciprocal" arrangements, but I somehow doubt it!
Iguazú is very different from Victoria, former being a series of falls where as the latter is one big cascade. I suppose it depends on how much you like waterfalls.
Maybe the president elect will stop charging the exhorbitant fees for some country's citizens to visit the USA and put an end to these "reciprocal" arrangements, but I somehow doubt it!
Dec 9th, 2016, 06:01 AM
#17
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Susie--as Crellston says, I debated this before my trip to Argentina, and ended up paying for the visa. I am glad I did and recommend that you do too if you are going to visit the Falls. The Brazilian side has different views of the falls, more wildlife, and is across the street from a "Bird Park" that you should not miss if you want to see hundreds of unusual birds.
I have not seen Victoria Falls, Iguazu Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world, and this link describes them, compares them with Victoria Falls, and discusses you should see both sides: http://sevennaturalwonders.org/index.../iguazu-falls/
I have not seen Victoria Falls, Iguazu Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world, and this link describes them, compares them with Victoria Falls, and discusses you should see both sides: http://sevennaturalwonders.org/index.../iguazu-falls/
Dec 9th, 2016, 09:22 AM
#18
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@susiesan--
What attracted you to the falls in Iguacu? I'd bet it was an iconic photo or photos taken from the Brazilian side of the park, reason enough to bite the bullet and get the visa. The experience on the Argentine side is not the same since most of the actual waterfalls are on that side, so there is not the view as from opposite them. Agree that the Bird Park is also well worth seeing. And that the falls are a must-see if relatively nearby in SA.
I will be doing Victoria in March and judging the experience against the best, Iguacu.
What attracted you to the falls in Iguacu? I'd bet it was an iconic photo or photos taken from the Brazilian side of the park, reason enough to bite the bullet and get the visa. The experience on the Argentine side is not the same since most of the actual waterfalls are on that side, so there is not the view as from opposite them. Agree that the Bird Park is also well worth seeing. And that the falls are a must-see if relatively nearby in SA.
I will be doing Victoria in March and judging the experience against the best, Iguacu.
Dec 12th, 2016, 12:39 PM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@SambaChula: I was thinking as long as I've come so far I might as well try to see Iguazu while I'm in this part of the world. One never knows if they will make it back. Because of time constraints in extending the vacation past the 14 days of the cruise I may not have the time for 2-3 more days. A lot will depend on our work situation at the time, whether we have retired by then or not as this will be in March 2018.
I saw Victoria Falls in April 2015 from the Zimbabwe side only. It was impressive but there was so much mist it was hard to see them clearly. I was already in the area prior to a safari in Botswana so I figured why not visit the falls for one day? Glad I saw them, don't need to go back.
I saw Victoria Falls in April 2015 from the Zimbabwe side only. It was impressive but there was so much mist it was hard to see them clearly. I was already in the area prior to a safari in Botswana so I figured why not visit the falls for one day? Glad I saw them, don't need to go back.
