We are planning to travel to Buenos Aires then fly Aerolineas to Iguacu then cross the border on land and fly Varig to Rio. Any advice would be greatly appreciated??? Is it easy to cross the border on land ? How? Recommended up market/standout accomodation and memorable restaurants on either Argentinian (preference) or Brazilian side of Iguacu would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

I don't want to disappoint you, but besides the falls, Iguacu is not a pretty place. The shops sell mostly Scotch, perfumes, and cigarettes - sometimes cheap copies of the original stuff. I recommend going there, seeing the falls and the Iguacu Park (tours in their own bus is the only way to visit the Park) and get out. The nicest hotels are Mabu Thermas & Resort and Bourbon Resort & Convention. I don't know the situation of the border, but I suggest you do more research on that. Good Luck

I was also looking into going to BA and Iguazu recently. I haven't gone, but i did find out from others on this board that there's a Mercosur Airpass that might be a better option for flying between countries. Here's a link...
http://www.globotur.com/mercosur.htm

Also heard that the Sheraton located at the Falls (Argentinian side i think) is the nicest hotel there and the only one within the park. Also, don't forget you need a visa ($100 fee) for Brazil.

The visa fee for an Aussie would be A$ 87.50

I would suggest staying at the Hotel das Cataratas on the Brazilian side. It is located within the National Park. It is a charming colonial style hotel. They have nice restaurants as well, including a very relaxing Churrascaria with good grilled meat poolside in the back. Lovely setting. The hotel is overlooking the falls.

We spent 2 nights in Iguazu at the Sheraton Internacional. We also had a taxi from the hotel drive us over to the brazilian side. the were no problems passing the border coming or going and no one asked for a visa. the brazilian side didn't even ask for our passports. only did we show our passports on the way back into argentina and the taxi driver took care of everything. inside the sheraton there is a transportation booth that will arrange everything. we loved the argentinian side because you can walk over, around, under, beside the falls and get as wet as you want or stay as dry as you need to. the brazilian side on the other you are basically looking back over to argentina to get a panoramic view of it. if i had a preference i would say don't miss the argentinian side. in addition there is no entrance fee to argentina vs. 100.00 for brazil. We had a relaxing 3 days exploring all the trails, taking the train ride to "la garganta del diablo", we took a boat ride back from el diablo and had an unexpected treat to have a Toucan fly right by us. the argentinian side is so peaceful and you really "experience" the falls. have a great time!

is there any updated info if you need a visa to get to the brazilian side. we dont want to spend so much for a short visit. are there jungle walks on the argentine side of iguacu?

Please note that a Brazilian judge has been annoyed because the US has intensified the b order controls for many countries ( all countries whose citizens are required a visa to come into the US) and has ordered the >>>>Brazilian Goverment to finger print and photograph all Americans coming into Brazil. Of course the authorities in cities like Rio and absolutely oposed to the zeal of this judge because they are getting cancelations. People, are not that kneen to spend several hours being photographed ....MAY Be the judge has not heard about Sep 11? .....I ignore the situation right now at Iguazu may be the >Brazilian Consulate can give you a better idea. Anyway the best place to stay, visa or no visa, is in the Argentine national Park and this means to stay at the sheraton.