I am planning a trip from Sao Paolo to Iguacu Falls. How many days should I go for--2? 3? Also, is it best to stay on the Brazilian side and go to the Argentine side for a day trip? Where is best to stay--I've heard many people recommend Foz do Iguacu. Also, it sounds like the boat tour up the river is a hit--is this usually in the morning or the afternoon, and how is this organized? What else would you recommend seeing/doing while there?
As you can see, any advice is greatly appreciated!!

It's been a few years since I was there but I remember one important tip. If you stay at the Sheraton on the Argentine side, you can go into the park before it officialy opens and you can have it all to yourself. The views from the rooms are awesome. Also, their pool is very refreshing and you can use it between hikes if you are staying there. It wasn't too expensive then (2000)and that was before the fall of the currency.

Also, on the Brazilian side is a little zoo that was very interesting. I spent four days in the area (2 nights on the Brazil side and one at the Sheraton) which was just enough. It's a big place. You do need to see it from both sides because the views are different. Five days would be better.

The zodiac trip was a lot of fun but you do get wet. Also, on the Brazil side you can arrange for a room after you arrive at the airport unless you have somewhere special in mind.

One last thing: take a tour of the dam if you have the time. It's quite interesting.

By the way, for those not familiar with Iguacu, this is one of the most awesome places on the planet.

For nice Hotels on the Brazilian side, try Hotel Bourbon,(Rede Bourbon de Hotels) in Foz do Iguacu - a 5-star on beautiful grounds and with the zoo. Or Hotel Das Cataratas, a beautiful, older hotel right in the park at the falls - their web site: http://www.ladatco.com/IGU-DasCat.htm
We stayed at Bourbon and enjoyed it very much - haven't tried the Argentina side - looked like that hotel stands alone.
If you look back thru posts here on Iguacu, you will find another post from Brasil Nut II (my husband) with more info on this area, I think! Catch the dinner show at Plaza Foz, pretty entertaining and Rafain Churrascaria for excellent lunch - their web: www.churrascariavirtual.com.br We took tour of the falls and the dam, but didn't have time for the boat trip - don't feel cheated, though.
I am sure your hotel can tell you about boat trip times or you can check a travel guide for the tour operators there. Give yourself some time at the pool while there, if you can, and try to take a guided-trip into Paraguay to see the street vendors there. You'll love it at the falls - be sure to take the walking trail, and of course, plan on getting wet.

Hi,
We stayed at the Hotel Cataratas on the Argentina side (not THE HOTEL CATARATAS....)

Keep in mind that there is a Brazil side and Argentina side airport and that will make some differences.

But both sides are pretty and I'd think two or three days would be nice.

The Sheraton Hotel on the Argentinian side is obviously the best option.No other hotel is better located. If you can get a vacancy there and you can afford it there is nothing better.
A good and cheaper place with cottages for 4 people is the Orquideas Palace.
There is an excursion which is worth making and it is the one to Esteros de Ibera, prov. of Corrientes. People who have made it say it is worth. I came to know about it because of the references tourist left about it.
good luck