abdm

Who has any experience going to Brazilian side for USA citizen? How did you do it?

mikemo

I refused to pay the US$100. pp last November.
The Argentine side was quite fine.
M

Percy

I was on both side a few months ago.

The experience is different from both sides and you get to walk up close and personal to the falls in many places.

The Devil's Throat is the main place and area you want to see.

However I was going to San Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon...soI was going into Brazil anyway.

Percy

Otis_B_Driftwood

When I was at Iguazu a few years ago, one could hire a private driver to take you over to the Brazil side for the day without paying for the visa.

I understand this has changed and all American citizens are required to have one. Brazil seems to be pissed off at us and they have raised the visa fee from $40 to $100.

If you go, I would recommend staying at the Sheraton. It's right in the park and your room has a great view of the falls. You could email them and ask what the visa situation is like currently.

Make sure you take the jet boats. They go right under the falls (or did when I was there). I believe they take off from both countries.

msteacher

I hesitate to say this, but I visited both sides without the necessary Brazilian visa. I suppose the authorities can decide to do whatever they want, but at least at the time I was there, they seemed to let daytrippers go across the border without any problem. That was about two years ago, so maybe things have changed, but it was a hassle-free experience for me. We took a bus; at the border we got out and showed our passports. If I remember correctly, we may have had to show that we had a return ticket for the same day, although I know I've heard of others who have taken a taxi across without a visa.

msteacher

Looks like Otis and I were writing at the same time... he probably knows more than I if things have changed. I agree with the reccommendation to take the powerboat under the falls.

The main area to see is on the Arg side, so if you don't make it to the Brazilian side, you will still ahve a fabulous experience.

CollegeMom

Last Sept. at the Iguazu airport there were cabs or guides hoping to take tourists to the Brazil side. If you check earlier posts here regarding the visa issue, it seems security is becoming more of an issue everywhere. Opted not to take the risk or pay the visa fee, but couldn't have enjoyed the falls more than on the Argentina side. The Argentine side has wonderful views, catwalks on several viewing levels and lookouts that are close enough to the falls that you get wet from the mist. IMO the Sheraton is also the best place to stay for convenience. If you are outside enjoying the falls and area during the day, the falls view room premium at the hotel is not necessary since the falls are dark at night. The park is also full of birds and fascinating plants. It was a great experience!

abdm

Thank you everyboby!
Do I need to book the boat ride in advance? If not, is it easy to do if I stay in Sheraton?

CollegeMom

Boat tours of the falls/river can be booked in the lobby of the Sheraton. Unless it is a holiday or high season, you can usually book upon arrival. TA had booked a river tour but changed it to the day of arrival because the weather was perfect.

mikemo

The 740 ft sq suite at Iguazu Grand Hot and Casino was super!
M

Orlando_Vic

Agree with mikemo-
We too saw plenty from the Argentina side, including the Devil's Throat. Did not find the risk/rewards ratio for going to the Brazilian side to be in our favor.

CollegeMom is correct about not paying the 30% premium for a falls view room at the Sheraton. You are simply not in your room long enough to really benefit from the view.

Percy

abdm:

No you do not have to book the boat ride in advance..I did not in March.

Be prepared to get soaked !!!!! as the driver spins the boat very near the falls.

And yes it is easy from the Sheraton or any of the other hotels..some are on the Brazil side and other on the Argentina side.

Your first impression of the Devil's Throat Falls is Wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Percy

thit_cho

<<Brazil seems to be pissed off at us and they have raised the visa fee from $40 to $100.>>

I believe its reciprocity in action -- that's what the US charges Brazilians for US visas.

saltshaker

I'd agree, I wouldn't call this being pissed off at us. The U.S. raised and/or instituted $100 visa fees for all South Americans, with virtually no advance notice, I doubt most of us would claim we did it because we were pissed at all of them. A large number of South American countries simply decided to do the same thing. On the average, probably more norteamericanos can afford the $100 than folks who live down here going the other way.