Best Destinos already has a guide to Foz do Iguaçu (Iguazu Falls), with all the information you need to plan your trip, but many readers ask us for a summary with the main tips, the best tours and the places worth visiting. Here is our “what to do in Foz do Iguaçu” with several tips!
Due to its natural beauty, the city of Iguazu Falls automatically attracts people from all over the world. It is quite common to see foreign tourists everywhere. The good amount of domestic flights there is also an added incentive for the city to enter the wish list of many Brazilian travelers.
Cozy as it is, Foz do Iguaçu has everything to captivate your heart in the first moments. Nature lovers need to divide their attention between unforgettable landscapes, rare animal species and lots of greenery! In addition to the beautiful waterfalls, the city also offers radical activities, parks, variety of restaurants, tours, sophisticated hotels and much more! Not to mention the possibility of shopping in Paraguay, which can be very worthwhile.
Tourist attractions in Iguazu Falls
Check out a small map with the main sights of the city:
1 – Iguaçu National Park
The Iguaçu National Park borders the Argentine territory and is located in the extreme west of Paraná. There are approximately 185 thousand hectares on the Brazilian side. Best known for being the home of the Falls in the Iguaçu River basin, it is considered a Natural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
The predominant vegetation type is rainforest and araucaria forest, with the presence of palm, walnut, caviúna, mate, and much more. The space also offers attractions such as trails and eco-adventure activities such as rafting, rappelling, rock climbing and boat trips through the falls.
Waterfalls of Iguaçu
The Iguaçu Falls are formed by the Iguaçu River, which runs 1320 km to its mouth, in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, bordering Argentina. With 18 km to go before it joins the Paraná River, the Iguaçu overcomes a drop that plunges into 275 falls of an average height of 65 meters, an average flow of 1,500 m³ per second, in a width of 2,780 meters.
On the Brazilian side there is a trail that passes through several viewpoints and a panoramic elevator connecting the base of the falls to the upper level of the river. There are also walkways, paths that were built to take tourists to various viewpoints, thus enjoying everything from up close.
2 – Iguazú National Park – Argentina
Brazil and Argentina have incredible parks so that tourists from all over the world can see different angles of the famous waterfalls. It is important that the traveler visit both sides, both Brazilian and Argentine, so as not to miss any details. Not to mention that each one has its characteristics.
The visit to Iguazú Park comprises, in total, about 6 km of walk, divided into three important trails. It’s interesting to start with the lower trail (1,400m), then go to the upper trail (650m) and, finally, the trail that leads to Garganta do Diabo (1,100m), where tourists see the largest and most voluminous fall from above. ‘water from the parks. Among the highlights on the Argentinean side are the walkways that are above the forest and waterfalls and even function as bridges.
To get there it is not mandatory to have a car. There are buses leaving from Foz do Iguaçu to the center of Puerto Iguazú, where you will need another ride to the Falls.
3 – Bird Park
Parque das Aves is super young: it was created in 1994 with the purpose of offering conditions for environmental preservation and animal reproduction. It has an area of 17 hectares of native forest, where it is possible to visit the nurseries of rare and colorful tropical birds such as parakeets, macaws, flamingos and toucans. It also has a butterfly garden, hummingbird nursery and a reptile sector with snakes and alligators.
Currently, the park has approximately 1,500 birds of 140 species, 90% of which are from the Atlantic Forest. It is possible to take a picture with a macaw on your arm, just face the line that is usually long. But it’s worth the wait! (only possible within the optional Backstage Experience tour)
4 – Macuco Safari
Within the Iguaçu National Park itself, Macuco Safari welcomes visitors from all over the world to show the power of nature through water. This happens on a boat ride on the falls of the Falls, combining adventure and excitement. Rest assured that the responsible company has all the necessary security certifications and its experience has everything to be positive.
The price is a little savory: adults pay R$246 on admission, while children between 7 and 11 years old and people over 60 years old pay half a ticket. On the Argentine side of the Falls it is possible to take a very similar adventure tour.
Tip! There is a tour similar to the Macuco Safari on the Argentine side of the Falls, called Gran Aventura. It is worth comparing prices as it is sometimes cheaper.
5 – Helicopter ride
An alternative to further explore all the details of the Falls is to look down from above. There are helicopter tours departing from the Iguaçu National Park, usually with high prices for a few minutes of flight. It’s not so cheap, but satisfaction for the landscape is certainly guaranteed.
6 – Itaipu Binational
The Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant is the largest generator of clean and renewable energy on the planet. On site, tourist attractions are offered, receiving visitors from all over the world. The project is binational and was developed by Brazil and Paraguay, with the aim of taking advantage of the hydraulic potential of the waters of the Paraná River.
There is a very nice panoramic visit, which gives an overview of all the main points of the Plant and the reservoir that supplies Itaipu. It has lookouts, in addition to the gigantic dam approximately 8 km long and 196 meters high. In addition, there is the 1,350 km² reservoir. This tour is done in a double-decker bus, accompanied by tour guides.
It is also possible to take the boat trip called “Porto Kattamaram”, which passes through the entire lake of Itaipu. A really cool experience. If you prefer the conventional tour, on the bus, you will pay R$ 42 for about two hours of tour.
7 – 3 Borders Landmark
At the point where they share a common border, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay established their territorial limits and sealed an integration by building obelisks that came to be called the Marco das Três Fronteiras. Each one has a different shape and is painted in the colors of the respective country.
The Brazilian landmark has the shape of a pyramid and its viewpoint provides one of the most beautiful views of the region, with a panoramic view of the three countries, where the meeting of the Iguaçu and Paraná Rivers can be observed.
8 – Visit Puerto Iguazu
The city of Puerto Iguazú stands out for its nightlife, which is a great option for those who enjoy a quieter program. At night you can find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafes, serving great meals at a cheaper price than in Brazil.
Among the city’s points of interest are the Feirinha, where you can buy good cheeses and olives, and the new Shopping Punto Iguazú. As we are dealing with Argentina, be sure to try a delicious meat – one of the great specialties of our neighboring country – and buy alfajores with dulce de leche.
9 – Casino Iguazú
The casino at Iguazú Grand Resort & Casino is one of the most popular places at night. The place is in Argentina, yes, but the proximity to Foz is so great that it doesn’t prevent anyone from getting to know it and bet some chips. The casino even offers free transportation, favoring even more those without a car and staying in Foz do Iguaçu.
10 – Muslim Mosque
In Foz do Iguaçu it is possible to learn more about religions that are not widespread in Brazil. The Sunni Muslim Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque, built since 1981, offers guided tours between 9am/11:30am and 2pm/5:30pm.
As they are Sunnis, the prayers take place 5 times a day – at these times, visits are not allowed. As in the Catholic religion, where churches have a bell, the mosque has a call, which is made with the human voice itself. Guided by the Koran, the religion has customs that are different from those Brazilians are used to, such as the fact that men and women pray in separate spaces.
To participate in the guided tour, it is necessary for everyone to remove their shoes and for the women to cover their hair with a veil provided by the mosque itself.
11 – Chen Tien Buddhist Temple
Not well known by Foz residents and tourists, the Chen Tien Buddhist Temple is located near the Paraná River, which divides Brazil and Paraguay. The space where the temple is located is, at the same time, a place for prayers and also a sculpture park.
When visiting the site, you can find a wide variety of sculptures, including a 7-meter tall Buddha. The temple is ideal for those who want to understand Buddhism a little better or simply visit a quiet place. Its access by bus is not the easiest, so it is better to go by car or taxi.
12 – Super Cars
Founded in 2009, Super Cars was created especially for those who are passionate about adrenaline and speed. The company has the largest collection of super sports cars in Latin America, with a structure of more than 2,400 square meters of area dedicated to the automotive world, has games, simulators, thematic bar and several other attractions, in addition to having more than 30 cars exposed and available to drive. There is a team trained to carry out tours by driving or hitchhiking, providing without a doubt a great experience in being aboard the most desired super machines.
13 – Ice bar in Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu currently has two ice bars: Dreams Ice Bar, which is considered one of the largest in the world, and Ice Bar Brasil, which is the oldest in the city. Both provide a curious and fun experience for those who want to feel temperatures below zero. The environments are made of ice, with a beautiful polar setting and several sculptures. The entrance fee includes a coat and gloves that will help to alleviate the cold a little while the visitor enjoys the experience in the internal areas.
14 – Parachute jump
If you like adrenaline and are not afraid of heights, a tip is to parachute in Foz. Currently, the company that offers this service is Fly Foz Paraquedismo, a position previously dominated by Skydive, which ended operations during the pandemic. In practice, it takes a 30-minute panoramic flight over the region, seeing tourist attractions such as the Itaipú Hydroelectric Power Plant, the Iguaçu Falls, the Triple Border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, and much more. You will be in free fall for 40 seconds and over 200 kilometers per hour. Has courage?
15 – Blue Park Water Park
If you like water parks, Blue Park can be an interesting part of your itinerary. With thermal waters, the space has the third largest thermal beach with waves in the world and promises a lot of fun for everyone. There are 9 types of waves that can reach 1.20m in height, with natural sand and an idyllic setting where the color of the water resembles the Caribbean Sea. Get organized to spend an entire day on site, also taking the opportunity to relax in front of the swimming pools.
16 – Aguaray Eco Sports
Nature lovers of adventure sports will enjoy the activities offered by Aguaray Eco Sports. Among them, there is canoeing, hiking (trecking), trails, stand up paddle, waterfalls, kayaks… All of this in the natural beauty of Foz, such as rivers and a forest rich in fauna and flora.
17 – City tour in Foz do Iguaçu
Paying to take a city tour in Foz do Iguaçu can be more advantageous if you have little time in the city. So the service might be worth it to save time. The tourist gets on an open panoramic bus and follows the streets passing by important tourist points. It’s also interesting to delve deeper into the city’s affairs with the trilingual guide who’s on board with you. Go with your camera or cell phone with batteries ready for lots of pictures! The tour is completely photographic and therefore the bus is discovered. In case of rain forecast, it can be interesting to take a cape to protect yourself.
18 – Dreamland
Dreamland is an entertainment complex that houses different attractions in Foz do Iguaçu. Among them are the Wax Museum, the Parque dos Dinossauros, the Wonders of the World and the Dreams Ice Bar.
The Wax Museum is the best known in the space, with sculptures of world famous characters, allowing visitors to meet idols. Wonders of the World, on the other hand, is a museum that replicates in small size several symbols and tourist attractions of the world, including the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Christ the Redeemer. There is also the Parque dos Dinossauros, which is an open-air attraction with several life-size replicas of dinosaurs. About the Dream Ice Bar we’ve talked about it before: it’s an all-ice bar.
As most of Dreamland’s attractions are indoors, you can take advantage of a cloudy day to visit. Tickets are more attractively priced when purchased in combos, combining tickets from different attractions.
19 – Iguassu Secret Falls
As the name suggests, the Iguassu Secret Falls tour allows you to visit some not so famous waterfalls in the city, in a fantastic natural setting. To get to them it is necessary to take trails that pass through three famous local rivers. There is a guide that accompanies tourists on the 4 km walk with the support of a vehicle throughout the route. To make the experience even better, don’t forget to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a bottle of water, a snack if you get hungry before lunch, bathing suit and towel. Pay attention to the instructions of the guides that accompany the route!
Restaurants in Foz do Iguaçu
20 – Porto Canoas
The restaurant is located inside the Iguaçu National Park and the buffet offered is quite varied, with several dessert options. Despite the quality and choice of dishes, the main highlight is the restaurant’s veranda, from where you can see the Falls, as well as listen to the sound of its waterfalls. It’s sensational to have a meal in such an environment!
21 – Rafain Churrascaria Show
In this steakhouse, the system is also a self-service buffet, with options of salads, hot dishes, desserts, Arabic, Japanese and barbecue food. In the latter, there are several options, including rump steak, rump, breast, loin, pork ribs, sausage, chicken, termites, ribs and dried meat. The place works daily serving lunch and dinner. All very delicious!
22 – El Quincho del Tio Querido
If you intend to cross the border and enjoy a good Argentine barbecue without going too far, this is an excellent option. Expect impeccable service, super attentive waiters (some even speak Portuguese) and beautiful structure. The place’s strong point, of course, is the barbecue. The menu also offers many other options. There are also really cool tango performances at dinner!
Shopping in Foz do Iguaçu
23 – Borders
The proximity to Paraguay sharpens the desire to buy a product that is usually cheaper abroad. Therefore, it is enough to cross borders to neighboring countries to see great business opportunities.
The low taxes charged in Paraguay compared to Brazil make many people travel to Foz and head to Cidade do Leste in search of good deals. Of course, the values are not advantageous as in Miami, for example, but, as long as the dollar rate cooperates, they are certainly better than in Brazil. The origin, however, can be questionable, so it is important to choose where to buy.
The best thing is to cross the bridge by bus, car or taxi, so plan your way around. If bus is your option, just take one to “Ciudad del Este” in downtown Foz and get off right after Paraguayan customs. Payments at stores can be made in dollars, reais, Guarani or Argentine pesos – but of course it all depends on the establishment. The best option is to pay in dollars or real, when the exchange rate is not too unfavorable. Credit cards are also accepted, but make sure the store is trustworthy.
24 – Duty Free Puerto Iguazú
The Duty Free in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, is very beautiful. For prices to be even more attractive, the dollar must not be too high. Even so, there are always a lot of people spending. The place offers good prices for chocolates, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, cosmetics, glasses, clothes, among others. A tip is to avoid visiting the place at night, when it’s crowded!
Although the duty-free shop is before customs, you must have a RG or passport to shop. The place has free transport departing from some hotels in Foz, thus ensuring a good facility for Brazilians.
Hotels in Foz do Iguaçu
25 – Belmond: Hotel das Cataratas
The Belmond Hotel is right in front of the spectacular Iguaçu Falls, inside the Iguaçu National Park. It has a tennis court, in addition to a beautiful outdoor pool. The coolest thing is the proximity to the beautiful waterfalls. Try watching the sunset!
26 – Wish Golf Resort
Wish Foz do Iguacu is located near the entrance and the Argentine side of Iguaçu Park, and is 3 km from Parque das Aves. Rooms are very sophisticated, with classic wooden furniture and a more neutral decor. The resort offers a leisure program for children. In this case, if you want to go out for a walk around the city, there is a recreation team that can play games for your little one while you get to know the places with more peace of mind.
27 – Apartment rental
Staying in a hotel is not the only option for tourists in Foz. Renting an apartment is quite common and can be financially advantageous, especially for families. The experience is really cool, because you live like a local, you can cook your own food or go to the supermarket to do your groceries. Among the sites used to rent an apartment, even for a short period, are Airbnb and AlugueTemporada.
General tips
28 – Sunscreen and repellent
Remember that you will, most of the time, be surrounded by wooded areas. Therefore, many insects naturally appear. Repellents are very useful in these cases, even on cold days. Also, if you travel in hot weather, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. The temperature tends to rise a lot in Foz.
29 – Always wear comfortable clothes
Understand that in most tourist spots you will always need to walk, whether inside the Parque das Aves or to get to know the Falls, for example. To enjoy all areas without any problems, it is very important to wear clothes that make you comfortable. Tennis and shorts are always great options.
30 – Don’t forget the documents
If you intend to get to know a little bit of Argentina and/or Paraguay, don’t forget to have your ID or valid original passport. These documents are requested from everyone who wants to cross the border. A search is made through customs and, after a few minutes of waiting, access is usually granted.
31 – Argentine Pesos
In case your trip extends to any city in Argentina or Paraguay, consider buying pesos in Foz do Iguaçu, which has a much better price than the land of tango.
32 – Raincoats
Despite being an impressive experience, not everyone is willing to get wet with the droplets coming from the waterfalls of the Falls. So, if your intention is to stay dry, buy a raincoat or take it from home. Be careful with your cell phone in your pocket, as it may get wet!
33 – Study the dates
The first thing to do before planning a trip to Foz do Iguaçu is also to think about the way you prefer to find the falls. If the idea is to see the waterfalls at their maximum potential and with a lot of volume, go in summer; if, on the contrary, you prefer to see the beauty of more defined waterfalls, it is best to go in winter. If you can’t choose the date of your trip, don’t worry: the Falls are an incredible spectacle all year round.