Iguazú Falls for British Families: Planning the Trip That Actually Works

There are moments when Argentina takes your breath away. The first time you see the Andes from a plane. The first glass of Malbec in Mendoza. And then there is Iguazú, which does not take your breath away so much as drown it in 275 waterfalls spread across 2.7 kilometres of jungle.

My children were 3 and 5 when we first went. The three-year-old cried because the noise was frightening. The five-year-old asked if we could live there. Both still talk about it as the best trip of their lives.

Getting there

Flights: 2 hours from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) to Puerto Iguazú (IGR). Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSmart all fly daily. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for the best prices: USD 60-150 return.

When to go: May-September (Argentine winter/spring) has less heat and humidity, lower water levels but still spectacular. October-March (summer) has the fullest falls but 35°C+ heat and aggressive mosquitoes. School holidays (July, December-February) are busiest.

How long: 2-3 days minimum. Day 1: Argentine side. Day 2: Brazilian side. Day 3: optional activities (boat ride, bird park, Itaipú dam).

The Argentine side

This is the main event. The Parque Nacional Iguazú has three trail circuits:

Circuito Superior (Upper Trail) — 1.7 km walkway above the falls. Easy, stroller-friendly on most sections. Takes 1-2 hours. Good views looking down into the falls.

Circuito Inferior (Lower Trail) — 1.4 km descending to the base of the falls. Steps involved (not stroller-friendly). You get wet from spray. Takes 1.5-2 hours. Better views than the upper circuit.

Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) — the climax. A 1.1 km walkway over the river to the edge of the biggest waterfall. The noise is incredible. The spray soaks you. Children either love it or are terrified. No in-between. The walk takes 2 hours return including queuing.

Park entry: ARS 30,000-50,000 per adult (foreigners pay more). Children under 6 free.

Practical tips for families:

• Arrive when the park opens (8 AM) to beat the tour groups
• Go to Garganta del Diablo first (longest queue, best in morning light)
• Bring waterproofs for the spray
• The park restaurant is overpriced but functional
• Bring snacks and water. Lots of water.
• Mosquito repellent is mandatory from October to March

The Brazilian side

You need to cross the border into Brazil. British citizens need a visa for Brazil as of 2026 (check current requirements). The Brazilian side gives the panoramic view that you see in photographs: the wide sweep of falls from across the canyon.

Logistics:

• Taxis from Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil): USD 30-50 one way
• The border crossing takes 30-60 minutes (passport stamps both sides)
• Brazilian park entry: approximately USD 20 per adult
• Brazilian side takes 2-3 hours

Is it worth the visa hassle? Yes. The views are complementary. The Argentine side puts you inside the falls; the Brazilian side shows you the whole picture.

The boat ride

The Gran Aventura boat ride takes you under the falls. You get absolutely soaked. Children love it (minimum age 2). Costs ARS 30,000-50,000 extra. Book at the park.

Bring: a waterproof phone case, a dry change of clothes, shoes that can get wet. Leave electronics in a locker (available at the park).

Where to stay

Puerto Iguazú town — most hotels are here. Clean, affordable, 20 minutes from the park.

• Loi Suites Iguazú — upscale, pool, river views. USD 200-350/night.
• Posada La Sorgente — boutique, family-friendly. USD 80-150/night.
• Hotel Saint George — mid-range, reliable. USD 60-100/night.

Inside the park — the Meliá Iguazú is the only hotel inside the national park. Premium, direct access to the falls. USD 300-500/night. Worth it if budget allows.

Budget for a family of four

A significant outlay, but every British family I know says it was the highlight of their Argentina years.

Worth reading next

• Mendoza Wine Weekend
• Colonia Uruguay Day Trip
• Tigre Day Trip Guide