The Iguasú Falls are the most spectacular in the world; an average of 1700m3 of water flows every second over a 75m cliff, along 300 falls spread over a 3 km crescent on the border between Brazil with Argentina. Almost all the falls at Iguasu are on the Argentina side, where there is a series of catwalks for tourists to enjoy, although the most impressive panoramas can be seen from the Brazilian viewpoints. As such, if you book a hotel on the Argentina side of Iguasu falls, it's worth taking a days excursion to the Brazilian side, and vice versa - both sides of Iguasu falls have something to offer. The sub-tropical Iguasú National Park in which the falls are located is renowned for its variety of biodiversity, tropical flora, birds and butterflies.
The falls are a fantastic spectacle at any time of the year. During the December to March rains, the volume of water is greater and the sound of its impact with the river below could be mistaken for thunder. In drier weather, the clouds of spray disperse to reveal a panorama across the falls. The peak of the dry season is August through to October.
Top tip for holidays to Iguasu Falls: you'll either be on vacation in Brazil or vacation in Argentina. If you've flown (with Lan Argentina or with Aerolineas Argentinas) from Buenos Aires to Iguasu, rather than returning to Buenos Aires, you might as well carry on to Rio de Janiero as it is a short flight (with Tam Airlines) from the Brazil side of the border. Likewise if you've flown from Rio de Janiero - why not continue on to Buenos Aires? There's two airports at Iguasu Falls - Foz do Igasu airport (Brazil) and Puerto Iguasu (Argentina).
Argentina: Iguasu Falls Hotels
The Argentina side of the Falls is the more pleasant than it's Brazilian counterpart, and there is more to do. If you've come from Brazil, it's worth crossing the border to get to Puerto Iguassu - the border crossings are now very speedy. The best hotel is the Sheraton.
Sheraton Internacional Iguasu - This extremely well-located hotel overlooks the Falls of Iguasu. There are walkways from the hotel down towards the cataracts - this is the best location of any of the hotels on the Argentina side of the Falls. Hotel guests can walk out to the Iguasu falls, arriving before any of the day-trippers have arrived and have the Falls to yourselves. The hotel rooms have a balcony - try to opt for a falls view room as it is well worth the view. The Sheraton has an excellent restaurant, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a spa and gym. Overall, the service at the Sheraton hotel is excellent, making this the best hotel at Iguasu Falls.
Iguassu Grand Resort - This luxury hotel is situated about 20km from the Argentina side of the Iguazu Falls, and 200m from the Brazilian border. The hotel is very luxurious, with ornate upholstery, period furniture and beautiful chandeliers in the public areas. The Iguasu Grand Resort has 100 stylish rooms, and all have patio or balcony, bathroom and cable TV. The hotel has three pools in the extensive grounds, plus a restaurant, lobby bar, health club, tennis courts and spa. The attached casino is popular with Brazilian tourists.
Panoramic Hotel Iguasu - This hotel was refurbished in 2007 and has a unique setting on a hilltop overlooking the junction of the Iguasu and Parana rivers – a spectacular location with unobstructed views over the water and tropical rainforest. From here it is 30 minutes to the Argentina side of the falls, 10 minutes to the Brazil border, and 5 minutes drive to the town of Puerto Iguasu (Argentina side). The swimming pool has jungle views. Rooms are a little small but stylish with flat screen TVs and modern bathrooms. The Panoramic hotel has a great bar on the 5th floor with fantastic views. Overall, this is a very good hotel in Iguasu.
Esturion Hotel - This large ranch-style hotel is set within attractive grounds, about 30 km from the Iguasu Falls and just 100m from the three frontiers of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. There are 125 rooms, including several large rooms suitable for family vacations. Rooms in the main building of the hotel are either standard or regency - the latter have been recently refurbished. There is a fine restaurant, large swimming pool, tennis courts, sauna and gym. Overall this is a very pleasant hotel at Iguasu Falls.
Cataratas Hotel - Not to be confused with the Tropical Das Cataratas on the Brazil side of Iguasu, this low-rise hotel is located 15 mins from Iguasu Falls, and just a few minutes from the Brazil border. It has 130 air conditioned rooms on three floors. The Cataratas hotel has a swimming pool, tennis courts, Jacuzzi, and spa.
Brazil: Foz Do Iguaçú Hotels:
Foz Do Iguaçú is the main town on the Brazil side of Iguasu. It's a rather more hectic and unattractive town in which to book a hotel when compared to it's Argentinian counterpart, Puerto Iguasu. Nevertheless, here's a rundown of the best hotels, the best of which is the Tropical Das Cataratas:
Bourbon Resort & Convention - This modern resort is located on the road between Foz do Iguasu and Iguasu Falls National Park, 5 km from the town of Foz do Iguasu, 8km from the airport and 30 minutes from the actual falls. It is a decent hotel for its class. All rooms have aircon, TV, safe and minibar. The hotel is a good option for Brazil family vacations as it has a large outdoor pool and a range of activities for children including a playground, climbing wall, watersports and organised children's games. The restaurant specialises in Brazilian cuisine. The Bourbon Hotel guests may use the 18-hole golf course attached to a nearby sister hotel.
Mercure Grand Internacional - This slick hotel prides itself on its service. The hotel consists of an seemingly bland 18 storey tower block, with good views over the city of Foz do Iguasu. There's a large pool, gym and sauna. This is a good choice if you want to be in town to take advantage of the facilities - shops, bars, nightlife and restaurants. Overall the Mercure Grand offers very good value for your trip to Brazil.
San Martin Hotel - this rustic hotel has a fantastic location just outside the Iguasu Falls National Park and is within walking distance of the Bird Park at Iguassu. The San Martin Hotel is near the heliport, from where you can take a flight over Iguasu Falls. There is a big swimming pool, children's pool, a jacuzzi, sauna and beauty parlour. Nature lovers can take the 3km walk through the nearby woods in the hotels grounds to the river - there are daily guided walks. The Bird Park is worth a visit: it provides you with the opportunity to see the aviaries and observe numerous tropical birds in their natural environment.
Tropical das Cataratas Iguasu - This is probably the most famous of the hotels at Igasu, but it is rather in need of refurbishment. The Tropical das Cataratas is the only hotel on the Brazil side with a spectacular location overlooking the falls of Iguasu. The rooms and public areas remind one of a former, classically elegant era. Standard rooms are in need of refurbishment, and so it is better to book a deluxe room at this hotel. With such as priveledged location, hotel guests can be at the falls before the tourists who stay outside the park arrive - this is very appealing as it can get crowded on the walkways during the day.
Rafain Centro - a traditional hotel located in the centre of the town of Foz do Iguasu, with many good restaurants and shops nearby. There is a restaurant and facilities include a swimming pool and small gym but no garden.
Falls Galli - The hotel is located 3km from the centre of Foz do Iguacú and 30km from the falls themselves. There are 80 double rooms. There is a restaurant, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor swimming pool and bar.
Mabu Resort Iguassu - The Mabu Thermas is a resort hotel with 200 spacious, air-conditioned rooms. Each room has en suite facilities and cable TV, a mini-bar and individual safe. Most of the guests are Brazilians and Argentinians - there are often large groups and conferences which can be a bit loud around the pool.
Rafain Palace - Situated only three blocks from the centre of Foz de Iguasú, this modern hotel has good access to the shops and restaurants of the town and is a half-hour drive from the falls. There are 120 rooms - the decoration is somewhat bland.
