Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls: Argentina & Brazil
Iguazu Falls from Brazil
Visiting Iguazu Falls is a surreal experience. The sheer size and force of the waterfalls up close are like nothing I've experienced before. It looked like paradise, the kind of paradise I'd only ever seen in movies like Black Panther. I later found out that Iguazu Falls was actually used as a filming location for the movie.
A lot of people choose to visit Iguazu Falls for a day and leave it at that. I decided to stay for three days and experience both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, and I'm so glad I did.
From the Argentinian side, based in Puerto Iguazú, you get to experience the full force and power of the waterfalls, especially around Devil's Throat. On the Brazilian side, based in Foz do Iguaçu, you get panoramic views of the falls, which are incredible and impossible for any camera lens to capture fully.
Iguazu Falls was honestly breathtaking. So, if you're wondering where to stay, whether on the Argentinian side, the Brazilian side or both, I hope this guide helps you decide.
My personal opinion? Visit both if you can. The Brazilian side is a must for the panoramic views, while the Argentinian side is a must if you want to get closer to the waterfalls and really experience the sheer force.
If you only have time for one side, it comes down to whether you want the views or the up-close experience.
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú: Top picks
| Staying inside Iguazú National Park | Gran Meliá Iguazú |
| Cabin stays in the jungle | Entre Arboles Iguazú |
| For Boutique hotels | Iguazú Grand Hotel |
Where to stay in Foz do Iguaçu: Top picks
| Staying inside Iguaçu National Park | Hotel das Cataratas |
| Within walking distance of the waterfalls | Sanma Hotel |
| For boutique hotels | Las Hotel Boutique |
Views from Argentina
Up close on the Argentinian side
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú: Argentinian side
If you're visiting the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, you have two main options: stay in Puerto Iguazú and travel into the national park, or stay inside the park itself.
I stayed in Puerto Iguazú, which gives you plenty of accommodation and places to eat, while still making it relatively straightforward to get to the falls by bus.
The trails on the Argentinian side are divided into three main sections: the Upper Trail, Lower Trail and Devil's Throat. If you want to see as much as possible, I'd recommend getting to the park early. Devil's Throat was my priority, as it can get busy, and arriving early gives you a better chance of experiencing it before the crowds build up.
If your budget allows and you'd prefer to stay right inside the national park, Gran Meliá Iguazú is the place to be. Staying inside the park gives you convenient access to the waterfalls and means you can get onto the trails earlier, before the main crowds arrive.
For me, Puerto Iguazú makes sense if you're looking for more choice and flexibility, while staying inside the park is a great option if you want to make the waterfalls the centre of your stay.
Here are some of the best places to consider for your stay in Puerto Iguazú:
Staying inside Iguazú National Park
Gran Meliá Iguazú
All about the location… You’ll have the opportunity to be at the waterfalls before anyone else arrives and stay after everyone has left. With stunning views from various rooms and the pool, you can enjoy the scenic views all day long.
Cabin stay in the jungle
Entre Arboles Iguazú
Cosy, calm and nestled in the jungle, each cabin has its own charm and character, with hammocks to relax in by the pool.
Boutique hotels in Puerto Iguazú
Iguazú Grand Hotel
Elegant and beautiful, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, making it a great place to come back to after a long day exploring the waterfalls.
Hotel Saint George
Close to the bus station, where you can take the bus directly to the entrance to the waterfalls, it’s located on a quiet street within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Budget-friendly in Puerto Iguazú
Alojamiento mei-mei
A budget-friendly option, rooms are spacious and comfortable, and it’s around a 15-minute walk to the main bus terminal.
Gorgeous rainbows from the Brazilian side
Where to stay in Foz do Iguaçu: Brazilian side
The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is breathtaking. The sheer scale and breadth of the waterfalls are just immense.
Unlike the Argentinian side, where you explore a number of trails and get much closer to the falls, the Brazilian side is all about the panoramic views.
From here, you can see the full extent of the waterfalls. For me, this helped piece together everything I'd seen on the Argentinian side and gave me a completely different perspective of Iguazu Falls.
There aren't as many walking trails on the Brazilian side. It's essentially one main route with a series of viewpoints, but it's totally worth doing.
If you'd like to stay inside the national park, Hotel das Cataratas is the place to look at. Staying here gives you convenient access to the waterfalls, and there are also opportunities to explore the surrounding jungle by bike. There is a wider choice of accommodation outside the park.
Here are some of the best places to consider for your stay in Foz do Iguaçu:
Staying inside Iguaçu National Park
Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls
In a dreamy location, just in front of the waterfalls, you have access to the falls after the crowds are gone for the day. A charming and elegant place to stay, it makes for a memorable experience.
Within walking distance of the waterfalls
Sanma Hotel
At only 400 metres from the Iguaçu National Park entrance, you’re very close to the Brazilian side of the park and within walking distance of the bird park.
For boutique hotels
Las Hotel Boutique
Close to the entrance of Iguazu Falls, a lot of attention to detail has been put into making your stay as comfortable as possible. The hotel has a lot of charm and character.
For budget-friendly
Park Golf Hostel Ipelandia
Close to the airport, it’s convenient if you’re looking to stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
Getting photobombed in Brazil
Summary: Which side of Iguazu Falls is better to stay?
Having visited both sides, if I only had one day to visit Iguazu Falls, I’d pick the Brazilian side (sorry, Argentina! 🫣). There’s nothing like the panoramic views and the sheer scale of what you see. It’s mesmerising.
If you have the option to see both sides, it’s definitely worth basing yourself for a couple of nights in Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu and doing a day trip over the border.
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