This is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and it’s easy to see why! It’s more than waterfall, but a natural wonder I think should top everyone’s must see list!

Iguazu falls (also referred to as Iguassu Falls or Iguacu Falls) is a huge waterfall between Brazil and Argentina on the Iguazu River and surrouned by the Iguazú National Park.

Victoria Falls may be the largest waterfall in the world, and Niagara Falls the most famous, but Iguazu is by far the most beautiful.

The only problem with a waterfall that sits on the border of two countries is…which side of the Iguazu Falls is better?

The equal opportunist in me would say, both sides are great! That’s the honest truth. You should definitely see both if you can.

Having had the chance to visit both sides from Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) and Parque Nacional in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), I know which is my favorite.

But we are not all blessed with the luxury of seeing both, so this is for those who can’t decide between Iguazu Falls Brazil or Argentina.

I have compared my experience of visiting Iguazu Falls on both sides of the fence, so you can make a better informed decision about which side to visit.

Quick Facts about Iguazu Falls

But first, let’s quickly introduce these falls to you. I’m surprised that I never heard much about the falls prior to our South America trip and the truth is, Iguazu doesn’t get the same hype as other waterfalls such as Niagara or Victoria.

Well, that’s all about to change. Here are some facts you may not know about Iguazu Falls:

• Taller than Niagara; wider than Victoria
• Iguazu translated from the native Indian language means “Big Water“
• Greatest average annual flow of water in the world
• Featured in the movie Mr. Magoo and Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• They are owned by the two UNESCO World Heritage sites; Iguazú National Park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil.
• They are the result of a volcanic eruption which left a huge crack in the earth.
• There are 275 waterfalls of the Iguazu River and stretch for 2.7 km (1.67 miles)

Arguably the most beautiful natural wonders I’ve ever seen. So you’re probably wondering..

Which Has The Best Iguazu Falls View?

The best view is determined by how you prefer to see it. By land or atop? To help you decide, here’s what you can expect to see on the Brazil and Argentina sides…

Iguazu Falls in Brazil: Panoramic View of Iguazu Falls

For a panoramic view, picture perfect postcard of the falls, head on over to the Iguazu Falls in Brazil.

Consisting of a network of 275 waterfalls spanning an area of 3 km wide, virtually every angle, a 360 view, is incredibly breathtaking.

It’s impossible to take a bad photo here.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina: Aerial View of Iguazu Falls

If you want to experience the falls from atop, that’s on the Iguazu Falls Argentina Side.

It’s hard to understand the sheer power and enormity of the falls from ground level. Here on the Argentinian side and a view from the top, you will understand why Iguazu holds the title for the greatest average annual flow of water in the world.

Fair warning, you’ll get a little mist, which means you will get wet near to Devil’s Throat. Pack waterproof protection for your camera gear.

Which Has Better Access to Iguazu Falls?

Mobility and the amount of walking involved is a big factor when deciding which is better to visit. The good news is, both sides offer an experience for those with mobility issues.

Access on the Brazil Side

At Brazil Iguazu Falls, you have the choice of walking or taking a bus to the viewing platform, in which there is an elevator that takes you down to the boardwalk.

The other option is to get off the bus at the start of the walkway and walk, but this is a 30 minute walk (longer when you stop to take photos) with some steps and ups and downs, so not good for wheelchair users, though children without strollers will be fine.

Access on the Argentina Side

If you’re traveling with family and/ or persons with disabilities, the Argentina side is more equipped for your needs. With built in catwalks over dirt and gravel, the Argentinian side is definitely more pedestrian friendly. The steel trails and bridges makes getting to the falls easily accessible for all ages.

The Argentinian side has a train system with (3) main stations ; Estacion Central (at the entrance of the park), Estacion Cataratas (lower circuits) and Estacion Garganta del Diablo (upper circuit to Devil’s Throat) allowing for easy transport to different viewing points of the falls so your walk is minimal.

You can take a train from the entrance to the Devil’s Throat and then take a short 10 minute walk along a flat boardwalk from the station to the falls.

Most of the other trails on the Argentina side are wheelchair or stroller friendly, but not all of them. When you buy your ticket, you are given a helpful map which shows the accessible routes for wheelchair users.

If you’re deciding which is better for access, they are both accommodating, but I think the Argentina side has more options for those with reduced mobility to see.

Which Is Better for Wildlife at Iguaçu National Park?

If you’re deathly afraid of insects and bugs, the Iguazu Falls Brazil side is not for you. We were nearly eaten alive during our jungle ride through the forest and water boat ride.

However, if you love birds (like we do), visit Parque du Aves on the Brazilian Side. The bird park is not located within the Iguazu Falls’ premises.

It’s a completely separate park conveniently located across the street! Completely worth a trip back (and the extra stamps in our passports) to the Brazil side.

If you enjoy wildlife, the Argentinian side has more jungle to explore, where you have the channce to spot exotic birds and butterflies, not to mention daytime raccoons for no additional cost!

They’re everywhere so be on the lookout.

On both sides of Iguazu, the subtropical rainforest is home to many species of wildlife. You may spot tapirs, giant anteaters, and howler monkeys. And on a more rare occasion, ocelots, jaguars and caymans can be seen in the area.

Which Is Better for Things to Do at Iguazu Falls

When deciding which side to visit, the attractions and things you can do will be a huge factor in making this decision. Here’s a list of the attractions you can do on each side to help you know what to expect.

1. Boat Ride to the Falls

The water boat ride to the falls can be done on both sides, but is best seen and experienced from the Iguazu Falls Brazil side. The boat takes you through the canyon and under some of the mightiest falls, but it does not go to the iconic Devil’s Throat.

Before taking a boat ride, you should also know:

• It costs $150-$170 per person, not matter which side of the falls you take.
• If you take the boat from Brazil, there is a jungle bus ride before you reach the boat.
• You’re not going to get wet. You’re going to get drenched!
• Rain ponchos are useless.
• Keep an eye out for crocodiles and turtles, there are known to be a few in the waters.

2. Ziplining & Rappeling

You can rappel down the waterfall, zip-line through the jungle on the Argentinian side.

We did neither for lack of time but we hear it’s great fun.

3. Stand Next to Devil’s Throat (Start of the Falls)

This is only available on the Argentina side, but you can walk all the way to the first and the tallest fall, known as Devil’s Throat. There is a viewing platform that sits right next to the falls, and is the closest you can get to the falls.

However, there is so much spray that all you can really see if a big mist of water. So if you’re looking to take good photos, it’s not the best spot for photography.

Seeing Devil’s Throat is pretty cool as you get to experience all that water rushing over the edge, falling 80 meters to the river below. This is the best place to experience the power of the falls.

But I also consider the walk to Devil’s Throat an activity in itself. You can take a train all the way to Devil’s Throat from the entrance, but the walk only took us 45 mintues and it was nice to wander through the jungle and see all the native plants and fauna.

4. Iguazu Falls Hiking Trails

If you enjoy a good hike, the Brazil side is for you. It’s approximately a slow 40-minute hike to the falls. The hike was relatively easy, with minimal steps and uphill trek. I’m not much of a hiker but this was doable in my books.

Plus, when you hike, you get to see a lot of smaller falls along the trails. Perfect photo opportunity virtually every step of the way.

If you’re not a hiker by nature or have trouble accessing uneven trails and steps, you can stay on the double-decker bus and it will take to all the way to the end where you can take the elevator down to see the falls (no hike!).

5. Check out the Viewing Platforms

On both sides, there are several viewing platforms of the falls. On the Brazil side, there is really only one major platform, the others are simply viewpoints along a path that takes you to the falls.

The Argentina Side does have more viewpoints of the actual waterfalls of Iguazu.

Iguazu actually has 275 waterfalls or cataracts, and covers a 2.7 kilometers area. On the Brazil Side, the viewing platform allows you to look over many of the falls in one sweeping panoramic view – like this one!

On the Argentina side, you have several platforms that show you the smaller falls, as opposed to this massive site that you see in Brazil.

In Argentina, the views look a little more like this.

The views are still beautiful and as you can see, the waterfalls are still impressive. But it’s just a little underwhelming if you see the Argentina side after the Brazil side.

Park Entrance Fees

The cost is another big factor when deciding on which side to visit. Visitors can expect to pay more than the locals, of course, but the park entrance fees (as of March 2023) for both sides are as follows:

• Brazil side: 86.00 Real (about $16.50 USD) per person
• Argentina side: 4.675,00 ARS ($27.35 USD) for adults and $ 1.700,00 ARS ($8.64 USD) for children
• about $32 USD (though if you take cash out using Western Union you can save up to 50%)

We recommend you book your ticket in advance online, as both Brazil and Argentina have timed entry to limit the amount of people visiting at one time. If you visit at the weekend you will likely have to wait.

You can buy your ticket at the entrance, but the Argentina side does not accept credit card, only cash.

Other Things to Consider About Visiting Iguazu Falls

When choosing which is the best side to visit that Iguazu waterfalls, here are some other facts to consider…

• The helicopter ride is only available on the Brazil side.
• Rainbows — single or double — are best seen on the Argentine side.
• The climate varies on either side of the falls. Bring water and bug repellent for Brazil, and a hat and sunscreen for Argentina.
• Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) is cash only!
• The falls are quite far away from the town on the Argentina side and it takes about an hour on the public bus to get there.
• Outside the rainy season, the falls are not as impressive. From November to March (rainy season), you can see up to 450,000 cubic feet (12,750 cubic metres) of water falling per second, but in dry season (May – September), the flow is only around 62,000 cubic feet (1,756 cubic metres) per second.

Now that you have the facts, we have one question for you: are you Team Argentina or Team Brazil?

The Verdict: Which side of Iguazu Falls is Better?

The truth is, both sides of the waterfalls of Iguazu are worth seeing as they offer different perspectives of the falls. The landscape is vastly different, and the falls are so impressive you will want to see them twice anyway.

But if you only have time for one, then the Brazil side is better for views, but the Argentina Side get closer to the falls.

The Brazil Side may have given us the best shot from the entire trip, but it doesn’t beat the experience with the Argentina Side.

The Argentinian side had a lot more to offer in terms of attractions as well. It has comfortable trails, different viewing points to visit and numerous activities to choose from.

Plus, double rainbows and colorful butterflies are far better than giant mosquitoes and spiders!

More South America Travel Tips

Are you planning a bigger South America trip? Then you may find these other guides useful!

• 15 Unmissable things to do in Rio De Janeiro
• 20 of the best places to visit in South America
• Would you visit South America with a baby?
• 4 awesome experiences in South America to rave about
• 5 Places to Visit in Bolivia, South America
• A 10 day itinerary of Peru
• Sandboarding in Peru
• 11 Things you need to know before visiting Colombia

But this Brazilian city is more than just Carnival and street parties, it’s also home to one of the seven wonders of the world, numerous historical landmarks, and is surrounded by incredible hiking trails.

Needless to say, you’ll never be short of things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

If you’re wondering what Rio de Janeiro attractions to include on your itinerary, you’ve come to the right place. This guide to the best things to do in Rio will make sure you make the most out of your time in this incredible city.

1. Play Footvolley on Ipanema Beach

There are two beaches in Rio that make the city so famous; Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. Ipanema is considered a wealthy district in Rio and is one of the best areas for families.

The beach is gorgeous, with clean golden sand and refreshing ocean waves to swim in.

But while swimming and sunbathing are popular activities here, it’s also known for being a great place to play footvolley. If you’re not familiar with the game, it’s like regular volleyball but you use your feet instead.

Brazilians take football very seriously so it’s no wonder that they invented footvolley. This is a popular sport to play on this iconic beach and you’ll find plenty of pitches set up near the promenade.

• Hours: The beach is open 24 hours but it’s not recommended to visit at night
• Address: Ipanema

2. Bike along the Boulevard of Copacabana Beach

The second most iconic beach in Rio is Copacabana beach. Known for its long, golden sand with views of the Sugarloaf mountain, it’s one landmark in Rio that you cannot miss.

As well as sunbathing or swimming, the beach is also known for its boulevard, which is a popular area for skaters, roller skaters, and cyclists.

Every Sunday, the beach is closed to street traffic and is entirely pedestrianized, so is the perfect time to rent a bicycle and explore the length of this beach. This is definitely up there as one of the most fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids.

You can hire a bike from many bike rental stores along the beach, but Aluguel de Bicicletas Copacabana comes highly rated.

• Hours: The beach is open 24 hours but it’s notoriously dangerous at night.
• Address: Copacabana

3. Visit the Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world. It stands on top of the Corcovado mountain where it overlooks most of the city.

The 30-meter statue of Jesus Christ was designed by the French sculptor, Paul Landowski with the help of Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and constructed between 1922-1931.

The statue was paid for by funding from the Catholic community in Brazil and the design of Jesus with his arms spread open was chosen to be a symbol of peace.

There are many ways to get to Christ the Redeemer, but we recommend taking the bus from Lido Square in Copacabana or taking the cog train from Cosme Velho.

Do not hike to the statue as robbers occupy the trail and muggings are frequent there.

• Hours: 8.00am – 7.00pm
• Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca – Alto da Boa Vista

4. Take the Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain

Rio is not short of beautiful nature, which you can see from pretty much any point in the city. One such nature site is Sugarloaf mountain, which is a 396m-tall mountain located on a peninsula between Copacabana and Botafogo.

While you can hike to the top of Sugarloaf mountain, why exert yourself when you can take a cable car? The cable car offers sweeping views of the ocean and forest that occupies the mountain.

From the top, you have breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. It is particularly beautiful at sunset when the ocean is washed in orange. You won’t be able to hang around long though as the cable car stops running at 7.00pm.

• Hours: 9.00am – 7.00pm
• Address: Av. Pasteur, 520 – Urca, 22290-240

5. Wander Around the Parque Lage Visual Art School

The Parque Lage Visual Art School is a school for artists, curators and researchers and is most famous for its stunning architecture.

The mansion that houses the school was built in 1920 by a Brazilian shipbuilder, Henrique Lage, and his wife, the Italian opera singer Gabriela Besanzoni. This explains the Romanesque style that the architecture resembles.

In 1975, it was turned into an art school by Rubens Gerchman. His vision was to create a non-traditional educational school where students are encouraged to make experimental pieces.

It is free for visitors to enter and explore the grounds and the galleries. The school lies at the bottom of Corcovado Mountain and has stunning views of the Redeemer from below.

• Hours:
  • The galleries: 9.00am to 7.00pm (Monday – Thursday) 9.00am to 5.00pm (Friday – Sunday),
  • The cafe: 9.00am – 11.00pm daily
• Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 414 – Jardim Botânico, 22461-000

6. Stroll Around The Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro)

Just around the corner from the Parque Lage Visual Art School is the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, a quiet botanical garden near the iconic Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

This is a great place to sit and enjoy a picnic or enjoy a gentle stroll around the diverse collection of plants and fauna.

The botanical garden was founded between 1808-1821 during the time the Portuguese occupied Brazil. It is now a research center showcasing a diverse collection of native and foreign plants. It is said there are around 6,500 species, including endangered species.

The park spans ​​54 hectares and has several greenhouses, historical monuments, and a library dedicated to botany.

• Hours: 8.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 1008 – Jardim Botânico, 22460-030

7. Enjoy the Serenity of Red Beach

If Ipanema and Copacabana Beach are too busy for your liking, then you’ll find Red Beach to be much quieter.

Located at the foothills of Sugarloaf mountain, this small beach is like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaos of the other beaches.

The beach gets its name from the slightly red-colored sand, and because it’s located in a bay, the waves are a lot calmer. This is a beautiful beach with stunning natural landscapes surrounding it.

It’s the perfect thing to do in Rio de Janeiro for families with young children as the waves are gentle and it’s also located in a military area so many visitors feel a lot safer here than on the larger beaches.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Praia Vermelha

8. Watch a Show at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro

The Theatro Municipal, or the Municipal Theater, is an opera house that was built in the mid-20th century by Francisco de Oliveira Passos (Son of then mayor Francisco Pereira Passos) and Albert Guilbert. The design was inspired by the Paris Opera.

The most important Brazilian painters and sculptors were summoned to decorate its facade, and even European artists were asked to contribute stained glass windows and mosaic tiles. The building took four and a half years to complete, but the result was one of the most beautiful buildings in Rio.

Today, visitors can watch opera performances and ballet shows, as well as orchestras and foreign operas. Both the Petrobras and the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestras play here frequently.

If you’re looking for unique things to do at night in Rio de Janeiro, then watching a show in this stunning theater is definitely up there as one of the best nighttime activities.

• Hours: dependent on show
• Address: Praça Floriano, S/N – Centro, 20031-050, Brazil

9. Drink Coffee at the Confeitaria Colombo

The Confeitaria Colombo is one of the oldest and most beautiful coffee shops in Rio. It was founded in 1894, Confeitaria Colombo was founded in 1894 by Portuguese immigrants, Joaquim Borges de Meireles and Manuel José Lebrão.

The coffee shop is most famous for its European architecture, complete with Art Nouveau touches on the interior. The stained-glass ceiling and large crystal mirrors, framed in ornately detailed rosewood give the coffee shop its beauty.

The building has two floors, with an opening in the ceiling on the ground floor to give everyone a view of the gorgeous skylight. However, the second floor houses a restaurant separate from the cafe.

The cafe was once the meeting point for Brazilian writers, artists, and intellectuals in the 19th century, and has hosted famous faces and royal family members, such as King Albert I of Belgium and Queen Elizabeth II of England.

• Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday – Friday, 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday, Closed Sunday
• Address: R. Primeiro de Março, 66 – Centro, 20010-000

10. See the City’s “Ugliest” Cathedral: Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião

From the outside, the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião looks like a scene from a dystopian movie. Many locals consider it ugly, but as with all artistic creations, all art is subjective.

Whatever your preference is on the architecture, the cathedral is definitely an unusual building worth checking out. It was inaugurated in 1979 and has a capacity of 20,000 worshipers.

The building was designed by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca. It’s not known what influenced the design, but some believe it was either influenced by the Apollo Project or the Mayan pyramids.

On the inside, the building looks more like a cathedral, with colored stained glass windows lining the walls up to the dome. The interiors were designed by Father Paulo Lachen Maier.

• Hours: 7.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: Av. Chile, 245 – Centro, 20031-170,

11. Climb the Selaron Steps

The Selaron Steps, or the Escadaria Selarón in Portuguese, is the lifework of Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón.

In 1990, Selaron started renovating the steps outside his house. He chose bright green, yellow and blue tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag, and began decorating.

What started out as a side project, became an obsession, and he decided to continue past his house and up the stairs. To fund his project, he sold his artwork to pay for supplies.

As you go up the steps, you’ll see tiles dedicated to different countries, which were tiles he collected from his travels.

It took many years, but eventually, the entire 215-step staircase was covered in tiles and mirrors.

Jorge Selaron died in 2013, but he continued to work on the steps right up until his death.

• Hours: 24 hours, though we don’t recommend visiting at night
• Address: R. Manuel Carneiro – Santa Teresa, 20241-120

12. Drink Caipirinhas in the Lapa District

One of the most vibrant districts in Rio is Lapa, known as Rio’s nightlife district. In the daytime, the bohemian district is thriving with people looking to check out the Roman-style Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, hunt for hidden gems in the vintage stores, and shop for souvenirs in boutique shops.

Lapa is also full of traditional bars and restaurants, which are the perfect place to rest up after a day of exploring and sip some Caipirinhas in the afternoon sun.

At night, the district comes alive with live music, dance halls, and samba jams on the street. It’s the best (and safest) area to visit for nightlife.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Lapa

13. Try Brazilian Sweet Treats: Brigadeiro and Iced Açaí

Food in Rio de Janeiro is incredible, and you’ll never run out of Brazilian dishes to try on your visit. Some of the most unique foods to try in Rio are sweet desserts.

Brigadeiro is a chocolatey, truffle-like dessert that is often sold as street food. Its origin is unknown but many people believe it originates from a confectioner from Rio, Heloisa Nabuco de Oliveira, as a way to promote the presidential candidacy of Eduardo Gomes.

Another unique dessert to try is Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-yee). Acai is a purple superfood from the Amazon. The berries are a cross between a blueberry and a grape and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

The berries on their own are quite sour, so they are often mixed with bananas and served frozen in a smoothie format. It’s common to add condensed milk, chocolate flakes, and other toppings to your acai, but honestly, it tastes so good on its own.

• Hours: NA
• Address: All over Rio

14. Hike in Tijuca National Park

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Rio de Janeiro then you should consider embarking on one of the many hikes outside the city.

Some of the most beautiful hikes are in the Tijuca Forest National Park, which features several trails of various levels of difficulty.

Some trails offer incredible views of Rio and the ocean beyond. The trails also take you past caves and waterfalls, as well as past historic sites such as ruins and old coffee farms. Bring your swimsuit so you can cool off in the waterfall after a hike.

The trails also pass through beautiful rainforests with squawking birds and the hum of jungle sounds. If you’re a nature lover, then you mustn’t miss this incredible outdoor attraction in Rio de Janeiro.

• Hours: 8.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: Estr. da Cascatinha, 850 – Alto da Boa Vista, 20531-590

15. Learn about Carnival and Samba in Samba City

Any trip to Rio would be incomplete without learning about the city’s most visited and buzzing annual event, Carnival. In fact, Rio’s carnival is the biggest carnival in the world.

Carnival is held every year on the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. While it originally has religious reasons for celebration, for many Brazilians it’s considered a celebration of love.

Carnival happens for one week in a year, so if you miss it, don’t worry, there are still some other crazy things to do in Rio de Janeiro with Carnival vibes.

The floats and costumes of the carnival, as well as the preparation of dancers, take years in the making. So if you’re not visiting in February, you can still see preparations for the next event at any time of year.

In the neighborhood of Gamboa, you’ll find Samba City, a complex full of samba schools that prepare for carnival. Visitors to Samba City can discover what goes into the preparations of the parade, try on authentic costumes, and take part in a Samba workshop.

• Hours: Tours operate from 10.00am, 2.00pm, 4.00pm Monday – Saturday
• Address: R. Rivadávia Corrêa, 60 – Gamboa, 20220-290

Where to stay in Rio De Janeiro

We have hand-selected a few top rated hotels in Rio De Janeiro for you to save you time researching.

• Rio Othon Palace: Located beachfront to Copacabana beach, this Rio hotel features a rooftop pool with excellent views of the Sugarloaf Mountain. See rates, reviews, and availability here.
• Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro: This 5-star hotel is ideally located across from Copacabana Beach with elegant spa and a rooftop pool with views. See rates, reviews, and availability here.
• Arena Ipanema Hotel: Located just 350 feet from Ipanema Beach with an outdoor pool and sun terrace. See rates, reviews, and availability here.

If you’re looking for other accommodation in Rio De Janeiro, you can use the map below to compare hotels and short-term rental options.

Popular Tours of Rio De Janeiro

Here are a few of the most popular and interesting tours in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

More posts on South America

• 20 of the best places to visit in South America
• 15 Important Things to Know Before You Visit Buenos Aires
• 5 Places to Visit in Bolivia, South America
• A 10 day itinerary of Peru
• Insiders Guide: What to Do in Medellin, Colombia
• 11 Things you need to know before visiting Colombia
• Which side of Iguazu Falls is better? Brazil vs Argentina

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