Visiting Iguazu Falls from Paraguay: How To Do It & What To Expect
After having lived in Paraguay for several years—and spending time living in both Asunción and Ciudad del Este—one of the biggest highlights of being based here has definitely been visiting Iguazu Falls from Paraguay.
Famous worldwide, the stunning Iguazu Falls is on the bucket list of many who come to visit in this part of the world… however from Paraguay, it was not the easiest to get to, and I found next to no information online explaining the process and what to expect.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to stay on the Paraguay side, how to cross into Brazil (and Argentina), and what to expect from each side of the falls.
It’s not a difficult trip if you know what your doing, but there are a few things to know before you go—especially if you’re planning to visit Iguazu Falls to Paraguay in one day, or cross through to Argentina and come back that same night.
Where to Stay on the Paraguayan Side
If you’re planning to visit Iguazu Falls from Paraguay, your best base is Ciudad del Este. It’s the closest city to the falls and sits right on the border with Brazil.
While Ciudad del Este is more known for shopping than tourism, there are some solid hotel options that are close to everything, especially if you’re planning to walk across the border.
I’ve stayed in multiple hotels in downtown Ciudad del Este (and in Asuncion), and while they aren’t the newest or most luxurious, they’re in a great location. From most central hotels, you’re about a 5 to 10 minute walk to the Friendship Bridge, which connects Paraguay and Brazil. This close distance makes it easy to cross the border in the morning and head to the Brazilian side of the falls—or keep going toward Argentina.
If you’re planning to visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls in one trip, I definitely recommend staying the night in Ciudad del Este.
Getting all the way to the Argentina side can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and border wait times, so having a place to rest after a long day is much needed.
Recommended Hotels in Ciudad del Este
Convair Hotel: I found this hotel to be quite nice and spacious, with a great breakfast buffet. While the hotel itself was slightly outdated in terms of furniture in my room, I found the bed and sheets to be very soft, with a large room and bathroom. The internet and hot water were excellent, and this hotel is an accordable nightly cost that puts you in the center of the city, and just minutes away walking from the Friendship Bridge into Brazil.
Rio Hotel by Bourbon: This is one of the sleeker hotels in the city, which you will quickly find out once you do a hotel search in Ciudad del Este (nicer hotels are quite limited, especially in a good location).
The amenities and room are modern, and the hotel is located on one of the main streets in the center with many Chinese food restaurants open for breakfast and dinner (they all typically close around 1-2pm and reopen around 6pm).
Best Hotels in Ciudad del Este
Convair Hotel: Charming, old school vibes with a great breakfast in the heart of the shopping district
Rio Hotel by Bourbon: Classy, upscale vibe for those looking to stay in one of the best hotels in the city
Ciudad del Este may not be the most touristy city in Paraguay, nor is it a good representation of what the country is in general (my opinion), but it’s practical, affordable, and convenient for seeing Iguazu Falls in Paraguay and back in a day.
How to Cross the Border from Paraguay to Brazil
If you’re heading to Iguazu Falls from Paraguay, your first step is crossing into Brazil—and thankfully, it’s super easy. The Friendship Bridge connects Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) with Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), and you can either walk across or hop on a motorbike taxi if you’re traveling light or want to save the 10-15 minutes it takes to walk over the border on foot.
I’ve done this border crossing several times. If you’re just crossing into Brazil for the day—like to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls or do some shopping—you don’t need to stop at migrations on either side.
No passport checks, no ID required, and nobody stops you as long as you’re coming back within 24 hours. You just walk or ride across, and that’s that.
But if you plan to stay in Brazil overnight or longer, or travel further into Brazil, you’ll need to get stamped at immigration. However, they won’t automatically stop you and stamp your passport. You have to go into the migration office on your own—first on the Paraguayan side to exit, and then again on the Brazilian side to enter. It’s an important step if you’re planning a longer stay or traveling onward to other cities.
Personally, I’ve crossed both with and without stamping depending on my plans. It’s easy and flexible, and that’s one of the reasons why doing Iguazu Falls from Paraguay is so doable—even for a last-minute trip.
The same goes when returning—you can walk or take a bike back to Paraguay the same day, with no problems.
How to Get from Brazil to the Argentina Side of the Falls
Once you’re in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, you have a couple of options: head straight to the Brazilian side of the falls (which is the easiest, as you are already in Brazil and don’t need to worry about another border crossing), or keep going into Argentina if you want to see that side of the Falls. It takes longer and a bit more coordination to get to the Argentine side, but it’s totally doable.
We took a bus called Easy Bus from Brazil to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls, and it was a good experience. There are lots of cars crossing from Argentina into Brazil, but the car lines at the border are long.
If you’re on a bus, the wait time is much shorter. Our Easy Bus wasn’t full, and it only took us about 10 minutes to get off the bus and walk through immigration. The bus waits on the other side while everyone gets cleared, then continues.
A quick heads-up: there are two types of buses you can expect in Brazil. The local city buses usually only go to the Brazilian side of the falls. But if you’re heading into Argentina and want to get to Puerto Iguazú, make sure you’re on one that crosses the border. Easy Bus does, and we bought our tickets right in Foz for the Easy Bus, at one of the bus stops.
I will note, this journey will be much easier if you speak Spanish or Portuguese. Only speaking English will mean you need to take a private tour or plan out every step of your transport in advance, as no one we came across in Foz spoke any English.
Note you can also take the local city bus if you are going to the Brazil side of the falls. You will want to go to the TTU bus terminal in Foz, and wait for the bus below. This takes you directly to the Brazil side of the Falls and costs 5 reals.
At the Argentine border, we just walked through. I showed my passport and, since I have visa-free access, they let me in without stamping. This might vary depending on your passport, but for me, it was smooth and fast.
Once you’re in Argentina, you’re technically in the country but not yet at the falls. From the border, it’s about a 30-minute drive to reach the Iguazu National Park. Our Easy Bus dropped us off partway—not directly at the park, but basically on the side of the road—so we had to switch to a taxi (or try Uber) for the rest of the trip.
Official National Park website and buy tickets online for the Argentina side of the Falls here
Taxis were waiting at the stop and quoted us about R$35 BRL per person. Uber was about the same price when I checked, and the ride to the park took around 20 minutes into the park.
There are buses, like Rio Uruguay, that go directly to the park, but they come at random times. If you don’t want to wait around, grabbing a taxi or Uber is going to be the faster way to go.
So yes, getting to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls from Paraguay is certainly possible. It just takes a little coordination—but once you’re there, it’s 100% worth it. Trust me.
Which Side of Iguazu Falls Should You Visit?
If you’re planning a trip to Iguazu Falls from Paraguay, you might be wondering whether to explore the Brazilian or Argentine side of the falls. Having lived in Paraguay and Ciudad del Este, I can tell you that each offers a unique experience.
Brazilian Side: Panoramic Views and Accessibility
The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is known for its stunning panoramic views. From the walkways, you can see the full expanse of the falls, which is especially impressive considering that about 80% of the falls are on the Argentine side. This side offers a more natural scenic view, but there are also more buildings you can expect coming into the park.
The main trail on the Brazilian side is relatively short and leads you to a spectacular viewpoint at the end, where you can see the iconic Devil’s Throat from a distance (a must see view from both sides).
This side is ideal if you’re looking for a shorter visit with less walking but still want to capture some incredible photos and be immersed in nature, but not make the experience a full day event.
Argentine Side: Unique Experience with Extensive Trails
On the other hand, the Argentine side offers a more immersive experience. With a network of trails through the jungle and along the river, you can get up close to the falls from various angles.
There are three main circuits: the Upper Circuit, the Lower Circuit, and the Devil’s Throat walkway.
Each provides a different perspective, and together they can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to explore, depending on your pace and how busy the park is.
The Argentine side is more natural and less developed, allowing you to feel more connected to the environment. If you enjoy hiking and want to spend a full day immersed in nature, this side is definitely the way to go.
My Recommendation
If you’re short on time or prefer a more straightforward visit, the Brazilian side is a great choice. However, if you have the time and energy for a more in-depth experience, I highly recommend exploring the Argentine side.
Better yet, if your schedule allows, visit both sides to fully appreciate the grandeur of Iguazu Falls. If you do this, you will want to dedicate one day to each side of the Falls, as doing both (and getting to and from both sides) will be too much for one day, unless you have a private driver who is game for the adventure!
What to Expect at Iguazu Falls on the Argentina Side
If you’re crossing over to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls from Paraguay, get ready for a full-on day of nature, walking, and incredible views.
Compared to the Brazilian side, which gives you that big-picture, panoramic view, the Argentine side is all about getting up close and actually inside the experience. You’re not just seeing the falls—you’re literally walking over them, around them, and even under them if you choose the right tour.
The park on the Argentine side is huge. Once you’re inside, you’ll find three main trails:
- Upper Circuit – views from the top of the falls, scenic and not too strenuous
- Lower Circuit – more jungle-like, gets you close to the water with misty views and full panoramic views of the falls. Its breathtaking and my favourite view!
- Devil’s Throat Trail – the most dramatic, where you stand right above the most powerful part of the falls
I’ve walked all three trails (some multiple times now), and depending on how fast you go (and how crowded it is), you could spend anywhere from about 3 to 6 hours in the park.
The Argentine side is more of a hiking and adventure day than the Brazilian side. There are also trains that take you between some of the main trail areas, so you don’t have to walk the entire park if you don’t want to… but keep in mind walking is definitely involved on this side of the park.
Should You Consider a Tour?
If you’re just visiting on your own, you’ll definitely get amazing views. But you’re not going to get much history or context unless you go with a tour guide.
What most people don’t know is that this entire area used to be part of Paraguay—until the War of the Triple Alliance. Argentina won control of the land, and it eventually became the national park it is today… on the Argentine side.
That kind of info is not listed on signs or handed out at the entrance. You’ll only learn it if you’re with a guide—either a group tour or a private guide. They’ll walk you through the park while explaining the history, the culture, and the environmental significance of the region.
Honestly, the falls are beautiful no matter what, but understanding the backstory makes it feel even more meaningful, especially if you are travelling from afar for a once in a lifetime visit.
My Recommended History + Views Iguzau Falls Tour
Full day tour from BOTH the Brazilian and Argentine side of the falls
There are also guided boat tours that take you right up to the base of the falls (yes, you will get soaked), and combo tours that include pick-up from the border, park tickets, and a guided walk through the trails. I’ll include some tour links here once this post goes live—but just know that booking a tour is 100% worth it if you want the full experience, and something I highly recommend!
The Best Boat Tours of Iguzau Falls
POPULAR – Full Tour, Boat Ride, Train and Safari Tour
Argentine Side Tour with Boat Ride of the Falls
Getting from Iguazu Falls to Paraguay at Night
After a full day exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, we started making our way back to Paraguay—and honestly, going back at night was much smoother than I expected.
The lines were shorter, traffic was lighter, and the entire trip felt more relaxed compared to the morning crossing, which was more chaotic with more people around.
We caught the Rio Uruguay bus from the main entrance of the park back to the street where we got the taxi earlier that day. You can also take a taxi at the gate, there are some waiting there, but there are also often buses waiting at the entrance, and once they are full, they head off.
This bus dropped us off at the same spot where the Easy Bus had dropped us off earlier in the day. From there, we waited for the Easy Bus to come by again and take us toward the border (schedule of when buses come is here).
Once the Easy Bus arrived, it was a quick ride back to the Argentina-Brazil border. We got off the bus, walked through migrations, and had no issues—it took 5 to 10 minutes, and it was way less crowded at night than it had been in the morning.
If you’re worried about long lines or delays, I definitely recommend doing this part of the trip in the evening.
After crossing back into Brazil, the Easy Bus continued straight to the Friendship Bridge, which connects Brazil and Paraguay. You also have the option to get off at the main bus terminal in Foz do Iguaçu if you want to switch to another line, but the direct ride to the border made everything easier for us.
Once you’re at the bridge, you can either walk across or take a motorbike taxi into Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. But do keep in mind: downtown Ciudad del Este after dark can feel a little sketchy, especially if you’re alone or carrying valuables. I’d recommend arranging a taxi or ride service on the Paraguay side to get you safely to your hotel or Airbnb.
Visiting Iguazu Falls from Paraguay – My Honest Thoughts
Doing a trip to Iguazu Falls from Paraguay is one of the best things I’ve done while living here. Whether you’re based in Asunción or staying a few days in Ciudad del Este, the trip is very much so worth it—and it’s something I think every traveler in Paraguay should experience at least once!
I’ve done this route more than once, and each time I learn something new: which border crossing is faster, which bus gets you closest to the park, and which side of the falls leaves the biggest impression (spoiler: both are amazing in different ways).
From the quick walk across the Friendship Bridge, to hopping between Brazil and Argentina, to standing right over the Devil’s Throat, it’s a trip you won’t forget.
If you want to take your time, see everything, and really enjoy the experience, I’d recommend staying overnight in Ciudad del Este. And if you want to understand more than just the views—like the history of the park, the land that used to belong to Paraguay, and the deeper meaning behind it all—a guided tour experience is 100% worth it.
FAQ: Iguazu Falls from Paraguay
Yes, but it’s a long day! If you start early and plan your transport right (Easy Bus, Uber, or combo tours), it’s possible. I’ve done it. Just remember that Argentina takes longer, so give yourself extra time if you’re going there first.
If you’re just doing a day trip, you don’t need to stop at the migration—you can walk or ride straight across. But if you plan to stay overnight in Brazil or Argentina, then yes, you’ll need to go into the migration offices and get stamped on both sides. They don’t stop you automatically—you need to do it yourself.
The Brazilian side is great for panoramic views and is super easy to access from Paraguay. The Argentina side is a full-day adventure with trails, nature walks, and more intense views. I recommend visiting both if you can, but if you only have time for one, Argentina gives you the most complete experience.
Not necessarily—but if you want to understand the history, the cultural side, and learn about how the land used to be part of Paraguay, a guided tour is the way to go. Private or group tours give you context you won’t get walking the park on your own.
In the evening it’s easier. I took the Rio Uruguay bus out of the Argentina park, switched to the Easy Bus, and crossed back through both borders with hardly any wait. From the Brazil side, the Easy Bus drops you at the Friendship Bridge, where you can walk or take a motorbike across. Just make sure to take a taxi once you’re back in Ciudad del Este, especially at night.
Living in Paraguay – My personal experience navigating life, housing, and culture in Paraguay.
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Asunción – A breakdown of Asunción’s most livable and expat-friendly neighborhoods.
Day Trips from Asunción – Quick getaways to explore Paraguay beyond the capital.
The Currency of Paraguay – Understand Guaraní, how to exchange money, and tips on handling cash.
Is Paraguay Safe? – Honest insights into safety and how to stay secure as a visitor or resident.
Apartment Hunting in Paraguay – How to navigate the local rental market and find your ideal apartment.
Natural Medicine in Paraguay – Discover Paraguay’s alternative health scene and local remedies.
Food Prices in Paraguay – An inside look at grocery costs and dining expenses.
What to Do in Ciudad del Este Paraguay – All the activities and attractions in this lively border city.
