Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, is famous for being one of the most breathtaking waterfalls on Earth. With 275 waterfalls, a height of nearly 270 feet, and spanning almost two miles, it’s the largest waterfall system in the world and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I visited Iguazu Falls for two days in November 2024, expecting a once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the World’s Natural Wonders. While the falls themselves were absolutely stunning, the overall experience left me underwhelmed.
Would I recommend it?
Personally, not really. For me, it was a 5/10 – beautiful, but not somewhere I’d return to.
Here’s why.
The Good: Why Iguazu Falls is Worth Seeing
- The waterfalls are absolutely magnificent – The scale, the roar of the water, the mist – The falls themselves very much live up to the hype. The “Natural Wonder of the World” title is well-earned.
- The tourist infrastructure in the parks is extremely developed – it’s very easy to get around and see the falls. On the Brazil side, a shuttle bus system connects the key points, and on the Argentina side, a train system runs through the park. There are helpful staff and lots of convenience shops with food, drink, etc., located throughout the park, even along the trails.
- The trails are short, easy, and relatively accessible. All of the trails I did were short, paved or metal, with minimal elevation gain. Some areas even had accessibility ramps. This makes the falls accessible for pretty much all fitness levels.
- There’s a lot of cool wildlife along the trails, including monkeys, birds, spiders, and coatis.
The Bad: Where Iguazu Falls Falls Short
- Crowds were overwhelming. Even though I visited on a Monday and Tuesday in mid-November (not peak season), there were way too many people, with lines and crowds everywhere. It felt more like being at an amusement park than in nature. Popular viewpoints like Devil’s Throat had 10-minute wait times just to get to the railing. Trails were often shoulder-to-shoulder, with very slow groups blocking the way and not understanding hiking etiquette. All of this took away from the feeling of being in a natural wonder.
- Visitors can’t get close to the falls. All paths are fenced boardwalks. There’s nowhere to sit quietly or interact with the water. I completely understand the environmental and safety reasons, but the result is that it felt like a photo op, not an immersive nature experience.
- Overly commercialized. Gift shops and snack stands are scattered along the trails. While convenient, they make the park feel less like wilderness and more like a theme park.
- Hot and humid. When I visited, temperatures were in the high 90s°F with over 90% humidity. According to park staff, this is typical for 11 months out of the year. There’s little wind or shade, so the heat can feel oppressive.
- Extremely high entry fees. While the ticket includes transportation within the park, the cost is steep compared to other major national parks (example: $80 USD gets you and three people into any U.S. National Park for an entire year), especially considering the relatively short trails.
- Argentina side: $45 USD per person (non-residents) for a single day entry
- Brazil side: ~$20 USD per person (non-residents) for a single day entry
Final Thoughts
When I experience nature, I’m looking for peace and quiet, the types of moments that make me feel small. the kind that make the rest of the world feel small. Iguazu Falls didn’t give me that. It felt structured, crowded, and commercialized, with very little room to pause and truly take it in.
While I don’t entirely regret going, there are much better places to visit in South America if you’re looking to experience natural wonders while feeling immersed in nature.
ADJENTURING 