At Value Partners, we believe that making the most of your life's work means more than just growing your investments—it's about living well, staying healthy, and creating meaningful experiences with the people you care about.
That’s why we share ideas that inspire you to enjoy your wealth. This article—written by professional travel writers Michael and Lana Law, who spend over six months a year exploring the globe and have visited Iguazu Falls multiple times, most recently in November 2024—offers expert tips and inspiration for an unforgettable trip to one of South America’s most spectacular destinations.
If you’ve been meaning to plan a vacation but haven’t had time to figure out where to go, start here.
A Natural Wonder Like No Other
In
the heart of the Brazilian rainforest, where pumas roam free and toucans fly
overhead, is one of the greatest waterfalls on Earth: Iguazu Falls.
If
the first thing that pops into your mind is Niagara Falls, think again. Iguazu
is huge (taller, wider, and wilder). Hundreds of waterfalls line a sprawling
semi-circle cliff for almost three kilometres. You can immerse yourself in this
spectacular scene like nowhere else, with water roaring from above, below, in
front, and behind you, from an over-water platform in the midst of the
falls.
Add
to your adventure by taking a boat trip through raging rapids to the base of
the falls or a helicopter ride over top. Its location on the border of Brazil
and Argentina means you can see the waterfalls from two countries and even pop
into Argentina for a tango dinner show and another stamp in your passport.
Experience
Brazilian culture at a music and dance performance, try a traditional BBQ meal
at a churrascaria, get up close and personal with jungle critters at the Bird
Park, or enjoy a romantic evening watching the sunset over Paraguay and
Argentina across the Paraná River. There is no shortage of things to do here,
and this is the perfect place for couples or families.
While
some travellers may be intimidated by the language barrier and lack of
familiarity with a foreign country, it is quite easy to curate your own trip
with the help of a private guide and experience the place in a way that is more
personal and provides more depth than an organized group trip or tour.
Practical Information
Location
Iguazu Falls lie within Iguaçu National Park. The entrance is located just outside Foz do Iguaçu, a city with a population of approximately 300,000 people, and the airport is less than a 30-minute drive from the city center. From Toronto, the time zone difference is only one hour (four hours from Vancouver).
Getting There
Although there is a city on the Argentinian and Brazilian side of
Iguazu Falls, we feel the best option is to fly to the Brazilian city of Foz do
Iguaçu and base yourself there. From Toronto, you can fly directly to São
Paulo, and from there it is less than a two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu.
How Many Days
You can easily fill four or five days here, depending on how much you want to see and do, but three days is an absolute minimum. Keep in mind, this is a steamy hot destination and touring around can be tiring. It’s best to build in some time relaxing by a pool or enjoying a leisurely lunch to break up the day.
Must-Do Experiences
Your
guide can easily arrange all of these activities.
- Brazilian Side of the Falls – See Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, walking the trails to the numerous lookouts. Then enjoy a cool drink in the lounge of the historic Hotel das Cataratas.
- Boat Trip Up the Rapids – Take a short, guided hike through the forest to the river and hop on a boat trip up the raging rapids to the base of the falls, on a wet or dry trip.
- Argentinian Side of the Falls – Spend a day seeing the falls from the Argentinian side to get a full view of the spectacle.
- Itaipu Dam Tour – Take a tour of Itaipu Dam on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, once the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Keep your eyes peeled for roaming capybaras and other wildlife. This tour takes you briefly into Paraguay, but no border formalities are required.
- Helicopter Tour – Take a 10-minute flight over the jungle to the falls or a longer trip over the entire area.
- Marco Das Três Fronteiras – Enjoy views of Paraguay and Argentina over the Paraná River just outside of town.
- Tango Dinner Show in Argentina – Pop into Argentina for an evening to Madero Tango Iguazu, and see tango dancers perform to the music of a live band.
- Cultural Dinner Show – Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Rafain Churrascaria, to see dancers and musicians perform traditional songs and acts.
Getting
Around
Hire a Private Guide Through a Tour Company
Private
guides have insights and privileges that individual travellers do not. As travel writers, we are accustomed to
doing things independently, but this is one place where a guide was able to
take us well beyond what we could have done on our own, including taking us to
the main viewing platform of the falls after hours, once the day trippers had
left the park.
We highly recommend Iguassu Globo Tours (IGT) for a
personal guided experience. They can arrange for an English-speaking guide to
pick you up at the airport and help curate an itinerary tailored to your
preferences, as well as the ages and abilities of your group, and drive you
everywhere.
We were guided by Marcos Soares Guimarães,
who is one of their fantastic, long-time guides. He assisted with everything, from purchasing
tickets to getting us to the front of the lines whenever possible.
Where to Stay
- Hotel das Cataratas - A luxury, colonial-style hotel that is the best in Foz do Iguaçu, on the
Brazilian side of the falls, and the only hotel inside Iguaçu National Park.
Guests who stay here have access to the falls after 5 pm, when the day trippers
have left the park. Surrounded by jungle, guests have to be off the trails and
inside by dark due to the wildlife. Jaguars sometimes even drink from the hotel
pool during the night. Most people who stay here think this is the
only way to see the falls after the park is closed, but if you have a licensed
guide, he can also get you the same access as guests of the hotel, even if you
are staying in the city.
- LasHotel Boutique - Outside the park, closer to the airport than town, this
luxe adult-only boutique hotel has modern and private suites in a natural
setting.
- Foz do Iguaçu City Hotels - A variety of mid-range options are available in town.
Seeing More of Brazil
This
trip is also an easy add-on to any trip to Brazil, whether it's Rio de Janeiro
or the Amazon. Most flights from Canada to destinations in Brazil transit
through São Paulo, and the flight time from São Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu is less
than two hours. There are also direct flights from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu.
Whether you're drawn to the thrill of the falls, the richness of the culture, or the change to unwind in a truly unique setting, Iguazu offers and unforgettable escape. It's a place where nature, adventure, and connection come together—perfect for creating the kind of memories that make your life's work feel truly worthwhile. If you've been waiting for the right moment to plan something special, this just might be it.
Iguazu Falls Boat Tour
Iguazu Falls Helicopter Tour
Hyacinth Macaw
Iguazu Tango Show
Hotel das Cataratas
