Around Iguazú two rivers and three countries meet, and with a vehicle and driver at your disposal you can set foot in all three on the same day. The usual circuit starts in Puerto Iguazú, passes through Foz do Iguaçu, reaches Ciudad del Este and returns the same way. Whether the service is available, and the exact plan, are confirmed when you book.
What it involves
There are two border crossings on the way out and two on the way back: the Tancredo Neves Bridge between Argentina and Brazil, and the Friendship Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay. Whether the day works depends mostly on the queues, which change with the day and the season and which nobody can guarantee. The Friendship Bridge in particular gets very congested on busy shopping days.
What fits into the day
A realistic plan picks one main activity and adds short stops:
- Brazil: the Brazilian side of the falls or Itaipu dam, not both.
- Paraguay: shopping in Ciudad del Este, which is better done in the first part of the day, or the Saltos del Monday waterfall.
- Argentina: the Hito Tres Fronteras viewpoint in Puerto Iguazú at the end of the day, then dinner.
The Argentine side of the falls needs almost a full day and does not fit into this circuit.
Documents
Each passenger, children included, needs a document valid for all three countries. Requirements depend on nationality and may differ at each border: check them with the migration authorities of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay before travelling. Minors travelling without both parents usually need an authorisation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you guarantee there is enough time?
No. We build the plan with a margin and an order of priorities, in case a queue forces us to drop a stop.
Is it better to split it over two days?
If you want to shop calmly or see the falls without hurry, yes. The transfer to Ciudad del Este can be booked separately.
Which vehicle is used?
A sedan for up to 3 passengers, a minivan for 6–7 or a van for 8, depending on the group and the shopping you plan.