Top Puerto Iguazu Full-Day Tours: Expert Reviews & Tips
Planning a trip to Puerto Iguazu? You are probably ready to explore one of the most spectacular natural wonders on earth – Iguazu Falls! So, to get the most from this magnificent destination, choosing the right tour is really pretty important. These full-day experiences, more or less, make exploring the falls much simpler and more fulfilling than doing it alone. This review will, in a way, guide you through the top five Puerto Iguazu full-day tours, highlighting what makes each one unique, plus provide a helpful insight to really aid you with your planning. Get prepared for dramatic views, adventures into the jungle, and quite a bit of unforgettable memory making.
1. The Argentinian Side Grand Adventure: A Full Immersion
First up, we have a total must-do for any traveler to Iguazu: the Argentinian Side Grand Adventure. Actually, this experience lets you soak in every nook and cranny of the Iguazu National Park on the Argentina side. And when you have this access, it really brings you closer to those astonishing waterfalls. That said, what makes it seriously ‘grand’ is very much the combination of different tours all rolled into just one pretty awesome day. This very popular tour covers the Upper Circuit, very well known for the panoramic views; the Lower Circuit, more or less, which lets you walk right up to the base of quite a few falls; and the star attraction, you might say – the Devil’s Throat. Reaching Devil’s Throat is actually very simple, with a short ride on the ecological train. I think once you are there, expect to be absolutely blown away by the powerful cascades!
But the “Grand Adventure” tag? This doesn’t stop at walkways. You might even want to prepare yourself for the extra “adventure” portion, since, literally, this includes a boat ride that will take you right under some smaller, yet very forceful, waterfalls! The boat ride gives a super amazing thrill, and you’ll get completely soaked, so too it’s just good fun. From my own point of view, there’s something seriously special when experiencing the falls from literally every angle – above, below, and, obviously, face-to-face.
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2. Brazilian Side Panoramic Tour: The Broad View
Now, you are able to cross the border (very easily, too) to see a whole different perspective, since this will only offer views from the Brazil side. Basically, the Brazilian side doesn’t have the winding trails, however, it gives you seriously stunning wide angle, postcard style views of pretty much all the falls. I will say, there’s something amazing about watching the immense spread of water as it pours down, that will stay with you for a very long time!
Usually, the tour begins with a hike along the main trail that will takes you closer to the Devil’s Throat. In a way, it’s a totally different experience than getting up near on the Argentina side, you know? Here, very, very, many walkways are strategically placed for photo opportunities. This tour really shines in capturing photos of those incredible panoramic scenes. You could also add a trip to the Bird Park nearby if you feel like there’s any room left to explore, that will gives you some close ups with many kinds of exotic birds native to this place. A simple bonus that any nature lover would thoroughly appreciate!
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3. Iguazu Falls Boat Trip: Getting Up Close and Personal
Want even more adrenaline? OK, so, an Iguazu Falls boat ride is certainly calling your name. So picture this: you are basically in a raft going right up near the immense waterfalls, it is very, very, truly breathtaking! Quite a few operators provide the trips, normally beginning with a rough 4×4 drive through the jungle which will almost makes the experience so much more wild.
Actually, once at the river’s edge, that, very much, is where the thrill comes in. Now brace yourself for a wet, exciting ride as the boat pushes nearer the base of the falls. You may start whooping from the initial spray. Keep whooping while you are getting soaked! I think standing underneath a powerful waterfall is incredibly stunning and humbling. Really, this is often claimed as the most fun experiences to enjoy near Iguazu. Very possibly you are able to get a less intense boat trip in calm waters to see the falls in a peaceful way.
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4. San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines: A Cultural Day Out
Right, let’s leave all the waterfalls aside now to go see what this place has available for history buffs or anybody eager to just understand beyond Iguazu’s nature. Basically, this particular trip brings you to the San Ignacio Miní, quite an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site and very well preserved Jesuit ruins dating back to the 17th century. Looking into these remains lets you virtually peek at the interesting mixed history that shapes this part of South America. You could stroll between these ruins and also soak up every interesting tale of times now long passed.
And after a historical excursion, well, you are headed to the Wanda Mines. Anyway these aren’t your typical mines, because they are a source of semi-precious stones like amethyst, agate, and quartz. In that case you can take a tour of the mines to understand how these gemstones form and also are mined. In a way, it’s an amazing geology lesson plus also an exclusive opportunity to purchase unusual jewelry. Thus this day trip will seamlessly blend history and nature.
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5. The Three Borders Landmark: A Quick Visit to Three Countries
Have you ever dreamed about visiting three countries in just a single day? The Three Borders Landmark tour really helps you fulfill it! Just a short drive away from Puerto Iguazu you may notice the triple frontier point where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. So here every country comes with its own obelisk that is painted in its nation’s flag colors.
It can be great fun to stand there with literally each foot in separate countries! Now the location also offers a little cultural show that exhibits dances and tunes of those three countries, this brings a touch of vibrancy. Even if short and snappy, this specific tour gives you a distinctive way of seeing the international side to this spot.
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