Iguana Falls or Iguassu Falls – depending on which side of the falls you are standing is an absolute must see if you are exploring Argentina or Brazil – it is absolutely amazing.

From Buenos Aires (EZE), the country’s capital the best way is to take a flight (typically 90 minutes) from there to the town of Puerto Iguazú (IGR). There are two airports within five miles of the falls — Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) on the Brazilian side and Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR) on the Argentine side.

Even if you are staying in a hotel on the Brazilian side of the Falls get a direct DOMESTIC flight to the Argentinian airport to save a bucketload of time and money.

The cost to fly to Iguazú from Buenos Aires runs between US$350 and $550 per person. To get the best price available, make sure to book in advance if you are traveling in the high season, which runs from late December until February and Easter week – or be sneaky like us and try and book it as a connection flight from international flights with a partner airline (i.e. QANTAS or LAN from Australia) and you will save HEAPS.

These are the two major airlines that fly to Iguazú:

• LAN Airlines

Tel: (in Argentina): (56 2) 687-2400

• Aerolíneas Argentinas

Tel: (in Argentina):0810-222-86527

Flying to Iguazu was extremely easy and quick – and even though we were staying in a (very nice) hotel of the Brazilian side of the falls crossing the border was extremely easy.

We had of course applied for our Brazilian visa’s months beforehand (don’t skip this step Aussies), so we simply found a taxi at the Argentinian airport who drove us across the border and even lined up for us to get our passports stamped while we waited outside.

If you are on more of a budget you could also try a bus journey. The trip takes between 16 and 18 hours in total. Long distance buses in Argentine are comfortable with ‘cama‘ or ‘semicama‘ seats that recline way back. They also provide meals and movies. Via Bariloche is one of the best companies for long-distance travel in Argentina, followed by Andesmar, but if you’re on a budget it may be worth shopping around to save a few bucks.

Most companies allow you to book on the phone with any major credit card — the largest companies will have a staff member that speaks English. You can also go to Retiro Station in Buenos Aires and buy the tickets in person.

Expreso Tigre Iguazú:

Call Center – (011) 4315-7700
Retiro – (001) 4663-889
Puerto Iguazú – (03757) 420-854

Crucero del Norte
Call Center, BsAs – (011) 5258-5000
Retiro – (011) 4315-1652
Misiones – (03752) 482-222

Expreso Singer
Retiro – (011) 4314-3927

Via Bariloche
Call Center, BsAs – (011) 4315-7700

Andesmar
Call Center, BsAs – (011) 6385-3031
Retiro – (011) 4313-3650/4242