Last updated on February 26, 2024.

Iguaçu National Park (Parque Nacional do Iguaçu), which contains the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, is the major draw to Foz do Iguaçu. This UNESCO World Heritage site is probably the most breathtaking natural wonder I have ever seen in my life. It puts Niagara Falls to shame!

 

Suggestions

My advice to you is to visit the Brazilian side before the Argentinian side! You’ll see why in my post about the Argentinian side.

 

Visiting

I also recommend taking a public bus to this side of the falls. It takes about 45 minutes and is much cheaper than hiring a taxi or taking a tour. The bus drops you off right at the entrance to the national park. The park is open from 9am to 4pm and admission is R$100 for foreigners over 6 years old (as of February 2024). After buying your ticket, you board a bus to take you through the park.

Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
Iguaçu National Park

 

Path of the Falls

There are a few stops along the way at different trails. Most of these first few stops are not included in the admission and require an extra payment. Most tourists will get off at the Path of the Falls stop. This is the beginning of an easy trail that takes you along the Brazilian side of the falls. It goes by several smaller waterfalls before giving a view of the main part of the falls. Unfortunately, I went on a very bad day. It was rainy and overcast. The weather ruined the view of the falls but it was still spectacular.

Along the Path of the Falls at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
Along the Path of the Falls
The falls at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
The falls

The trail includes an extension that goes out directly over the falls for a spectacular panoramic view. Bring a rain jacket, you will get soaked!

Extension to the falls at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
Extension to the falls
Extension to the falls at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
Extension to the falls
A closer look at the falls at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
A closer look at the falls

At the end of the path is a lift to a lookout tower. I was able to get an incredible view of the falls from the top.

Lookout tower at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
Lookout tower
The falls from the lookout at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
The falls from the lookout
The falls from the lookout at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
The falls from the lookout

 

Porto Canoas

A short walk away is Porto Canoas, which has gift shops and a restaurant. It’s also the final bus stop where you can catch a bus back to the entrance of the park.

 

Coati

There is a good chance you will see lots of cute, furry animals along the way. These are called coati. They are very brave and will come right up to tourists looking for food. Don’t feed them and definitely don’t touch them! They have very sharp nails that can rip right into your skin!

Coati at Iguaçu National Park in Brazil
Coati

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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