A full day covers the Upper and Lower Circuits and the Garganta del Diablo walkway comfortably; two days lets you add a boat safari and explore both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls.
Discover Authentic Iguazú: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
What would a local actually tell you to do in Iguazú? Recommended by the team at Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru. This page is built from exactly that kind of advice — the restaurants, markets and corners our own hotel teams recommend to guests, not a generic top-ten list. Find our picks below, an interactive map, and the questions we hear most often.
Our map pins local favourites such as Iguazú National Park, the Triple Frontier and La Aripuca, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Iguazú
Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat)
The most powerful of Iguazu Falls' 275-odd cascades, where a horseshoe of water drops in a wall of spray you can feel from the walkway. Wear something you don't mind getting soaked — you will.
Hito Tres Fronteras
A viewpoint marking where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet, with a small fountain and views over the Iguazú and Paraná rivers where the three countries' colours mark each bank.
Iguazú National Park's Upper and Lower Circuits
Two separate walking trails through the park, one giving you the view from above the falls, the other bringing you almost level with the water at the base. Do both if you have the time — they're completely different perspectives on the same falls.
Gran Aventura boat safari
A speedboat ride that takes you directly under the falls' spray. Life jackets and dry bags are provided, but pack a spare set of clothes for after.
Duty Free shopping
A short trip from town, useful for last-minute souvenirs or picking up items typically imported and pricier elsewhere in Argentina.
Explore Iguazú's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Iguazú
We've mapped local spots around Iguazú, from the roar of the falls to the rainforest and Argentine flavours. Ready to get a little wet?
Nature & landmarks
Iguazú National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 270 waterfalls in the Atlantic rainforest, led by the U-shaped Garganta del Diablo. Walk the Upper and Lower Circuits, look out for toucans and coatis, or take a boat right to the foot of the falls.
Puerto Iguazú · National park · Perfect for nature lovers
Triple Frontier (Hito Tres Fronteras)
Where the Iguazú and Paraná rivers meet, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay touch. The Hito Tres Fronteras viewpoint, 2.6 km from Puerto Iguazú, puts on a 20-minute water show every afternoon. Planning to cross? Check visa rules first.
2.6 km from Puerto Iguazú · Viewpoint · Ideal for sunsets
Monte Nayib
Red earth, giant trees, yerba mate plants – and, with luck, toucans and capuchin monkeys. Guided walks through Monte Nayib's rainforest end with regional bites such as chipá cheese bread. Wear clothes you don't mind staining.
Misiones · Nature reserve · Great for wildlife
La Aripuca
A 17-metre structure built from more than 30 native tree species, modelled on a traditional Guaraní trap. Browse the crafts, learn about yerba mate and taste it, then cool off with an ice cream under the thatched roof.
Puerto Iguazú · Ecotourism park · Perfect for culture
Güirá Oga
A sanctuary for native wildlife rescued from trafficking and habitat loss. Join a guided tour and go behind the scenes, from birds of prey to toucans.
Puerto Iguazú · Wildlife sanctuary · Great for families
Museo Guaminí
A museum devoted to the shared history of the Jesuit Missions and the Guaraní people of Misiones province. A good way to understand the land behind the falls.
Puerto Iguazú · Museum · Ideal for history
Parque das Aves
Just across the border in Foz do Iguaçu, this bird sanctuary protects species of the Atlantic rainforest. Walk right through the aviaries and meet the macaws up close.
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil · Bird park · Perfect for nature lovers
Imágenes de la Selva
Life-size wood carvings of jungle life and myth, by Rodolfo Allou – a grandson of Jules Verne, no less.
Puerto Iguazú · Museum · Made for art lovers
Iguazú catamaran cruises
Sail up the Paraná to the Triple Frontier, where Argentina meets Brazil and Paraguay, with a tango show on board as the light fades.
Paraná River · Boat trip · Ideal for an evening out
Jungle Fly Iguazú
Ziplines, hanging walkways and guided treks through the protected Iryapú jungle. Up for a different view of the rainforest?
Iryapú jungle · Adventure park · Made for thrill seekers
Fly Park Iguazú
The city's first air park, home to Argentina's first zipline roller coaster and treetop adventure courses. Strap in and fly.
Puerto Iguazú · Adventure park · Great for families
Saltos del Arroyo Mbocay
Little-known cascades on the Mbocay stream, sacred to the Guaraní. Follow the trails through protected rainforest and you may well have them to yourself.
Puerto Iguazú · Waterfalls · Perfect for wild swimming
Food & nightlife
The Argentine Experience
Part dinner, part crash course in Argentina. Shake a cocktail, fold empanadas, share a picada, taste the beef and finish with dulce de leche pancakes – all paired with Argentine wines including Malbec, plus a lesson in preparing yerba mate.
Puerto Iguazú · Dining experience · Made for food lovers
IceBar Iguazú
Escape the heat in a bar kept at -10°C, where walls, sculptures and even glasses are made of ice. Jackets and gloves are provided, and your 30-minute session includes unlimited drinks.
Puerto Iguazú · Ice bar · Great for a fun night out
FAQ
Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru is about a 20-minute drive from Iguazu National Park and the falls themselves, set within the surrounding Iryapú Forest Reserve.
Something quick-drying — the spray from Garganta del Diablo reaches the viewing walkway, and most visitors end up at least partly soaked. A rain poncho helps but doesn't fully solve it.
More than 270, including the famous Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Explore them via the Upper and Lower Circuits or by boat.
Yes. From the Hito Tres Fronteras, 2.6 km from Puerto Iguazú, you can see Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. Check visa requirements before crossing.
Book The Argentine Experience for an interactive dinner with wine pairings, or try IceBar Iguazú, kept at -10°C.
Where to Sleep in Iguazú
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru