Argentinian Side of the Iguazu Falls
Unfortunately, the weather was not as glorious as when we visited the Brazilian side. Nevertheless, we still really enjoyed ourselves. You can do the falls by yourself through public transport and enter the park without a guide which is ultimately cheaper. However, bus times can be shaky, crossing the border times significantly longer and the guide can be helpful so it really is a personal choice.
We had the transfer included in the pass we have but if you wanted to organise the trip, often hostels on both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides can help. Crossing the border took altogether about 15 minutes. This will take longer if you decide to do the transfer via public bus. It is important to check whether you need to pay for a visa etc to enter Argentina/Brazil as this will need to be paid for before and shown as you enter the country. It is essential you get your passport stamped regardless, as you need it to fly and to cross the border generally.
Once you arrive at the falls, entrance is AR$215, which must be paid in cash. We were quite unlucky as the Devils throat bridge is under repair due to recent storms and the Isla San Martin closed due to weather conditions. So we explored the upper and lower trails which really are spectacular, the waterfalls really are amazing-and there are so many of them! We also did an additional boat ride which cost AR$80, where you actually get to see the waterfalls up close and personal. Prepare to get soaked. Your belongings are kept safe and dry in water lock bags on the boat, so don't worry about cameras etc. have this money in cash elmo, as we found out the card machine provided is awful.
*QUICK TIP* do not do the boat journey on the Brazilian side because it is twice as expensive and you see half as much.
What to wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, even more so than the Brazilian side especially if you plan on doing the boat trip as you have to walk through rocky terraine to get to the boat. A rain mac is a necessary, a change of clothes would go down a treat and swimwear is a must. Be smart, look at the weather and evaluate what to wear and bring. If you don't, you risk ruining your day.
*QUICK TIP* Bring your own lunch, food here is over priced and not that nice!
Brazilian or Argentinian Side to the Falls?
This is difficult, if you are pushed for time, I would say to do the Argentinan side only because you do see so much more of the waterfalls and so much closer. Plus, the Argentinian side has the better boat ride. However, I think both sides are worth a visit, especially because you can get better panaramic photos of the Brazilian side.
Hito Tres Fronteras
This famous landmark shows the three points in which Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet using the three points in the countries colours. It doesn't take long at all and it is a really nice point to see. There is also a little market if you fancied picking up some trinkets.
Orquidiario
This is a less well known attraction of Puerto Iguazu. Simply, it is an orchid garden. It takes a little bit further to get from but it is free and inside it is free. It is run by a mother and daughter who were really helpful, from getting rid of a stray dog that had decided to follow us, to advising us in what attractions are best to see in Puerto Iguazu. Although, only a few orchids were actually in bloom it is a nice way to spend part of your afternoon.
El Arbol Real
This place is a little cafe, across the road from the bus terminal. It sells a variety of pastries including empanadas, a range of cakes and chocolate,sweets etc. We tried the empanadas and they are packed with flavour and cost less than a pound, closer to 50p. We also picked up a lot of cake, I was in my element, the jam tart is especially nice. The only negative point is that if you sit outside you will be approached by beggars and stray dogs.
We also got given a free sweet- dolce de leche flavour of course!
Jardin Los Picaflores
I saw this on Trip Advisor and thought it was worth checking out. Ultimately, it is a garden that humming birds flock to. Although, being open for 30 years, many have never heard of it. It costs next to nothing (AR$30), and is great if you have some spare time in the afternoon. It is like being in someone's garden but it is very tranquil. There are dozens of humming birds-fascinating creatures. If you are in to bird watching and nature, this is a must stop on your list of destinations. My camera unfortunately, does not capture the beauty of these birds.
Maria Preta
I don't even know where to start with Maria Preta...
After looking on lonely planet and trip advisor, Maria Preta really stood out with rave reviewsabout the outstanding food but warnings about the service. We decided to take a chance...our first mistake.
On arrival to the restaurant, we were told we would have to wait ten minutes for a table. We could see the restaurant was busy, so this was not an issue. However, you would think we would be invited to wait by the bar or at least inside...WRONG! We had to wait outside on the street, looking like spare parts. After ten minutes, we approached the waiter who had asked us to wait to see how long it would be till our table was ready. We could see empty tables so assumed we would be sat shortly. They informed us that although they had tables, they could not serve us for a further ten minutes as the kitchen was so busy. At this point we just wanted to sit so we persuaded them to allow us to do so. I know what you are thinking, this just sounds like excuse after excuse!
Despite stating we would not be served our drinks orders were taken. At this point our waiter seemed a little bit clueless I won't lie but as we had been told service wasn't always the best we turned a blind eye to this. We also ignored the fact that our drinks took so long to come. HOWEVER, what could not be ignored was the events to follow. I am unsure now whether our waiter messed up our order or whether the kitchen had a monumental nightmare but we were then left waiting over an hour and a half for our food to arrive. We asked a different waiter to the one that had served us where our food was. He went and found our waiter and asked him but said nothing more to us. The more and more time passed the more annoyed I became. When no one got back to us, we had to go and speak to our waiter who informed us 'it was coming'. It was at this point that I realised that our waiter was the worst waiter I had ever come across. He then talked to other members of staff about the situation but ignored and failed to tell us anything. When the food FINALLY arrived, I was drunk due to the lack of food, starving and angry. It was Maria Preta's saving grace that the ribs I had ordered were cooked to perfection and wine was of very good quality. I have nothing positive to say apart from about the food and drink.
You would hope that was where the atrocious service ended...oh how very wrong you are. Our waiter then avoided us for the rest of the meal. No joke. The other waiter had to serve us and somebody else brought us our bill. We had a discount put on and we refused to pay the service charge.
I would only recommend you coming here if:
- You have no plans for after dinner
- You don't plan on being hungry in the imminent or to be honest distant future
- If you like being ignored
If you do decide to come and your waiter is a middle aged waiter- leave. The food is not worth his pathetic excuse for service.
Cruceros de Iguazu
This excursion was recommended on Lonely Planet. It includes a boat tour down the river Paraná and Iguazú. You get to see the tres Fronteras from the water as the sun sets. Perfect way to spend the early evening. I would recommend trying the mojitos! Food wise, I would save yourself until after the boat because there isn't a great variety and nothing really worth purchasing. They do give you vouchers for local restaurants in the area so all is not lost. You are also treated to a live music show, you will be asked to join in and it will be slightly awkward when you don't know the words because it's in Portugese or Spanish. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun and would recommend it!
Te Amaré Matana
This restaurant is one of the discounts you receive on the boat trip. It is in the centre of town and offers great food, live music and excellent service. Although on the pricier side, I would say it's definitely worth it. I had the steak in a red wine sauce and it was divine- possibly the best meal I have had in South America. A totally different experience to Maria Preta! It is surprising this restaurant isn't more widely featured on tourism sites.
Dharma
One of the many bars on the Main Street of Puerto Iguazú. Often referred to as restobars are in abundance on the Main Street of Puerto Iguazu. Drinks are reasonably priced, good music and attentive service.
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