Devil's Throat: the park's crown jewel
The Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat, is without question the most stunning spot in Iguazu Falls: a 150-meter horseshoe where fourteen separate falls come together with a roar that carries for miles. Getting there means taking the eco-train from Central Station to Garganta Station, then walking about 1,100 meters along a walkway over the river to the final platform, where the spray soaks visitors almost year-round. It's worth arriving early, right when the park opens at 8am, to skip the train queues and enjoy the view with fewer crowds. A rain poncho or a waterproof bag for your camera is practically mandatory.
Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit
The rest of the park is covered by two walkway circuits. The Upper Circuit, flat and about 1,700 meters long, lets you see the falls from above, almost at the same level as the water plunging over the edge. The Lower Circuit, a bit longer and with some stairs, descends to the base of several falls such as Bossetti Falls or Dos Hermanas Falls, offering the best photos thanks to the near-permanent rainbow formed by the mist. Walking both circuits comfortably takes three to four hours, with time to stop at the viewpoints.
Eco-train and San Martin Island
The Selva eco-train links the park's three stations (Central, Cataratas and Garganta) for free with your entry ticket, though during high season waits can top 40 minutes. From the Cataratas station area, a free boat also crosses to San Martin Island, a natural viewpoint from which several falls are visible at once; the crossing is suspended whenever the river's flow rises too much, so it's worth checking at the ticket office before planning your day.
Tickets, booking and comparison with the Brazilian side
Admission to Iguazu National Park runs around 30 USD for foreign visitors outside Mercosur (prices change fairly often, so confirm the current rate before traveling). Tickets can be bought online in advance, which is strongly recommended during high season. One key tip: if you keep your ticket and return the next day, the second entry gets a 50% discount. Roughly 80% of the falls sit on the Argentine side, making the experience far more immersive, with trails winding through the jungle right next to the water; the Brazilian side, by contrast, offers the best sweeping panoramic views from a distance. If time allows, visiting both sides on two separate days is ideal.
Wildlife: watch out for coatis
The park is home to jaguars, tapirs and hundreds of bird species, though the animals you'll actually see are coatis, which approach trails and snack stands without any fear looking for food. Feeding them is strictly forbidden: besides being illegal, coatis fed by tourists become aggressive and can bite. Keep food zipped inside your bag and never leave it unattended on a table.
When to go and how to get there from Buenos Aires
The rainy season, from December to March, brings a stronger flow and more spectacular falls, but also more heat and humidity; from June to August the flow drops, the weather is cooler and crowds thin out. Puerto Iguazu, the base town, sits about 20 minutes by car from the park and offers lodging for every budget. From Buenos Aires, a flight to Iguazu Falls International Airport takes roughly one hour and 50 minutes, with several daily departures; a long-distance overnight bus is also an option, taking between 16 and 18 hours. For the visit itself, wear comfortable non-slip shoes, since the walkways get slippery with spray, and pack mosquito repellent and sunscreen even on cloudy days. Most visitors need at least half a day to cover the main circuits comfortably, but if your schedule allows it, giving the park a full unhurried day is well worth it.