The Iguazú Falls stretch for almost three kilometres. In a series of cascades, the water plunges vertically about 80 metres. The falls are located in Iguazú National Park, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When planning your visit, it is worth looking at the different trails and their respective conditions.
Waterfalls and Selva in Iguazú National Park
Iguazú National Park preserves part of the Selva Paranaense ecoregion, also known as Bosque Atlántico del Alto Paraná. It is considered Argentina’s most biodiverse ecoregion. The waterfalls and protected forest thus shape two distinct aspects of a visit to the park: the cascade sequence, almost three kilometres long, and a landscape with particular importance for Argentina’s biological diversity.
Trails with different levels of difficulty
The Paseo Inferior is 1,750 metres long and follows walkways with steps close to the waterfalls of the Iguazú River. Access is limited because of the steps. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before your visit. In the wider destination of Departamento Iguazú, Iguazú National Park offers another trail option in the form of the Paseo Superior: this 1,850-metre loop runs in one direction along walkways without steps and is accessible to all visitor groups. The difference between the two trails is therefore not just their length, but also the steps and stated accessibility.
A 1,100-metre walkway without steps crosses the upper riverbed of the Iguazú River to Garganta del Diablo. If you are looking for a longer hike, Sendero Macuco in Departamento Iguazú offers a seven-kilometre round trip, with opportunities to watch birds and explore the Selva. These details describe different types of trails; they should not be taken to imply a shared walking time.
The Tren Ecológico de la Selva is also useful for getting around the park. It runs from Estación Central to the Cataratas and Garganta stations. On the Paseo Ecológico, you can take a rowing boat from the Garganta del Diablo station to explore the islands in the upper Iguazú River. The train and boat trip thus complement the different trails without offering the same kind of exploration.
Admission, equipment and other park activities
The fee schedule, updated as of 1 June 2026, lists Sendero Verde, the Tren Ecológico, Circuito Superior, Circuito Inferior, Circuito Garganta del Diablo, Sendero Macuco and the Centro de Visitantes among the facilities included in the admission fee. As the included offerings may change, check the latest information before your visit. Wheelchairs and an electric four-person cart are available in Iguazú National Park; strollers can be rented. Equipment availability may change, so confirm it in advance if it is important for your plans.
For a cycling route, Camino del Yaguareté is described in Departamento Iguazú. The moderately difficult route runs within Iguazú National Park and leads to the upper Iguazú River and Puerto Canoas. Bicycles, helmets and gloves are included; the activity is intended for people aged ten and over. Advance reservations are required, and places are limited. Reservation and weather conditions may change, so check the latest information as you plan your visit.
Iguazú National Park was established in 1934. These dates provide a historical context for a visit to the park, while the trails and cascades shape the experiences visitors have on site.
Other sides of Departamento Iguazú
Departamento Iguazú offers a range of themes beyond the waterfall landscape. At Hito Tres Fronteras, you can see the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, as well as the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. River fish and grilled meat are common features of regional cuisine in Puerto Iguazú. These regional experiences complement a visit to the national park, but are not themselves features of Iguazú Falls.
At Jardín de los Picaflores, you can observe free-flying hummingbirds. In an environment with native flora, they feed on flowers, fruits and seeds. Refugio Güirá Ogá has trails through a rescue, rehabilitation and breeding centre for endangered birds, mammals and reptiles. As visitor information for these places should be checked again before travelling, find out the latest details before your visit.
Parque Provincial Esperanza protects another landscape in Departamento Iguazú: the reserve covers 686 hectares of Selva, extending from Sierra Morena to the private Refugio Aguaraí-mi. The Uragua-í and Aguaray-Guazú streams run through the park. Thus, within the department, forest areas and waterways are distinct natural attractions alongside the falls.
Discover more destinations: Wanda, Puerto Esperanza
Return to the broader travel overview: Departamento Iguazú.
