Spend three days up close to the raw power of nature on this visit to Iguazu Falls. Basing ourselves on the Argentinian side of the falls, Puerto Iguazu, we'll experience the falls from multiple perspectives with the option to also explore some of the surrounding jungle.
Breakfast: 3
Local Guide(s)
Bus
3 nights comfortable hotel
Relaxed
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our extension trip starts at the airport in Puerto Iguazu, the gateway to the mighty Iguazu Falls. If you're joining from another of our tours, and we're booking these international flights for you, we'll book the internal flight from the end point of your trip to Puerto Iguazu. It's worth noting that even if you're booking your own international flights, we can still book this connecting flight to Puerto Iguacu for you - please speak to our customer services team.
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be collected and transferred to our comfortable hotel in Puerto Iguazu, our base for the next three nights, located on the Argentinian side of the falls. Flanked by the Paraguayan border to its west and the Brazilian border to its north, the small outpost of Puerto Igauzu is set amongst tropical jungle and is almost entirely encircled by the rivers that feed the mighty falls. It's a small but lively town with a selection of bars, restaurants, and local markets selling artisan crafts.
While we aim to get you to Iguazu in the morning, your flight may arrive at any time of day. If you do have an earlier arrival, you'll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the town. Alternatively, there are several optional activities including a half-day guided jungle bike ride along quiet tracks to spot the incredible flora and fauna found in the area (all equipment provided). You could visit the Wanda Mines, an extensive quartz mine and there is also a tree-top canopy adventure consisting of a number of walkways and exhilarating zip lines.
Please note, this is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement several of our group tours and Polar cruises, we'd like to point out that you may not be travelling with other Explore customers. Your transfers and excursions in Iguazu are not private and might be shared with others who are not booked through Explore.
Hotel Saint George (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Set amidst the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional do Iguazu Reserve, the falls are one of nature's true masterpieces, a spectacular cascade of 275 interconnecting falls that hurtle over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre - a breathtaking sight that extends 3 kilometres across the Rio Iguazu. The park itself was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986 and its trails are a paradise for nature lovers. The surrounding spray-soaked forest provides a rich haven for flora and fauna, with over 2,000 plant species and over 400 different types of birds being recorded here, as well as countless mammals, insects, and reptiles. The canopy is alive with an array of brightly plumaged toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and colourful butterflies, whilst the forest floor boasts jaguars, mountain lions, tapirs and capuchin monkeys.
Today is a full day visit to the Argentinian side of the falls, from where you'll get an extensive view of the cascade. A walk to the churning cauldron of the Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat), presents you with one of the most powerful waterfalls on the planet, where a series of 14 separate falls merge into one, to produce a spectacular torrent.
Today there is an included half day excursion to visit the Brazilian side of the falls to get a panoramic view of these mighty cataracts, offering a different perspective and atmosphere to that on the Argentinian side. Four times wider than Niagara, the falls hurtle over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre several miles wide. The noise is tremendous and huge clouds of mist are churned up by the cascade. The surrounding spray-soaked forest is alive with brightly plumaged toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and colourful butterflies.
This afternoon is free, where you can choose to visit the Tropicana Bird Park lying in the rainforest near the entrance gate - this is a must for ornithologists and anyone interested in local wildlife. Another option is an excursion to Itaipu Dam, the largest hydroelectric plant in the world, with an 8-kilometre long dam and a reservoir that covers 1,400 square kilometres. The output from the plant supplies some 80% of Paraguay's electricity and 25% of Brazil's.
Our tour ends in Puerto Iguazu this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. A shared transfer is included back to Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR) in time for your return flight.
Argentina has a climate that ranges from subtropical in the north to cold in the temperate south. The Andes has erratic rainfall and flash floods from December to May. From June to September spring like sunny days temper the cold nights.
-3
Two types are used in Argentina: 3 Pin Flat or 2 Pin Round (Types C and I)
Predominantly Roman Catholic.
Spanish is the main language throughout this region, along with a number of indigenous dialects, of
Due to its enormous size, Brazil has many different climatic zones which vary year round. There is no ‘best time’ to visit Brazil, but at different times of year your experience will vary. Temperatures rarely dip below 20° C, with Iguazu, Rio and Salvador dropping down there during the winter months of June to August. Evenings around the coast are cooler during this period but the sea is still warm and fresh, and the air is less humid. In Paraty, Belem, the Pantanal and the Amazon temperatures tend to hover around 30° C year round. January to March is mid-summer across Brazil, but warm days on the coast are matched by the rainy season in the Amazon and the Pantanal. Parts of the Pantanal become flooded and it can be a very lively time to visit. The main characteristics of this season are the beautiful water landscapes and the prevalence of many water birds. Conversely, the dry season (July to October) in the Pantanal is a better time to observe larger wildlife such as the coati or giant anteater. In the vast central area of the Amazon, the climate is tropical, with warm to hot temperatures year round, and a rainy season as detailed above.
Type N - two pin hexagonal. Please note two pin European will not fit the majority of plugs
Portuguese
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally with the help of a local representative, who will meet you on arrival. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Half-day bike ride (approximately 20km, mostly flat) - 175USD (based on two people travelling) Half-day visit to Wanda Mines - 133USD per person (based on two people travelling) Half-day tree top and zip lining - 50USD per person Half-day visit to Bird Park (Brazilian side) - 40USD per person Half-day Itaipu Dam - 112USD per person (based on two people travellling) 10-minute helicopter flight - 208USD per person (based on a minimum of three occupants)
15Kg
Please note that the luggage limit on any internal flight with Aerolineas Argentinas is 15kg.
A torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor sunscreen, waterproof bag for camera. Binoculars will be useful for bird watching.
Our base for three nights will be in the Saint George Hotel in Puerto Iguazu. This is a comfortable four star property with modern and spacious rooms, a choice of two swimming pools, a spa and a gym. The hotel also has a bar and a restaurant serving a range of choices, and is well-located, just a short walk away from the town's bars and eateries. As this extension holiday is on a request basis, we are not pre-holding any rooms. We'll advise you at the time of booking if there are any changes to the planned hotel due to availability, and we'll make sure to reserve a hotel of a similar standard.
Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Argentina: Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens. Brazil: Visas are not required for UK citizens. They are, however, required for Canadian, Australian and US citizens, and must be obtained before visitiing. Citizens from Canada, Australia and the US can now get their visa for Brazil online. Applications can be done here https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. There is currently an outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil. Yellow fever is recommended for those travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Bahia, Iguazu falls and inland cities such as Brasilia.Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.