Things to do in Puerto Iguazú
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Parque Nacional Iguazú
Without being unkind to Puerto Iguazú, the national park, and the indescribably arresting falls that form its centerpiece, is the reason people flock to the area. Lush, humid, teeming with endemic flora and fauna, this is the South American rainforest as you've always imagined it.
The national park (67,620ha/167,092 acres) was established in 1934, securing Unesco World Heritage status in 1984. Home to more than 2000 species of plant (including orchids, ferns and bromeliads), 450 species of bird, and rare mammals such as the jaguar, its importance as a reservoir of biodiversity can't be overstated.
Its unquestioned highlight is the falls, created where the Iguazú River…
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Güirá Oga Center for the Recuperation of Birds
Unfortunately, injured and orphaned wildlife seems to be an inevitable consequence of human proximity to the Argentine rainforest. Here, threatened native birds are given a chance to recover and return to the wild. Species in care at any one time might include macaws, toucans, maracanas and many different species of parrot and eagle endemic to the area.
As the name suggests, Güirá Oga is a haven for native birds. It takes in the wounded, sick, abandoned and threatened, and houses and attempts to recuperate them. Not only is its work worthy, it gives visitors the chance to get close to species they might otherwise not see in the wild. Animals hurt by illegal hunting and…
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La Aripuca de Iguazú
Rainforests throughout the world are under threat from human activity, and Argentina's are no exception. This unique place aims to both preserve threatened native tree species, and expand visitors' appreciation of the local ecology.
Designed to 'capture the conscience of man' (an aripuca is a trap used by the Guaraní to catch small animals) this interesting structure is made entirely from the timber of 29 different endangered native tree species. While this might sound contradictory, the timber is all salvaged, and the trap itself is a work of art, looking remarkably like a 10m-high (32ft) beaver's lodge. Tours of the site are designed to raise awareness of forest…
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GüiráOga
Five kilometers out of town on the way to the Iguazú National Park, GüiráOga is an animal hospital and center for rehabilitation of injured wildlife. It also carries out valuable research into the Iguazú forest environment, and has a breeding program for endangered species. You get driven around the park by one of the biologists and get to meet the creatures in a natural state. The visit takes about 80 minutes and is recommended.
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El Quincho de Tío Querido
Lively with the buzz of both tourists and locals, this popular parrilla has the usual grill favorites (parrillada for two is AR$67) as well as giant ‘baby beef’ steaks and a range of interesting specials with occasionally comic translations (we enjoyed ‘loin with blow, camp bacon’). There’s live music and limited outdoor seating. The wine list is pricey.
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Full Day Tour to Iguazu Falls
9 hours (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
Recognized world-wide, the Iguazu Falls is considered to be one of the most impressive natural beauties on Earth. With more than 200 falls reaching heights of…Not LP reviewed
from USD$38.99 -
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Color
This remodeled pizza’n’parrilla packs them in to its tightly spaced tables, so don’t discuss state secrets. But the prices are fair for this strip, and the meat comes out redolent of wood smoke; try the picaña, a tender rump cut. Parrillada for four comes to AR$90; a mixed grill of river fish is AR$70.
reviewed
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Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Argentinian and Brazilian Sides of Iguassu Falls from Puerto Iguazú
10 hours (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
Make the most of your Iguassu Falls vacation and visit both the Argentinian and Brazilian side of the falls. Combine two sightseeing tours from Puerto Iguazu…Not LP reviewed
from USD$85.99 -
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La Rueda
A mainstay of upmarket eating in Puerto Iguazú, this culinary heavyweight still packs a punch. The salads are imaginative and delicious, as are the river fish (dorado, pacú and surubí) creations. The homemade pasta is cheaper but doesn’t disappoint. Service is good but slow. The only card it accepts is Amex.
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María Preta
The indoor-outdoor eating area and evening guitarist make this a popular dinner choice, whether it’s for steaks that are actually cooked the way you want them, for a wide range of typical Argentine-Spanish dishes, or for something a little snappier: caiman fillet. Sometimes a pun’s just got to be.
reviewed
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La Esquina
With a balmy, softly lit terrace and solicitous service, La Esquina is a romantic dinner option that backs up the atmosphere with cracking food. There are some unusual combinations of flavors here with excellent results. Try the papaya, carrot, orange and palm-heart salad to kick things off.
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Hito Argentino
Hito Argentino, a kilometer west of the center, is a small obelisk at the impressive confluence of the Ríos Paraná and Iguazú. From here you can see Brazil and Paraguay, with similar markers on their sides. A fairly desultory artesanía market is also here.
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Brazilian Side of Iguassu Falls Half-Day Sightseeing Tour from Puerto Iguazú
4 hours (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
Even if you're staying in Puerto Iguazú, you can still visit the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls! Journey deep into Iguacu National Park, get an up-close view…Not LP reviewed
from USD$61.99 -
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El Andariego
This impresses for the sheer quantity of food that is brought to your table. Some seven plates of empanada and salad are placed before you, and then a standard but decent parrillada is brought out. Outdoor tables but overpriced wine.
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Terra
Chalked signatures of myriad satisfied customers mark the walls of this chilled bar-restaurant that specializes in well-prepared wok dishes, with pasta and salads as other options. The streetside terrace fills fast.
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Brazilian Side of Iguassu Falls and Itaipu Dam Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Puerto Iguazú
9 hours (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
Combine two great sightseeing excursions on this cross-border day trip from Puerto Iguazu to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls and the Itaipu Dam. First,…Not LP reviewed
from USD$96.99 -
3-Day Iguassu Falls Sightseeing Tour
3 days (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
Experience Iguassu Falls on this 3-day tour with accommodation in Puerto Iguazu. Admire this spectacular natural wonder on a full-day guided tour of both Iguazu…Not LP reviewed
from USD$242.99 -
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Plaza Pueblo
This courtyard terrace is bang in the heart of town but set back from the road, so feels peaceful. It serves beer, pizza and excellent burgers and lomitos, all with a smile.
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Venteveo Turismo
Venteveo Turismo is one of numerous local operators to offer day tours to the Brazilian side of the Iguazú falls (AR$50 to AR$110 depending on what’s included).
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Full-Day Tour to the San Ignacio Mission and Wanda Mines from Puerto Iguazú
10 hours (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
Spend a day outside of Puerto Iguazú and discover the rich history of the Iguassu Falls region. Learn about the famous Jesuit mission of 1632, which aimed to…Not LP reviewed
from USD$95.99 Advertisement
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El Charo
Another great place to sit and watch the world go by, El Charo has the usual range of parrilla offerings, with outdoor seating and some good-value set meals.
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Puerto Bambú
Puerto Bambú is a more down-to-earth place, with a great wooden bar to sit at outside and marvel at the traffic chaos on the six-way intersection.
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La Misionera
Excellent empanadas with a variety of fillings, and decent pizza from this well-regarded central bakery.
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La Tribu
At La Tribu, the drinks are expensive but the terrace appealing.
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Puerto Iguazú Round-Trip Airport Transfer
Varies (Departs Puerto Iguazu, Argentina)
by Viator
To make the most of your Iguassu Falls vacation, pre-book a round-trip airport transfer and save both time and money! Skip the long airport taxi lines, and get…Not LP reviewed
from USD$44.99