4 days at Iguacu Falls, Brazil side

An arrival day with one gentle stop. A riverside viewpoint where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay look at each other across the water, then a slow evening and an early night.

1. Breakfast

   Pao de queijo and coffee

   Pao de queijo are small, chewy cheese breads, warm from the oven, and the usual start to the morning in Brazil. Have them with a strong coffee.

   Local tip Eat them while they are warm.
2. 1
   EveningWorth a short visit

   Marco das Tres Fronteiras

   A viewpoint at the spot where the Iguacu and Parana rivers meet and three countries face each other. Each has its own landmark on the far bank, and each is painted in its own colors.

   Go when Around sunset (about 6:19 PM), when the river turns gold and the three banks light up.

   Local tip The three landmarks across the water are each painted in the colors of their country. Take your time, then walk back for dinner. Keep your phone put away on the way home after dark.

3. Dinner

   A churrasco dinner

   A churrascaria serves grilled meats carved at your table, one cut after another, with a long salad table. A hearty first dinner for the whole group.

   Local tip Pace yourself, because the meat keeps coming until you say stop.

The big day. A park walk beside the river brings you to the wide view of the whole falls, and a catwalk reaches out over the water. It is an easy walk but a hot day, so start early and carry water.

1. Travel from Marco das Tres FronteirasAbout 31 min by car or transit15.9 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. Breakfast

   Tapioca for breakfast

   A tapioca is a thin pancake made from cassava starch, folded around cheese, coconut or fruit. A light start before a long walk.

   Local tip Ask for it with cheese if you want something filling.
3. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Iguacu National Park

   A large protected forest around the falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A road from the entrance leads to the start of the walk, and a shuttle runs along it, so check ahead for the rules.

   Go when Early morning, before the heat and the crowds build.

   Local tip Check ahead for the entrance rules and the shuttle that runs inside the park. Wear a hat, carry water and bring a thin rain poncho.

   

   About 17 min by car or transit6.2 km
4. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Trilha das Cataratas

   The walking trail along the river with a series of lookouts. It builds up to the wide panoramic view where you can see the falls spread out across the river.

   Go when Morning, when the air is cooler and the light is soft.

   Local tip The walk is easy and mostly flat, but it is hot and busy by midday. Do not feed the coatis. They are bold and they bite, so keep your food in your bag.

   About 6 min walk0.5 km
5. 3
   MiddayWorth the time

   Devil's Throat Catwalk

   A walkway that reaches out over the water at the end of the trail, to a lookout above the Devil's Throat, where the river drops into a deep gorge. You will be misted, and the view is the reason you came.

   Go when Late morning, once you have walked the trail.

   Local tip You will be misted, so bring a poncho and wrap your phone. Check ahead for whether the walkway is open, because the river level can close it.

6. Lunch

   A plate of the day by the river

   A prato feito is the everyday Brazilian lunch plate: rice, beans, a piece of meat or fish, salad and fried potatoes. Simple, filling and easy to share.

   Local tip Eat in the shade and drink plenty of water.

A day for families. A large bird park in the forest in the morning, then a boat ride that goes close to the water. It is a wet and happy afternoon, so pack a change of clothes.

1. Travel from Devil's Throat CatwalkAbout 23 min by car or transit9.8 km

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Parque das Aves

   A bird park in the forest beside the falls, with large walk-through aviaries where toucans, macaws and many other birds fly around you. Walk slowly and look up.

   Go when Morning, when the birds are most active and the forest is cool.

   Local tip Walk slowly through each aviary and let the birds come to you. Check ahead for the park rules, and put a hat and repellent on before you go in.

   

3. Lunch

   Pintado, a fish from the river

   Pintado is a large catfish from the rivers of this region, grilled or served in a stew with rice and cassava. A local plate for a family lunch.

   Local tip Order it grilled and ask how it is served.

   About 19 min by car or transit7.5 km
4. 2
   AfternoonA wet afternoon

   A boat ride toward the falls

   A boat ride on the river below the falls, where the boat goes close to the spray. You will be soaked. Whether it runs, and how close it goes, depends on the river level, so check ahead.

   Go when Afternoon, when a soaking is welcome.

   Local tip You will be wet through, so wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothes and bring a dry set. It depends on the river level, so check ahead.

5. Treat

   Acai in a bowl

   Acai is a frozen purple berry, blended thick and served in a bowl with banana and granola. A cool treat after a wet afternoon.

   Local tip Ask for fewer toppings if you like it less sweet.

A slow last day. A visit to one of the largest power stations in the world, then a long Brazilian lunch before you go.

1. Drive from A boat ride toward the fallsAbout 44 min by car33.0 km

   Where Day 3 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Itaipu Dam

   A giant hydroelectric dam on the Parana river, shared by Brazil and Paraguay. Walk to the viewpoint and look along the huge concrete wall. Tours and tickets change, so check ahead.

   Go when Morning, before the heat.

   Local tip Tours and tickets change, so check ahead. Even a look at the wall from the viewpoint gives you the size of it.

   

3. Lunch

   A last feijoada

   Feijoada is the national dish: black beans slow-cooked with pork, served with rice, greens, toasted cassava flour and orange slices. A long, heavy lunch for the last day.

   Local tip Share one pot between two and keep the afternoon slow.

4. Treat

   A caipirinha to finish

   The caipirinha is cachaca, lime and sugar over ice, the drink of the evening in Brazil. For the adults, one is plenty, and a fresh lime juice suits everyone else.

   Local tip Take it slowly, and drink water alongside.