Hiking trail in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones Province, Argentina
Parque Nacional Iguazú Forest Trail
Walking circuits through Atlantic rainforest around Iguazú Falls combine waterfall viewing with jungle exploration. The Circuito Superior and Inferior trails pass multiple cascades, jungle viewpoints, and offer chances to spot toucans and butterflies.
The trail network within Parque Nacional Iguazú in Misiones Province, northeast Argentina, combines the world-famous Iguazú Falls viewpoints with genuine Atlantic rainforest immersion. The park, jointly managed with Parque Nacional do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side of the border, protects one of the most biodiverse stretches of subtropical jungle in South America. The main circuits — Circuito Superior, Circuito Inferior, and the Garganta del Diablo walkway — together cover approximately 5 to 8 km and can be combined in a single half-day or full-day visit.
Entry is via the main park gate at the terminus of the access road from Puerto Iguazú, approximately 20 km from the town centre. A park admission fee applies, purchasable at the gate or online in advance. The free ecological train (Tren de la Selva) shuttles visitors between the main visitor centre, the Circuito Inferior station, and the Garganta del Diablo station at regular intervals throughout the day. Private vehicles are not permitted beyond the main car park.
The Circuito Superior (Upper Circuit) is a boardwalk loop of approximately 1 km that traverses the top of the main falls, looking down into the gorge from above. The Circuito Inferior (Lower Circuit) descends to the river's edge via a longer boardwalk network (approximately 1.7 km) offering close-up views of the cascades at water level and access to a free boat ferry to Isla San Martín. The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) walkway extends 1.1 km over the Iguazú River to the lip of the largest single cataract, where approximately 1,500 cubic metres of water per second plunge 82 metres into a perpetual cloud of mist.
Beyond the main circuits, the Sendero Verde (Green Path) is a 650-metre jungle trail connecting the visitor centre to the Circuito Inferior entrance. It passes through dense subtropical forest where coatis, butterflies, toucans, and capuchin monkeys are regularly observed. All trail surfaces are paved or boardwalk and footwear that tolerates mist and occasional splashing is advisable.
Wildlife observation is a significant draw independent of the falls: the park harbours over 400 bird species including the toco toucan, the great dusky swift, and several kingfisher species, as well as jaguars, tapirs, and ocelots (rarely seen but present in the forest). Arriving at park opening time (8 am) maximises wildlife sightings before visitor numbers build.
Trail area: Puerto Iguazú, Misiones Province
Highlights
- Multiple waterfall viewpoints
- Tropical rainforest
- Toucans and coatis
- Devil's Throat walkway
Tips
- Purchase park entry tickets online in advance during peak periods (Argentine school holidays in July and January) — queues at the gate can be very long.
- Wear waterproof footwear and carry a rain poncho for the Circuito Inferior and Garganta del Diablo sections, where mist and spray are unavoidable.
- Arrive at park opening (8 am) for the quietest Garganta del Diablo experience and the best wildlife sightings along the Sendero Verde.
- Bring insect repellent — the humid jungle environment supports mosquitoes year-round, with populations peaking in the wet summer months.
- The free boat to Isla San Martín from the Circuito Inferior is a worthwhile detour, offering views of the falls from a mid-river island perspective.
FAQ
How much does it cost to enter Parque Nacional Iguazú?
Admission prices are set by the national parks authority and adjust periodically. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online via the Parques Nacionales Argentina website. Foreign visitors pay a higher rate than Argentine nationals.
Is the Argentine side or the Brazilian side better for seeing Iguazú Falls?
Both sides offer distinct experiences. The Argentine side provides multiple circuits, closer proximity to individual cascades, and the best wildlife trails. The Brazilian side offers a panoramic overview of the entire falls system. Many visitors spend a day on each side.
What wildlife is typically visible on the forest trails?
Coatis are extremely common near the food areas and boardwalks. Toucans, herons, and kingfishers are regularly spotted near the water. Capuchin monkeys and morpho butterflies are frequently seen on the Sendero Verde. Jaguars are present in the park but are rarely visible to day visitors.
Is the park accessible to visitors with disabilities?
The main circuits (Circuito Superior, parts of Circuito Inferior, and the Garganta del Diablo walkway) are paved or boardwalk surfaces accessible to most wheelchair users. The Tren de la Selva ecological train accommodates wheelchairs. Visitors with specific mobility needs should confirm current conditions at the park information desk on arrival.
Accessibility
The main boardwalk circuits (Circuito Superior, parts of Circuito Inferior, and the Garganta del Diablo walkway) are paved or boardwalk surfaces largely accessible to wheelchair users, making this one of the more accessible national parks in Argentina. The Tren de la Selva ecological train accommodates wheelchairs. The Sendero Verde jungle path has a paved surface. Visitors with specific mobility needs should confirm conditions at the park information desk on arrival.
When to visit
The park is open year-round. The dry season (April–September) offers lower water levels and clearer views; the wet season (October–March) produces the most voluminous and dramatic falls. August through October sees the lowest crowds. Argentine school holiday periods (July and January) bring the highest visitor numbers.