Why Honeymoon at Iguazú Falls
It is one of the great natural sights on the planet. It is also surprisingly easy to reach from Buenos Aires. The scale is hard to take in. Water falls from so many points that rainbows form in the spray almost every sunny afternoon. The noise at the Devil's Throat drowns out conversation.
The experience is physical rather than distant. You walk among the falls, feel the mist and take a boat ride straight into the curtain of water. That shared jolt of adrenaline tends to produce the photos and stories couples remember.
The forest adds another layer. Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side protects a rich patch of the Atlantic Forest. Wildlife is easy to see along the trails. A couple of days here brings a sharp contrast to the cold of Patagonia and the city life of Buenos Aires.
When to Go
The falls flow all year, but volume changes with the rain upstream in Brazil. After heavy rains the river can become a brown torrent, with some walkways closed for safety. In dry spells the falls thin out, though the Devil's Throat is always impressive.
April and May, then August to October, bring the most comfortable weather, warm but not oppressive. December to February is hot and humid, with temperatures often in the 90s and frequent thunderstorms, plus Argentine summer crowds.
June and July are cooler, with mild days and chilly mornings. It is a pleasant time to visit, though July sees heavy crowds during Argentine winter school holidays.
Rain can fall in any month, so pack a light rain jacket. Check the park's website for walkway closures shortly before your trip, especially after major storms.
Where to Stay
The Gran Meliá Iguazú is the only hotel inside the national park on the Argentine side. Many rooms look directly over the falls. Staying there lets you walk to the trails before the gates open to day visitors and after they leave. For a honeymoon it is worth the premium, especially if you book a falls-view room.
Puerto Iguazú, the small town about 20 minutes away, offers a wider range of hotels and jungle lodges. Several lodges sit in the forest on the edge of town, with pools, birdlife and cabins surrounded by greenery. The town itself has restaurants and a few bars, but it is not a destination in its own right.
On the Brazilian side, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is a classic pink colonial building inside Brazil's park, with its own early access to the falls. Staying there means crossing the border with your luggage, so most couples based on the Argentine side simply visit Brazil for half a day.
Romantic Things to Do
Start with the Devil's Throat. A small open-air train runs through the forest to the station near its walkway, then a long boardwalk crosses the river to a platform above the chasm. Go early or late to avoid crowds.
Walk both the Upper Circuit, which runs along the top of the falls with views straight down. Then do the Lower Circuit, which gives views of the falls from below. Look for toucans, butterflies and capuchin monkeys along the way.
Take a boat ride under the falls. Operators run speedboats into the spray beneath the cascades, often combined with a jungle truck ride. Bring a dry bag for your phone.
Around the full moon, the park runs evening walks to the Devil's Throat, where the moon lights the mist. Tickets are limited and sell quickly. At sunset in town, visit the Triple Frontier marker where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet at the river junction.
Getting There and Around
Flights from Buenos Aires take a little under two hours to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR). The airport sits about 20 minutes from the park entrance and 25 minutes from Puerto Iguazú town. Transfers and taxis are easy to arrange.
From town, buses and taxis run to the park throughout the day. Inside the park, the train and walkways connect everything, so you need no car.
The Brazilian side, Foz do Iguaçu, is reached by crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge. You can book a private driver who handles the border crossing. Brazil's entry and visa rules depend on your citizenship and can change at short notice, so check the official government website before you book, even for a day visit.
Plan one full day for the Argentine side and half a day for the Brazilian side. The Argentine park is large, so wear comfortable shoes and expect to walk several miles.
Food and Drink
Misiones province has its own regional dishes. Look for surubí, a large river catfish grilled or served in stews. Try chipa too, cheese bread made with cassava flour. Mandioca appears fried or boiled on many menus.
Misiones is also the heart of Argentine yerba mate production. Many restaurants and shops in Puerto Iguazú sell local brands. You may be offered a mate if you visit a plantation.
The town has a handful of good restaurants serving grilled meat, river fish and Argentine wine. Dinner runs late, as everywhere in the country.
Inside the park, food options are basic snack bars and cafés. Bring water and snacks for long walking days. Do not feed the coatis. They are bold, they steal food from bags and their bites and scratches can be nasty.
Honeymoon Tips
Bring a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry clothes. The Devil's Throat and boat ride will soak you, even on sunny days.
Arrive at opening time. Crowds peak midday. Early morning gives you calmer walkways and better light for photos.
If staying at the Gran Meliá, use the hours before and after day visitors to walk the circuits alone.
Plan the Brazilian side as its own half day with a driver who knows the crossing. Border lines can be slow on weekends and holidays.
Check full moon walk dates well ahead and book as soon as tickets open. They are one of the most romantic experiences in Argentina and sell out quickly.
Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes are common in the forest and dengue occurs in this region. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for this destination.
