Hiking Iguazu Falls: The Devil’s Throat Trail & Everything You Need To Know For The Best Views
When visiting Iguazu Falls there are several different ways to get spectacular views of the falls. The most cost-effective and popular way is by walking the various trails.
Read on for everything you need to know about hiking Iguazu Falls: the Devil’s Throat trail, Iguazu Falls maps and walking routes, and which trails have the best views!
About Iguazu Falls
In my opinion, Iguazu Falls is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And it seems others agree with me since it was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011, and has been named by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
The Falls are made up of 275 waterfalls, spanning 2.7 km (1.6 mi), with an 80 m high semicircular waterfall at its centre, known as Devil’s Throat. This series of falls make it the biggest waterfall system in the world!
Where is Iguazu Falls?
Located on the border of Brazil’s Parana State and Argentina’s Misiones Province, Iguazu Falls is split between Iguazú National Park (Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil).
The Falls are part of the Iguazu River, which primarily flows through Brazil. However, about 80% of the falls are actually located in Argentina. Although the views are spectacular from both sides!
What to Do at Iguazu Falls
When visiting the falls, you will want to spend time exploring the National Parks and seeing the falls from as many vantage points as possible.
If you’re able to, booking a Helicopter Ride or a Boat Ride is the best way to get the most out of your visit. The views from both are spectacular and uninterrupted!
However, if this doesn’t fit within your budget or timeframe, you can still get AMAZING views of the falls by walking the trails. In particular, hiking Iguazu Falls the Devil’s Throat trail will get you as close as possible to Iguazu’s tallest and most impressive waterfall.
Once you’ve taken in as many views of the falls as possible, if you’re still looking for more activities to do, I suggest visiting the Bird Park (Parque das Aves) on the Brazilian side. This is such a fun place to spend a few hours, with so many beautiful and exotic birds to see up close and interact with!
Depending on where you’re staying at Iguazu Falls, there are also excellent dining options, shows and cultural activities to experience, and some fabulous hotels and resorts to relax at after a long day of exploring the parks.
Hiking Iguazu Falls – FAQs
Before we dive into the details of each trail, here is a list of frequently asked questions so you know what to expect when hiking at Iguazu Falls.
What is hiking at Iguazu Falls like?
Most of the trails are not typical hikes. The terrain is most flat paved walkways or boardwalks. Although the main trails wind through the jungle to various viewpoints of the falls, offering spectacular views.
The only trail which is a typical hike with more wild terrain is the Macuco trail on the Argentina side.
Which side of Iguazu Falls is better for hiking?
When it comes to hiking, the Argentina side is without a doubt the better side. Most of the trails are on the Argentina side, in Iguazú National Park.
There is only one trail on the Brazil side, which takes you to the only viewpoint in Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. However, this is a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic views of the falls and there are also more activities and tours you can book on the Brazil side.
How many trails are there?
There are technically 6 trails on the Argentina side in Iguazú National Park. Although only 3 of them have lookouts with views of Iguazu Falls.
There is only one trail on the Brazil side, in Iguaçu National Park.
Are the trails difficult?
No, most of the trails are very easy and are along metal or paved walkways. They are mostly flat, with some stairs. However, the distance can add up when doing multiple walks in one day.
The only trail which is more difficult is the Macuco Trail on the Argentina side. This is a wilder trail and is considered moderately difficult.
How long does hiking at the falls take?
This really depends on how many trails you plan on doing! To hike the three main viewpoint trails on The Argentina side, you will need between 3-4 hours, including stops and enjoying the viewpoints. On the Brazil side, you should allow yourself about one hour to complete the trail.
More information on how long the hikes take can be found below, in my overview of each.
Are dogs allowed at Iguazu Falls?
No, dogs are not allowed inside the national parks.
What should you bring with you?
As you will be walking mostly along walkways and boardwalks, you don’t need any special equipment.
However, you should come prepared for the heat and the sun with sunscreen, plenty of water, a sun hat and sunglasses. It’s also a good idea to pack some snacks or lunch if you don’t plan on buying food in the park.
Do you need to wear hiking boots?
As the trails aren’t very technical you don’t need hiking boots for Iguazu Falls. However, you should wear comfortable shoes, like sneakers, as the distance you walk will add up throughout the day.
How can you see the Devil’s Throat?
The Iguazu Falls Devil’s Throat trail takes you to a viewpoint right at the top of the Devil’s Throat waterfall. This is the best place to see it!
Although you can also see the Devil’s Throat from a distance from other vantage points around the parks. In particular, you can get a great view of it at the end of the Waterfall Trail on the Brazil side.
Iguazu Falls Maps
The following Iguazu Falls maps show the different walking trails:
Iguazu Falls Trails
Iguazu falls is a great place to explore on foot. The Argentina side has 3 lookout trails and 3 additional trails, and the Brazil side has one lookout trail. So, overall, you have plenty of walking opportunities to keep you busy.
Argentina Side
On the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls the Devil’s Throat trail takes you to the most spectacular viewpoint in the park. I recommend doing this walk first, to make sure you don’t miss out on it.
The other two viewpoint trails are the ‘Superior Circuit’ (meaning the upper circuit) and the ‘Inferior Circuit’ (meaning the lower circuit). The names Superior and Inferior come from the Spanish translation, rather than one trail being better than the other!
In fact, I would actually recommend the inferior/lower circuit as being the more spectacular of the two. So, if you don’t have time to do both, I recommend choosing the inferior/lower circuit over the upper/superior one. But if you have time to do both, they really are both breathtaking!
In addition to the viewpoint trails, if you really want to get your steps in while visiting the Argentina side, there is the Macuco Trail, the Rainforest Ecological Train alternative trail, and the Green Trail. (Although this is technically just a short footpath between stops).
Note – Rainforest Ecological Train
In Iguazú National Park there is a small train which runs every 15-20 minutes to take visitors between different points of interest. There are 3 stations: Central Station (near the park entrance), Cataratas (near the upper and lower circuit starting points), and Garganta del Diablo (at the start of the Devil’s Throat trail).
Brazil Side
On the Brazil side, there is only one walk – the Waterfall Trail (or ‘Path to the Falls’) – which is a must-do when visiting the Brazil side of the falls.
Read on for an overview of each of the trails.
Iguazu Falls: The Devil’s Throat Trail, Argentina
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 km (1.3 mi) round trip
Duration: 20 to 40 minutes walking, plus time to enjoy the viewpoint
Accessibility: High, no stairs
Train Stop: Garganta del Diablo
At Iguazu Falls, the Devil’s Throat trail is the most spectacular trail you will do. It’s mostly along a walkway over the expansive waters of the Iguazu River and it ends literally just meters away from the Devil’s Throat – Iguazu’s largest waterfall.
You get so close to the falls that you can feel the spray of the water and the mist rising up from the depths below. This is the closest you will get to the falls and it is considered the highlight of Iguazú National Park.
The trail is a 2000-meter metal walkway over the water. The walk itself is super interesting and full of never-ending views of the river and forest stretching for miles and miles. When the water is clear, you can also spot loads of fish – we even saw a big catfish!
As you walk along the trail you will also be surrounded by beautiful butterflies and colourful birds which aren’t shy and will pose for pictures. And at the start/end of the trail (by the train station) there are usually several overly-confident coatis (similar to raccoons) to catch on camera.
Note – Do not feed or approach the animals. Simply enjoy them from a distance!
Upper Circuit (Superior Circuit), Argentina
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.4 km (1.5 mi) loop
Duration: 30-45 minutes walking, plus stops
Accessibility: High, no stairs
Train Stop: Cataratas Station
Of the various trails at Iguazú National Park, the Upper Circuit boasts the most views of Iguazu Falls. I counted 6 actual vantage points, but you also get great views while walking between some of the lookouts.
The whole trail is beautiful and easy to do. Just like Devil’s Throat, it’s a flat metal walkway, but this trail weaves largely through the jungle and along cliffs. Although it should only take about half an hour to walk, if you want to take your time to enjoy the views and take lots of photos, this trail can easily take over an hour.
Lower Circuit (Inferior Circuit), Argentina
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.9 km (1.8 mi) loop
Duration: 35-50 minutes walking, plus stops
Accessibility: High, some stairs (ramp alternatives allow access to 90% of the trail)
Train Stop: Cataratas Station
The lower circuit has fewer viewpoints than the upper circuit, but the viewpoints it does have are (in my opinion) much more spectacular!
This trail is only slightly longer than the upper circuit, but with stops and photos should take a similar amount of time to complete. It’s mostly flat (there are some stairs) and about 90% of the route is accessible. I would also allow yourself just over an hour to do this trail.
The trail itself is once again a metal walkway, winding through the jungle and along cliff edges. You will get views of different sections of the falls and, towards the end, you will come to the two sisters – two parallel falls tucked away in the forest. These falls cascade down into a small pool of crystal water, which is a peaceful and serene way to end the trail.
If you are only able to complete one of the two circuits, I would recommend doing the lower circuit, as the views are breathtaking and more panoramic than the upper circuit.
Green Trail, Argentina
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 600 meters (one way)
Duration: 10 minutes
Accessibility: High, no stairs
Train Stop: Central Station
This trail is technically just a footpath. It’s a short and easy walk which takes you from a square near the entrance to the park to the central station. You will end up walking this route at least one way during your visit to the Argentina side of the falls.
Macuco Trail, Argentina
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 7.6 km (4.7 mi) round trip
Duration: 2 hours, plus stops
Accessibility: Low, wild jungle path
Train Stop: Central Station
We didn’t get a chance to do the Macuco Trail, but next time I visit Iguazu Falls, this will be at the top of my list. This is meant to be a beautiful trail, more akin to a typical hiking trail with a wilder path. At the end of the trail you will find the beautiful Arreachea Falls – a 23 m high waterfall above a clear pool of water where you can swim!
The 7.6 km round trip will likely take you around 2 hours of walking, plus you will want extra time to enjoy the falls and swim at the end of the trail. If you only have one day to spend at the falls, fitting in the Macuco Trail might be difficult in addition to the viewpoint trails. However, if you start your day early you should have enough time, or plan to split your visit to the Argentina side over two days.
Rainforest Ecological Train Alternative Trail, Argentina
Difficulty: Low
Length: 7 km (4.3 mi) each way (14 km / 8.7 mi round trip)
Duration: 1.5 hours each way
Accessibility: medium, flat route but long walk
Train Stop: Central, Cataratas and Garganta del Diablo
This trail is an alternative way to get between the different train stations and access the main walking trails. This is a flat dirt trail that runs alongside the Rainforest Ecological Train track. There aren’t many views of the water on this trail, but it is a peaceful trail and is a great option for those who want to get their steps in.
We didn’t end up doing this trail, although I was disappointed we didn’t, since it actually looked like a lovely walk. If you’re up for doing it, my suggestion would be to get the train one way and walk the other way. Doing the trail both ways would be a very long walk and would take away from your time exploring the rest of the park.
The Waterfall Trail (Path to the Falls), Brazil
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.6 km (1 mi) loop
Duration: 20-30 minutes walking, plus stops
Accessibility: Partially, stairs with some ramp alternatives
On the Brazilian side, you will only find one walking trail: the Waterfall Trail (also known as the Path to the Falls). This is a 1.6 km (1 mi) trail which you do just one way. Doing this trail is much easier than the trails on the Argentina side, since it’s much shorter.
Although the Waterfall trail could technically be walked in about 20 minutes, it generally takes around 40-60 minutes to complete, due to foot traffic and stops along the way. There are a couple of lookouts and at the end, you take the stairs or get the elevator up to the main lookout. The viewpoint at the end is arguably the best view of Iguazu Falls, as it is a full panoramic view!
Although the trail is considered easy, there are a lot of stairs. If you are unable to take the stairs, there are ramps at the first lookout, but a lot of the trail is not accessible. As an alternative to doing the trail, you can just get the elevator to the main viewing platform, so you can still see the panoramic views of Iguazu Falls.
Final Thoughts – Hiking Iguazu Falls
Hiking Iguazu Falls is something everyone can do! And the trails on both sides of the falls will offer some of the most memorable views you have ever seen.
As most of the trails are maintained and accessible walkways, don’t expect technical off-the-beaten-path hikes. Instead, you will get your steps in while enjoying spectacular views of this true wonder of nature. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
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