Iguazu Falls Helicopter Tour: Review & Everything You Need To Know
Want to see Iguazu Falls from a whole new angle? A helicopter tour is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the sheer scale and power of this natural wonder — and after doing it myself, I can confirm it’s just as epic as it looks.
In this post, I share exactly what it’s like to take the Iguazu Falls helicopter tour, including what to expect, how to book it, and why it might be the most thrilling few minutes of your entire trip.
Chasing Chanelle contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our disclaimer for more information.
👍 BEST IGUAZU FALLS TOUR
For the ultimate Iguazu experience, we recommend the Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side Complete Tour: (includes the Macuco Safari, Helicopter Flight & Bird Park!)
Iguazu Falls Helicopter Flight
Overview
Taking a helicopter ride over Iguazu Falls is the only way to truly grasp the scale of this natural wonder — with panoramic views of all 275 cascades, the vast Iguazu River, and the surrounding jungle stretching out in every direction. And let’s be honest: soaring above it all in a helicopter is an adventure in itself!
Fast Facts
- Departures: Every 10-15 minutes
- Flying time: 10 minutes
- Passengers: 3 to 6 people per flight
- Location: Av. das Cataratas, 12499, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
- Helicopter Company: Helisul (the biggest helicopter company in Brazil)
- Tickets: Bookable in advance online or can be purchased onsite
- Reservations: Not needed, just show up with your booking confirmation
- Opening Times: 9 am to 5:30 pm daily
My Experience
This was my first time in a helicopter — and it didn’t disappoint. The ride lasts 10 minutes, which might sound short, but it’s the perfect amount of time to take in the views without it feeling rushed.
The helicopter seats six passengers, and the views are incredible from every seat. One lucky passenger (not me!) even got to sit up front in the cockpit with the pilot — hands down the best seat in the house, and probably the most thrilling too.
The remaining five seats are in the back, with two facing backwards and three facing forwards. Of those, one is a middle seat, which has slightly less direct visibility than the window seats. Ours wasn’t a full flight, so the middle seat stayed empty — but even if it had been occupied, I think the views would still have been impressive.
From my window seat, I could see clearly across to the other side of the helicopter as well. And if you’re sitting next to someone you know, you can always lean in a bit for a better look!
The views were SPECTACULAR
From the moment we lifted off, the views were breathtaking. Seeing the vast river and dense jungle from above was impressive on its own — but then we reached the falls.
The pilot circled around for several minutes, giving everyone on both sides of the helicopter a chance to take it all in. And when I say you see everything in one frame, I mean it: the full sweep of all 275 cascades, the winding Iguazu River, and the endless green of the rainforest. It’s a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground — and one that left me completely awestruck.
This really is a bucket-list experience, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
How to Book Your Iguazu Falls Helicopter Tour
You can book your book your helicopter ride online in advance or buy tickets on the day at the heliport — whichever suits your travel style. I personally prefer booking ahead to skip the queues and make sure I don’t miss out, especially during busy seasons.
Prices are fairly consistent whether you book directly with the operator or through an online partner, and you can expect to pay around $150 USD per person. For such an epic, once-in-a-lifetime experience, I’d say it’s well worth the cost.
Package Tours (Recommended)
For a bit more convenience (and a slightly higher price), you can book a tour that includes transportation — perfect if you’d rather not worry about getting to the heliport yourself. If you’re staying in Puerto Iguazú on the Argentina side, a package with transfers is especially helpful, as it makes crossing the border much smoother and faster than trying to figure it out solo.
For the ultimate Iguazu Falls experience, consider booking a Complete Package that includes the helicopter flight, the Macuco Safari boat ride, and entry to Parque das Aves (the bird park). This is the option we chose, and it made for one of the most phenomenal days of our entire trip.
Each activity offers something completely different, so it’s hard to compare them — the helicopter ride gives you the most jaw-dropping aerial views, while the boat ride is thrilling, up-close, and seriously fun. And Parque das Aves was a total surprise highlight, with vibrant, exotic birds you can see (and sometimes interact with!) up close. If you have time to do all three, I can’t recommend it enough — you absolutely won’t regret it.
FAQs
The Iguazu Falls helicopter ride lasts 10 minutes, but you should allow 30-60 minutes total for the experience, which includes check-in, prep, a short wait time, and an opportunity to buy photos after the flight.
Flights typically run every 15 minutes, with the helicopter operating continuously as long as there are passengers. Since each flight lasts 10 minutes and there’s a brief turnaround between groups, you usually won’t be waiting long.
The helicopter tour departs exclusively from the Helisul heliport on the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls, located just outside the entrance to Iguaçu National Park, directly across from the bird park. If you’re staying in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) or Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), you can book a package that includes hotel pickup and transport to the heliport or park entrance, making the logistics simple from either side of the border.
Each helicopter seats up to 6 passengers and requires a minimum of 3 to depart. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, you’ll likely be paired with others and may need to wait briefly for more passengers to arrive — though wait times are usually short thanks to the tour’s popularity.
The helicopter ride typically costs around $150 USD per person for the flight alone. Prices may vary slightly depending on which tour operator you book with and whether you choose a package that includes extras like hotel pickup, the Macuco Safari boat ride, or entry to the bird park.
You don’t need to bring anything specific for the flight, and larger items or bags aren’t allowed onboard. That said, be sure to bring your phone or camera — the views are absolutely worth capturing!
Free lockers are available at the heliport to store your bags and other belongings, as larger items aren’t allowed onboard the helicopter. Just bring your essentials — like your phone or camera — and store the rest safely before takeoff.
Flights run frequently, so wait times are usually short. But if you do have to wait, there’s a café and gift shop at the heliport where you can grab a snack or browse for souvenirs.
No — the helicopter tour is only available on the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls. However, if you’re staying in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), you can still book a package that includes transport across the border to the heliport. And if you’re only visiting the Argentina side, don’t worry — the walking trails there offer some of the best close-up views of the falls.
Yes — you’re welcome to bring your phone or camera onboard to snap photos during the flight, and the views are absolutely worth capturing! The only time you’re not allowed to use your phone/camera is when waiting to board and boarding the helicopter. However, professional photos with the helicopter can be purchased afterward if you want a souvenir.
Final Thoughts – Iguazu Falls Helicopter Tour
Soaring above Iguazu Falls by helicopter is a true bucket-list experience — and hands down the best way to take in the full scale and beauty of this natural wonder. If you only do one activity here, I recommend making it this one!
I hope this review has helped you decide whether the helicopter tour is right for you — and how to plan it. Whether you pair it with other activities or just go for the flight alone, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
