Is Puerto Iguazu expensive to visit?
Puerto Iguazu is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Puerto Iguazu can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $32 (AR$36,713) per day, mid-range travelers spend $72 (AR$83,917) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $138 (AR$160,351) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Puerto Iguazu.
Within South America, Puerto Iguazu is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Mar del Plata or Asuncion.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Puerto Iguazu Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Puerto Iguazu?
The average Puerto Iguazu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Puerto Iguazu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Puerto Iguazu cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Puerto Iguazu. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $32 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Puerto Iguazu, such as Nomads Hostel Iguazu, Poramba Hostel, and Tucan Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Puerto Iguazu will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $72 per person, per day.
Puerto Iguazu boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Hotel Sol Cataratas is an excellent family-friendly option, while Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Puerto Iguazu here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $138. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Iguassu Brazilian Side - Private Tour - Exclusive Gran Meliá Iguazú - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Puerto Iguazu
Hotel prices in Puerto Iguazu can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $67, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $125. Budget accommodations range from $35 to $246, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Puerto Iguazu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $103 (AR$119,927). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $52 (AR$59,964) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Iguazu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Puerto Iguazu include:
- Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa starting at $229
- Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru starting at $131
- Hotel Saint George starting at $112
- Amerian Portal Del Iguazu Hotel starting at $218
- Boutique Hotel de la Fonte starting at $93
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Puerto Iguazu
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $3.90 (AR$4,542) per person, per day, on local transportation in Puerto Iguazu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Puerto Iguazu is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$3.90
AR$4,542
You can arrive in Puerto Iguazu by either plane, train or bus. Plane flights are frequent from Buenos Aires, with several flights a day making the trip. The direct bus from Buenos Aires takes about 18 hours, and there are buses from several other cities as well including Salta, Mendoza, and Cordoba. The cheapest option is the train, which runs several times a week from Buenos Aires Federico Lacroze railway station. It only travels as far as Posadas, and from there you have to take a bus.
To reach the waterfalls you can take a bus that runs twice an hour. It will drop you off at the entrance to the waterfalls on the Argentine side or anywhere in route if you ask the driver to stop. Most hotels can give you a bus schedule.
You can also take a bus to the border with Brazil and then catch a second bus on the Brazilian side that will take you to the falls. There is also a ferry that goes to Paraguay. It runs twice an hour during the day time. Once you're on the Paraguayan side you can walk down main street and catch a bus to Ciudad del Este.
Taxis are available to the falls for a fixed price, regardless of distance. It is possible to negotiate a cheaper rate for round trip.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfers IGR from the (ARG) to IGU (BRA) with PasseioTur for $80 details
- Iguazu Falls Saver Package! Both sides excursions & transfers for $79 details
- Puerto Iguazu Airport Shuttle Transfer for $17 details
How much does it cost to go to Puerto Iguazu? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Puerto Iguazu will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Puerto Iguazu
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Puerto Iguazu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Puerto Iguazu is $8.00 (AR$9,312) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$8.00
AR$9,312
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Puerto Iguazu is around $8 (AR$9312) per person, with previous travelers spending from $3 to $15. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Puerto Iguazu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $2
- Lunch: $1 to $3
- Dinner: $2 to $6
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
There are a handful of restaurants in Puerto Iguazu. One of the best is La Rueda. It has several interesting local dishes and menus are available in English.
If you want to try Asado then go to La Vitrina. They prepare the barbecue on a large, outdoor grill and have many additional options including salads, pasta, and empanadas.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Puerto Iguazu, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse from Puerto Iguazú Hotels Private Tour for $120 details
- Argentine Experience: Immersive Dinner & Wine Pairing in Iguazú for $65 details
- Churrascaria Rafain - Show and Dinner for $117 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Puerto Iguazu
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Puerto Iguazu typically cost an average of $43 (AR$49,482) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$43
AR$49,482
Travelers come to Puerto Iguazu specifically to see Iguacu Falls. The waterfalls is on the Iguazu River on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Most of the falls is on the Argentine side. The height is between 60 and 82 meters and the width is 2.7 kilometers.
In addition to Iguacu Falls, there are several other significant sights nearby. Three Frontiers Landmark is where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. From here you can see all three countries. Also try and visit Guira Oga. It is a refugee park for animals where you can see many diverse animals including a toucan and a caiman. You can reach the park by bus. Wanda Mines is popular with gem collectors. It's been operating since the 1950s and is interesting to see.
Other sights in the area include La Aripuca Resort, the Museum of Images of the Jungle, the Mborore Museum, and the Luis Honorio Rolon Municipal Nature Park.
Most people visit the waterfalls in the morning so that they can hike the island trail. To reach this trail you must take a bus across the river. The price of the boat is included in your entry to the park, but the boat only takes the first 1,000 passengers, and can close as early as 11:45. A second day visit to the falls is half price, but you must receive a stamp on your ticket as you're leaving the park the first day. This stamp requires that you present an ID.
A nice way to explore destinations in Puerto Iguazu is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 1-Day Private Tour In the Iguacu Falls of Brazil and Argentina for $100 details
- 1 Day Private Tour of Iguassu Waterfalls Lado BRA and ARG for $109 details
- PRIVATE TOUR - Iguacu Waterfalls on the Brazilian side for $71 details
Iguazu Falls
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.