Things To Do
in Iguaçu

A must-try—skewered and grilled cuts served rodízio-style at churrascarias. Look for well-known local places near the city center and hotels.

Must-Try!

Freshwater fish prepared grilled or in stews; available at local restaurants focusing on regional cuisine.

Savory empanadas and grilled meats are common due to the proximity of Argentina—easy to find on both sides of the border.

Bitter yerba mate tea drunk socially in the region—offered in cafés and often encountered among locals.

Small market stalls selling fresh fruit, local snacks, pastel-style pastries and juices—good for quick bites and local produce.

Vendors sell grilled cheese bread (pão de queijo), tapioca pancakes, juices and souvenir snacks—ideal for sampling while sightseeing.

A handshake or light cheek kiss (sometimes one) is common in social settings—use ‘Bom dia’ (good morning) or ‘Boa tarde’ (good afternoon).

Use please (‘por favor’) and thank you (‘obrigado’/’obrigada’)—locals appreciate politeness and friendly small talk.

Be mindful of customs rules and immigration formalities when crossing to Argentina or Paraguay; carry your passport and follow signage to avoid fines or delays.

Stay on marked trails in the national park, do not feed wildlife and respect park rules—environmental protection is strictly enforced in protected areas.

In restaurants a 10% service charge is commonly added to the bill; if not included, a 10% tip for good service is customary. Tipping guides, drivers and hotel porters a small amount (a few reals) is appreciated.

Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; carry some Brazilian reais (BRL) for street vendors, small purchases and park entrance fees. ATMs are common in town; notify your bank if traveling internationally.

(December–February) Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon storms; river flow is typically high and the falls are at their fullest—expect lush vegetation, higher mosquito activity and busy tourist crowds.

(March–May) Temperatures moderate and rainfall declines; comfortable conditions for walking and photography with slightly fewer tourists.

(June–August) Milder, drier days and cooler nights—pleasant for hiking and exploring; falls remain impressive though flow can be lower than peak summer months.

(September–November) Warm with increasing rainfall toward late spring; vegetation revives and bird activity increases—good time for wildlife watching before the busiest season.

Easy, well-maintained trails and boardwalks with viewpoints across multiple falls sections; accessible and family-friendly.

More extensive trails with closer access to individual falls and opportunities for varied photographic angles—longer walking but very rewarding.

Waterfalls and smaller trails near Ciudad del Este offering a quieter hiking option and scenic viewpoints—good for half-day trips.

Green area trails around the Itaipu reservoir with calmer landscapes and birdwatching possibilities; suitable for gentle hikes and cycling.

Primary airport serving Foz do Iguaçu with domestic flights and some international routes; about 10–20 minutes from the city center by car. Taxis, shuttles and rental cars are available.

On the Argentine side of the falls (approx. 30–40 minutes by car depending on border crossing); convenient for Argentine-side access and some international flights. Requires passport and border processing to transfer.

Smaller international airport serving Paraguay’s eastern region (longer transfer times and fewer flights); used less frequently by tourists but an option for cross-border itineraries.

Larger regional airport about 6–8 hours by road; an option if combining with other destinations in Paraná state and often used for connecting domestic flights.

Longstanding Brazilian residents who form the majority of the city's population and cultural life.

A mix of Brazilians, Argentines and Paraguayans living and working across borders—creates a multilingual, multicultural atmosphere.

Notable communities of Lebanese, Italian, German and other immigrant groups that have contributed to local cuisine and commerce.

Indigenous heritage and local Guarani culture inform place names, crafts and some cultural practices in the region.

Vegetarian options are available but less prominent—look for salads, pasta, rice and bean dishes, and vegetarian-friendly churrascarias that provide sides; larger restaurants and hotels cater to vegetarians if requested.

Vegan choices exist (salads, fruit, tapioca, rice and beans) but can be limited outside central restaurants—mention restrictions and ask for oil/butter-free preparations.

Many bakeries use wheat flour; gluten-free options are growing in popularity—ask staff about substitutions and avoid street-bread products unless confirmed safe.

Halal and kosher options are limited; larger hotels and international restaurants may help accommodate dietary laws with advance notice.