Iguazu Falls activities in Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is a city of about 299,000 people in the state of Paraná, where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the mouth of the Iguaçu river. The falls are the reason most visitors come. The city has more to offer than a single walk to the viewpoints.
The Brazilian side of the falls is the base for everything on this page. It has about 275 separate falls up to 80 m high, spread along a front of roughly 2.7 to almost 3 km. Around it you find a dam tour, a bird park, a boat ride, helicopter flights and a lookout at the border. If you already know you want guided options, compare the Iguazu Falls tours first.
The falls first
The one thing every plan includes.
The trail and viewpoints
The main path runs about 1 to 1.5 km on foot. Plan around 2 hours for the traditional visit. Entry is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends, and you can stay until 5:30 p.m. A shuttle inside the park is included. Read the Iguazu Falls Brazil tickets page for prices and how to buy.
Walkways can change
The operator shuts the walkway as a precaution at high flow, so the full route is never a given. The main trail and the viewpoints are the part you can count on. Check the current status before you go. The Iguazu Falls guide explains the route in detail.
Coatis and wildlife
Coatis (quatis) live along the trail. Keep your distance and never feed them. They go for bags and food, and contact can cause injuries. Do not expect any particular animal on your day.
Our picks: a tour of both sides
This small-group day links both banks of the falls, an easy way to see what the area offers in a single outing.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Iguazu Falls tours and activities
Falls, Itaipu, boat rides and more around Foz do Iguaçu, with live prices and availability.
Things to do beyond the falls
Ideas for a second or third day.
Itaipu Dam
The dam wall is 7,919 m long and up to 196 m high. The panoramic bus visit costs BRL 63 and takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. Details are on the Itaipu Dam page.
Bird park
The Parque das Aves is a separate attraction near the park entrance on Avenida das Cataratas. Entry is BRL 110 in 2026, and a walk takes 1 to 3 hours. See the bird park guide.
Boat ride to the falls
A forest drive, a guided walk and a boat on the Iguaçu make up a trip of about 2 hours. It costs BRL 384 and needs the park ticket on top. The boat tour page covers the details.
Helicopter flight
The flight over the falls lasts about 10 minutes and costs around BRL 735 per person. It departs from the Brazilian side only. See the helicopter tour page.
Triple Frontier lookout
The Marco das Três Fronteiras overlooks the river where the three countries meet. Entry from age 12 is BRL 60 including a BRL 3 contribution. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Monday. The Triple Frontier page has more.
Argentine side
The Argentine park is a separate day trip with its own ticket and a border crossing. Which circuits are open changes, so check before you plan around it. See the Argentine side page.
Temples, a mosque and private attractions
What else the city offers on a rainy or spare day.
Chen Tien is a Buddhist temple for prayer and meditation, with gardens and statues. Entry is free. The Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque was inaugurated in 1983 and is open to visitors as a religious and cultural site. Ask about visiting hours and any dress rules when you arrive.
Several private attractions sit in town. One leisure complex groups six parts: a wax museum, a motorcycle exhibition, miniatures of the world, an eco park, dinosaur replicas and an ice bar. There is also a water park with a wave pool and slides, and a Ferris wheel 88 m high. Prices and opening times change, so check them on the day.
Evening options in Foz do Iguaçu
The falls close in the afternoon, so plan the evening separately.
The Marco das Três Fronteiras has cultural performances from 6:15 p.m., which are included in the ticket. The Itaipu light show is paused for upgrades after its last performance in August 2026, and a return is expected in 2027 without a fixed date. Night access to the national park is not part of the regular ticket.
| Activity | Time needed | Price (2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls trail | About 2 hours | BRL 131 (BRL 118 Brazil and Mercosul) | Everyone |
| Boat ride | About 2 hours | BRL 384, park ticket extra | Visitors who want to get close to the water |
| Itaipu panoramic visit | 1 h 10 min | BRL 63 | A short, easy half day |
| Bird park | 1 to 3 hours | BRL 110 | Families and animal fans |
| Helicopter flight | About 10 minutes | About BRL 735 per person | A view from above |
| Triple Frontier | – | BRL 60 | Late afternoon and evening |
For most visitors, the falls trail on day one and Itaipu or the bird park on day two make the best base. Add the boat or the helicopter if you have a third day. The itinerary shows how to combine them.
Iguazu Falls activities: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Foz do Iguaçu?
Start with the falls trail on the Brazilian side. Then choose between Itaipu, the bird park, a boat ride and a helicopter flight, depending on your budget and time.
How many days do I need?
Two days cover the falls plus one more attraction. Three days let you add the boat or the helicopter and an evening at the Triple Frontier. The itinerary page has examples.
Is anything free?
The Chen Tien temple is free to enter, and the Itaipu Ecomuseum is free from Wednesday to Monday. Everything else listed here charges for entry.
Can I do the falls and the bird park on the same day?
Yes, many visitors do. The bird park is near the park entrance and needs 1 to 3 hours, and it has its own ticket. Mind the opening hours of both.
Is there anything to do in the evening?
The Triple Frontier lookout stays open until 9 p.m. with performances from 6:15 p.m. The Itaipu light show is currently paused.