Where to Stay in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Are you wondering where to stay in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina?
Puerto Iguazu is one of the gateways to Iguazu Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder that is shared between Argentina and Brazil. Most tourists visiting Iguazu Falls spend a couple of days visiting both the Argentinian side of the falls and the Brazilian side of the falls, but you should pick one side to stay in.
I stayed in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina on my recent trip to Iguazu Falls, so this guide will cover all the best places to stay there so you can have the perfect trip visiting one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Which side of Iguazu Falls is better to stay? I highly recommend staying on the Argentinian side of the falls. As of 2023 when I spent over a month in Argentina, prices are MUCH cheaper than neighboring Brazil, and a favorable exchange rate means that many foreign travelers will save a huge amount of money.
On the Brazilian side, the city of Foz do Iguaçu is much larger and more developed, while the town of Puerto Iguazu in Argentina is smaller and does not feel nearly as built up, which I preferred.
Visiting Iguazu Falls
As I mentioned, Iguazu Falls is shared between Argentina and Brazil, and each country has a national park. It’s definitely worth visiting both sides of the falls because each has something to offer.
How many days is enough in Iguazu Falls? I highly recommend two FULL days for Iguazu Falls, one for the Argentinian side and one for the Brazilian side. This means staying for three nights. If you’re staying in Puerto Iguazu, you’ll likely fly into Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR.) I recommend arriving in the evening, spending two full days exploring the parks, and then departing the following day.
If you’re really pressed for time, you could stay for two nights and one full day. On your full day, I would recommend doing the Argentinian side because it’s larger, and then if you have time on your arrival day or departure day, I would do the Brazilian side because it can be accomplished in just a few hours.
⏰ Short on time? This full-day tour hits the Argentinian and Brazilian sides in one day.
I DON’T recommend doing a day trip to Iguazu Falls. You can find expensive tours that include round-trip airfare from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu (it’s about a two-hour flight) but you’ll be incredibly rushed and only have time to see the Argentinian side of the falls. Plus, these tours are extremely expensive!
Iguazu Falls is a bucket list destination, and it’s worth spending a few days so you can fully experience it.
Getting to Both Sides of the Falls
If you’re staying in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it’s easy to visit both sides of the falls.
The Argentinian national park is about a 25-minute drive from Puerto Iguazu. Most hotels in Puerto Iguazu will arrange a driver who will drop you off and pick you back up for under $20.
There’s also a bus you can catch in town which is much cheaper if you’re on a tight budget.
The Brazilian national park is about a 30-minute drive from Puerto Iguazu, and you have to cross the border from Argentina into Brazil. The border crossing is organized and simple, but note that as of October 2023, American citizens will require a visa to enter Brazil which you’ll need to get in advance.
Once again, your hotel can organize a round-trip driver to take you for under $30, or there’s a much cheaper bus that you can take from Puerto Iguazu to the Brazilian side of the falls.
Best Hotels in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Now that I’ve explained why I think it’s better to stay in Puerto Iguazu and how you can get to both sides of Iguazu Falls from there, let’s talk about the best places to stay around town.
I stayed at Iguazu Jungle Lodge, which I’ll talk about more in a minute, and hands down this is my top recommendation for where to stay. I had a fantastic stay at this hotel and everything was such a seamless experience. It was also an amazing value for money and I would love to stay there again!
Note: All of the hotels on this list will show prices in US dollars if you look on a website like Booking.com. Do not prepay your room! Instead, pay at the hotel and you will be charged in Argentinian pesos at a preferential exchange rate (not the official exchange rate you may see online.)
This can save you a LOT of money. For example, my hotel was $180 a night but I really only paid $105 a night because of the exchange rate. Pay with a Visa debit or credit card for the best results.
Here are my top three picks for where to stay in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina:
- Best overall: Iguazu Jungle Lodge
- Most unique: Gran Meliá Iguazú
- Best on a budget: Hotel Yvera Cataratas
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Puerto Iguazu.
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
Iguazu Jungle Lodge
Iguazu Jungle Lodge is where I stayed on my trip to Puerto Iguazu and I absolutely loved it! This hotel is luxurious and yet still very affordable for the value you get. The rooms are modern and comfortable and have balconies overlooking the Iguazu River. The hotel is located within walking distance of Puerto Iguazu (it’s about 15-20 minutes to the center of town) but situated away from the hustle and bustle.
You truly feel like you are in the midst of nature here, and the property offers amenities like a swimming pool, a recreation center, an on-site restaurant, and on-site travel agents who can help you arrange transportation to the falls and any other activities you want to do. Breakfast is included and delicious.
Tip: Make sure you are booking a renovated room in the newer hotel blocks. There are some older “cabins” on the property, which, while spacious, are not as newly renovated as the hotel block rooms. If you book through Booking.com, you can see photos so you know exactly which room you’re booking.
Selvaje Lodge Iguazu
Another one of the best places to stay in Puerto Iguazu is Selvaje Lodge Iguazu. This luxury hotel is located a bit further outside of town, about a 10-minute drive from the center of Puerto Iguazu.
However, this means you will really feel like you’re immersed in the jungle here. The hotel also offers amenities like a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and free breakfast every morning.
O2 Hotel Iguazu
If you’re looking to stay right in the center of Puerto Iguazu, O2 Hotel is a great option. This upscale hotel is located right in the heart of town, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops.
Guests staying at this hotel will enjoy modern, bright rooms and amenities including a rooftop swimming pool and several hot tubs. It’s also a convenient location for visiting both sides of the falls.
La Reserva Virgin Lodge
La Reserva Virgin Lodge is another good option if you’re looking for the best hotels in Puerto Iguazu. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the center of town. You’re also only a 15-minute drive to the national park.
This hotel offers jungle-inspired luxury with stylish rooms and modern amenities surrounded by lush foliage. The property has a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant serving complimentary breakfast.
Gran Meliá Iguazú
By far the most unique place to stay in Puerto Iguazu is Gran Meliá Iguazú. This is because it’s the only hotel that is actually located INSIDE Iguazu National Park. This luxurious five-star hotel is a great splurge if you are looking for the most unforgettable visit to Iguazu Falls because you can’t beat the location.
You’ll be within walking distance of the various trails of the national park, and you can even see the falls from your balcony in many rooms! The hotel also offers an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness center, three on-site restaurants, and four bars. Breakfast is included. The hotel can also arrange tours and transportation.
Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru
Another great luxury hotel in Puerto Iguazu is Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru. It’s located about a 10-minute drive outside of town, and you’ll feel immersed in the jungle surroundings here at this hotel.
This elegant hotel provides guests with a tranquil jungle respite and offers plenty of amenities including a swimming pool, a spa, a hot tub, a sauna, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
Hotel Yvera Cataratas
For travelers on a budget, Hotel Yvera Cataratas is a great place to stay in Puerto Iguazu. This affordable hotel is located right in the center of town, giving it a very convenient location for travelers.
You can easily catch the bus to either side of the falls from the center of town, or the hotel can arrange transportation for you. Amenities include a swimming pool and free breakfast.
Where to Stay in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
This guide showed you where to stay in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina.
To recap, my top three picks for where to stay are:
- Best overall: Iguazu Jungle Lodge
- Most unique: Gran Meliá Iguazú
- Best on a budget: Hotel Yvera Cataratas
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Puerto Iguazu!
Related Guides:
