Argentina & Brazil Falls: Honest 2-Day Private Tour Review

Alright, so you’re maybe considering a trip to see the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, and, as it happens, the idea of doing it with a private tour company that hits both the Argentina and Brazil sides in just a couple days has popped into your mind. As a matter of fact, that’s just the way my own trip played out, and, in effect, this review is meant to share my own experiences, some insights, and possibly help you determine if this type of adventure fits what you might be hoping to get out of the whole experience. Seriously, buckle up, because it was a pretty wild couple days, and I will say straight away it might not be for everyone.

What to Count On in a Whirlwind Tour

If you’re even slightly considering a two-day private tour, just between us, you definitely want to be prepared for a pretty rapid pace. So it’s not some relaxing vacation kind of thing, as it’s more of a get-up-early-and-go kind of plan. Very probably, you’ll want to arrange for your tour operator to pick you up right from the airport. At any rate, it really helps in maximizing time. At the end of the trip, as I understand it, most of these private tour operators take you back to the airport, so just factor that into any kind of booking you’re attempting to arrange. In a way, the beauty of this tour is that they deal with pretty much everything – border crossings, transportation, tour scheduling. This is particularly cool when it gets busy, as this helps sidestep lines and other time-sucks.

For what it’s worth, I recall feeling really grateful for this during my visit; there were surprisingly large crowds that very possibly would’ve eaten a massive chunk of our visit if we weren’t being guided. Seriously, keep in mind that during these two days, you’ll bounce between Argentina and Brazil, and it probably requires some documentation. Depending on where you are from, it’s highly advisable to have this information organized, which actually can make it easier during the actual process. All in all, it can feel kind of rushed, yet the trade-off could be fitting in a lot more than you might on your own.

Argentina Falls: Up Close and Very Personal

In essence, the Argentina side allows you to experience the falls in a much closer, more tangible way. Apparently, there are three basic trails you can go on – the Upper Trail, the Lower Trail, and, of course, the famed Devil’s Throat. I want to mention, very few folks in my group knew this before arriving at Iguazu. In particular, the Devil’s Throat is very probably the highlight for a reason, featuring some seriously forceful cascades that send water spray just about everywhere. Actually, bring a rain jacket or poncho; otherwise, you might just end up drenched!

For what it’s worth, my favorite thing about the Argentina side might have been that walking down below the falls, so you could feel the power, actually gives you this great feeling. That, and seeing the rainbows, are just about constant given all the sunlight and mist, and they’re particularly unreal. So there are lots of chances to just get awesome photographs.

Adventures to Factor Into the Plan

Anyway, outside of the regular trails, there seem to be a few tour companies which also provide what they term “adventure” experiences, for a slightly higher charge, to be sure. For instance, the “Gran Aventura” tour actually incorporates a boat ride that takes you quite literally underneath some of the smaller waterfalls. I can tell you that it actually feels so intense, so close to that falling water. Also, just get prepared to get completely soaked, you. In any event, it’s wildly refreshing and a definite highlight of the day!

Moreover, I heard folks talking about some trails where you can actually go off-roading through the rainforest a bit before hopping on that boat, even. That is cool, and it actually gives you some good looks at the wildlife and plants around that area. However, just for my tastes anyway, it seems like you want to ensure your tour provides guides, to be sure, just so nobody gets injured. It’s very worthwhile. And so on, to be frank.

Brazil Falls: Panoramic Grandeur

As a matter of fact, in comparison to the Argentina side, the Brazil side offers this wide view that kind of puts the complete picture of the falls into perspective. First, there’s just one primary trail. Typically, that trail provides a series of viewpoints that actually provide unique photo opportunities. You’ll very probably get these postcard-like scenes here, where it almost looks like the falls go on for miles. Apparently, this makes Brazil’s view rather unique. Even if you don’t take some of the optional adventures, like a helicopter trip, it is pretty awesome. You get almost an unreal view.

Keep Wildlife Encounters in Mind

While both the Argentina and Brazil sides actually boast lots of animals, as I understand it, the Brazil side offers what could be more open viewing spaces, generally. For instance, you will likely see toucans, coatis, and different kinds of birds flying right about, usually very close to walkways. By the way, it’s important to respect these creatures; refrain from attempting to feed them. That is because human food can literally harm their natural feeding habits. Instead, enjoy seeing and maybe snapping photos of them acting just like they are naturally.

Similarly to seeing so much bird activity around, I recall enjoying the close proximity of coatis there. Basically, these critters could be described as somewhere between a raccoon and a monkey, that often aren’t really shy. Basically, this means one has to stay a little careful with your belongings. So make certain to zip your backpacks; also, keep food tucked away securely. It will really save on drama during what could potentially be a peaceful tour. Honestly.

Potential Tour Downsides and Considerations

Seriously, even with all the excitement and unique sights, there actually were several challenges and constraints worth pointing out. Initially, time, to be frank, felt very short, specifically if you wished to deeply immerse yourself in both sides of those falls. It really required constant motion. I even recall sometimes wishing to just stay put, so I could quietly absorb some surroundings, a bit more.

The Weather Plays a Role

Honestly, Iguazu’s location suggests the weather could be just a bit fickle. Anyway, expect some hot, steamy weather. The heat could certainly drain you, specifically if doing all that hiking. By the way, even more so in the colder times, the spray coming off some falls could actually leave you pretty chilled. As a matter of fact, checking forecasts often before traveling, so you dress properly, actually helps.

Expense and Tour Choices

Just so you know, a private tour may possibly prove a pricier choice. While they probably provide extra flexibility and custom care, that’s balanced out with this larger expenditure as compared to doing it on your own or taking that group trip. Just between us, potential added expenses for extra adventures, souvenirs, and meals could all make that total a good bit larger.

The upside tends to be getting to specifically choose which aspects to concentrate on. In a way, you may select a tour specifically for photography opportunities, maybe seeing nature more. Typically, do your best, that, and check the references to ensure the thing measures up. Actually, having certain expectations and making choices depending on personal inclination goes very far toward assuring satisfaction.

Overall Recommendation: Is it Worth It?

First of all, so that any prospective traveler really is left with little doubt, doing the personal tour of Argentina, and also Brazil Falls within two days, tends to make seeing the views just breathtaking. I’m only talking about the amazing ability to experience so many landscapes in such a brief time. With respect to really seeing those beautiful things in a very efficient timeframe, I can recommend this one, and only for all who have time issues too. In the interim you do have to know and agree, if only from your point of view as travelers that you can accept sacrificing any immersion if you truly hope you are taking time.

I can say that with planning the time really should prove more that it gets worth it on how any travel experiences one will remember forever when having some balance and having to prioritize really being ready!