Standing majestically at the meeting point of Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the planet, the Iguazú Falls. Visiting the falls is as astounding an experience as it is jaw-dropping and visceral, with the noise and the power of the cascades living forever in our memories. The best bit? Since the falls are split between Argentina and Brazil in the large expanse of a national park, exploring the rainforest, its unique fauna and flora, only adds to the experience. Staying in the best hotels in Iguazu Falls, Argentina, thus, furthers that very same experience, allowing us to actually soak in every aspect of the rainforest.
They not only catered to the adventurous spirit that this landscape stands for, but also offered easy access to guided tours and nature trails. And, of course, they offered all the comforts we needed for staying here, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to smaller, more intimate stays. With the Iguazu Falls being one of the most beautiful places in all of Brazil, it’s no wonder that they make for the ultimate Instagram story. If that wasn’t enough, the area is teeming with places to see and things to do. Not only did we see other cascades, but we also saw an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, took helicopter rides, and even went hiking. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate trip of South America‘s waterfalls, do check out Iguazu Falls and its best places to stay.
Table of contents
- Pristine Iguazú Luxury Camp, Argentina
- Falls Iguazú Hotel & Spa
- Secret Garden Iguazú, Argentina
- Selvaje Lodge Iguazú, Argentina
- Vivaz Cataratas Hotel & Resort, Brazil
- Yacutinga Lodge, Argentina
- Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel, Argentina
- La Aldea De La Selva Lodge, Argentina
- Awasi Iguazú, Argentina
- Gran Meliá Iguazú, Argentina
- Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Brazil
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls, Argentina?
- How Long Do I Stay in Iguazu Falls?
- How Do I Move Around Iguazu Falls?
Pristine Iguazú Luxury Camp, Argentina
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We begin with the ultimate glamping experience near Iguazu Falls, the Pristine Iguazú Luxury Camp. It’s located two hours south of the falls, right on the border of Argentina and Paraguay, on the banks of the Paraná River. This luxury camp is nestled deep in the Misiones jungle .

It was love at first sight when we saw the thoughtfully designed individual suites, each cordoned off in the forest for privacy and with mesmerizing jungle views. Not only did they all have rich wood interiors, but they were also air-conditioned, had modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and minibars, and balconies with views of the river or the gardens.,
The highlight here was the outdoors, which we explored by hiking and walking through jungle trails, cycling through the Puerto Bemberg Reserve, and kayaking on the Paraná River. What’s more, we even sailed on the Paraná River, enjoyed hands-on cooking classes by the fire, and indulged in stargazing at night.
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Falls Iguazú Hotel & Spa
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An hour away from Iguazu Falls sits the Falls Iguazú Hotel & Spa. It might be one of the farthest from the river and the falls on the Argentine side, but it’s still perfect due to everything that it offers. Sitting right in the middle of the lush jungle, the place was ideal for pre- and post-falls visits, especially given its roster of amenities.
We had the choice of many spacious rooms and suites, all of which came with balconies. What’s more, they all came with minibars and jacuzzi tubs, making them little havens after tiring visits all over.
This is one of the few hotels that has not one but two pools. While the outdoor one was our favorite as it was surrounded by lush foliage and offerred fantastic jungle views, the one indoors was perfect for wintertime swims. What’s more, the triumvirate of the spa, the outdoor pools, and the lush gardens that run into a private area of rainforest, made us feel like we were staying right in the rainforest. Finally, the onsite restaurant and bar served excellent meals and drinks, and we found their breakfast + dinner plan to be particularly value for money.
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Secret Garden Iguazú, Argentina
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Best B&B. If a B&B is what you’re looking for, don’t look any further than Secret Garden Iguazú. Located on the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls, it sits right in the heart of the town of Puerto Iguazú, around an hour away from the falls.
Bedazzling green tropical vegetation and jungle foliage overhangs the wooden walkway leading to this tiny guesthouse, which has a thorough home-away-from-home vibe. The owner, John Fernandes, is an authority on everything Iguazú, whether it’s places to see or those to eat. The best bit is the setting in which he shared these tidbits with us: over high-octane cocktails that he’d make at the nightly cocktail sessions. Yep, he’s a mixologist! The open-sided deck at tables hewn from rainforest trunks was where we’d gather for mealtimes, whether it was breakfast or dinner, with the attentive staff hovering over us.
We loved the three peaceful, dreamy, wood-floored rooms, which were tucked away in the pale-blue clapboard house. They’re might not be fancy-shmancy, but the wicker-and-wood furniture and brightly painted panels were delightfully cheerful. Private ensuite bathrooms, comfy beds, and dreamy terraces rounded up the features.
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Selvaje Lodge Iguazú, Argentina
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The distinctive Selvaje Lodge Iguazú on the Argentine side of the Iguazú Falls is tucked away in Puerto Iguazú, and is a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. We had the choice of a number of rpooms and suites, all of which were decked in smart mustard and beige hues, and had intriguingly unusual wooden sinks in the sleek and chic bathrooms. What’s more, we could wake up to untouched jungle views right from our private balcony, which was present in every suite. Besides natural elements and fantastic views, the digs had all elements of modern comfort we could ask for.
Of all its amenities, Selvaje Lodge’s biggest asset is its lovely, long rectangular pool, which is backed by aesthetically pleasing common and dining areas. Of course, it’s also sprinkled with daybeds, parasols, and lush foliage, making it a cocoon outdoors. Moreover, there’s also a small wellness area and spa, which is where we’d be when we wanted to unwind. Besides a bird observation area a short walk away, the lodge also had guided jungle tours and a fantastic restaurant that blended local Argentine ingredients with wordly culinary influences.
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Vivaz Cataratas Hotel & Resort, Brazil
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Right off the BR-469 national highway, around half an hour from Iguazu Falls, sits the relaxed Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort. It sits on the aptly named Avenida de Cataratas on the Brazilian fall-side city of Foz do Iguaçu, making it the perfect base for exploring not just the falls, but also the region.
We loved the rooms and suites here, which came with both modern and traditional decor, and were yet comfy and casual. What’s more, they all came with Wi-Fi, cable TV, sleek bathrooms, and minibars, with the suites even adding additional bedrooms, living areas, and even whirlpool tubs. Not only did they all have vibrant jungle decor, but many of them also have floor-to-ceiling windows.
The hotel impressed us with its lush grounds spread out around a broad tree-studded terrace and a striking circular pool. It’s where we’d be unwinding when we weren’t exploring the falls and the surrounding verdant region. Furthermore, facilities also include mini eco trails, a mini golf course, a tennis court, and a spa. A sophisticated bar and a casual restaurant and a fitness center round up the amenities here.
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Yacutinga Lodge, Argentina
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Yacutinga Lodge is a fantastic eco-lodge that sits deep in the heart of the rainforest in Argentina, a three-hour drive from Iguazu Falls. Not only was it a quirky alternative to staying in the town of Puerto Iguazu, but it’s location right along the Upper Iguazu River was straight out of a fairytale. In fact, this was the driving force for us to stay at this place.
Much care has gone into the design and construction of this lodge so as to blends it into the indigenous forest that it’s surrounded by. Rather than a luxury retreat, it allowed us to feel at one with the natural, beautiful surroundings. Besides the highest levels of customer service, we loved our overall experience with an entire range of activities. Apart from visiting the falls, there were also boat trips, guided walks, and hikes with specialist wildlife guides. What’s more, there were orchid-and-bird-filled gardens, a short wooden canopy walkway, and multiple well-maintained trails on the property. While the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by the forest was our favorite place to unwind, the bar and restaurants were excellent too.
“Whether it was the simple yet comfy digs or the activities — night safaris et al — staying at Yacutinga allowed us to become one with the forest!”
WOW Travel
Choose from simply yet comfortable rooms and suites set within five rustic cabins just outside the main lodge. What’s more, these secluded cabins had an organic feel to them, with natural materials, uneven lines, and earthy hues.
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Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel, Argentina
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We loved the chic riverside getaway that was the Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel, which lay on the Argentine side of the Iguazú Falls. This is the first from the nine planned outposts in the Selva Iryapú, a massive, former Guaraní tribal land just 15 minutes from the famed waterfalls.
The boutique hotel sits across five stone-clad structures sitting amidst earpod and rosewood trees and decked out in a sober yet elegant way. The brainchild of the company that pioneered Argentina’s apartment hotel concept, even the entry-level rooms here were extremely spacious. What’s more, they all had massive bathrooms with bathtubs, seating areas, and even jungle terraces. Did we mention that we could access these buildings via hanging bridges? Yes!
The public areas were just as divine: jungle ferns were peppered across the spa, but the forest-dappled quartet of outdoor pools will have your eyes popping and your heartbeats racing. Besides surprisingly personal service from an excellent staff, the activities roster here is full: kayaking and biking outings, jungle walks, canopy tours, and the likes. Finally, we’d return to the hotel after all our activities and dig into delicious fare at the onsite restaurant.
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La Aldea De La Selva Lodge, Argentina
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Most classic lodge. Imagine staying in a classic, luxury forest lodge in true Amazonian style; that’s La Aldea De La Selva Lodge in Argentina for you. Located just outside the town of Puerto Iguazú on the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls, the lodge is less than an hour’s drive from the famous waterfalls.
This “Little Village in the Forest” is a loving workmanship in log construction, from the Jacuzzi bath edging to the chunky handcrafted furnishings. We loved the bright yet spacious rooms and suites with stone and exposed wood touches that made us feel like we were in the middle of nature. What’s more, there were mod-cons for comfort, such as sleek, private bathrooms, minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and furnished terraces with hammocks. If you’re looking for more, the upgraded suites had even living areas and whirlpool tubs.
In terms of amenities, we loved the library where we’d browse a diverse selection of forest-themed volumes. Our absolute favorite, thoguh, was the foliage-fringed two-level outdoor pool, which was even connected by its own waterfall. It was ideal for unwinding between activities and tours. Other amenities included a fantastic restaurant, complete with multiple terraces for dining, two hot tubs, and an event space.
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Awasi Iguazú, Argentina
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Deep in the Atlantic rainforest in Argentina sits Awasi Iguazú, the third outpost of the luxury adventure lodges from the Awasi group. Despite being close to the town of Puerto Iguazú (around 15 minutes away), the five-star resort felt completely remote, offering us access to more than just the famous waterfalls.
Thanks to the setting, we could access to all kinds of jungle adventures. While the highlight is the Awasi guided-tour of the busy Iguazú Falls, and that too off the beaten track, we even took boat tours to other waterfalls that we didn’t have to share with anybody! What’s more, we induled in biking, kayaking, birding and butterfly watching, jungle treks, and even a visit to a private reserve where scientists investigate endemic species. The Michelin-style restaurant and bar was ideal for digging into meals and drinks, but the living space and the terrace with treetop views was one of our favorite spaces.
Choose from 14 jungle villas, all of which come with plunge pools on private decks. Not only are they all very private and seriously spacious, but they’re also low on tech — the idea is to leave the world behind. Large bathrooms with bathtubs aside, every room had uts own private guide and vehicle!
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Gran Meliá Iguazú, Argentina
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Only in-the-park hotel. We were excited at the prospect of actually staying inside the park. Behold the Gran Meliá Iguazú, a luxurious gem in the heart of Argentina’s Iguazu National Park and the only hotel inside it. And trust us when we say that there’s nothing quite like waking up to the sight of the gushing river and the waterfalls from your room — in our case, even the bathroom! Despite the jungle rooms offering ease of location, the showstoppers are the waterfall-view rooms, validating the hefty-but-worth-it price. Nevertheless, all rooms are spotless, full of natural light, and pared-down with delightful, nature-inspired decor.
That being said, the entire hotel is a relaxing outpost for enjoying the waterfalls in all their glory. During the day, we’d be unwinding at the infinity pool with million-dollar views or the intimate but elegant Yasi Spa and Wellness Center. What’s more, there was even a light-filled fitness center, cocktail-sipping on the rooftop terrace. Furthering the range of amenities is the multiple restaurants that serve a variety of local and international cuisines. Rounding things up are the numerous activities on the roster, from hikes and yoga classes to folklore shows.
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Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Brazil
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Best overall. Sitting at the top of the list is Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, a pretty pink-colored paradise right on the edge of the falls on the Brazilian side. It sits at the end of Highway 469, which winds down from the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu to the Brazilian side waterfall-viewing area of Iguazu Falls.
Not only is this the only way to stay right next to the falls, but it’s also perhaps the classiest lodging of the lot. This 1950s-style charmer is one of the best luxury hotels around, as is evident by the pale-pink cornicing-edged, refined terracotta-roofed exterior, a grand chandelier in the dining room, rich paintings, and lovingly landscaped grounds studded with an outdoor pool. However, what we loved the most was the exclusive access to the Falls when they’d be closed to other visitors. A tennis court, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa round up the amenities here.
We loved the warm and traditional rooms and suites with Portuguese Colonial–style furnishings. What’s more, they also had mod-cons in the form of minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Are you looking to splurge? While the upgraded rooms even have views of the falls, the suites go ahead and even have balconies.
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Our Verdict!
While we loved all of the stays near Iguazu Falls, here are some of our absolute favorite ones.
- Only in-the-park hotel: Gran Meliá Iguazú, Argentina
- Best overall: Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Brazil
- Most classic lodge: La Aldea De La Selva Lodge, Argentina
- Best B&B: Secret Garden Iguazú, Argentina
Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls, Argentina?
Not for nothing are the Iguazu Falls one of the world’s most incredible waterfalls. These incredible waterfalls, which border the two giant countries of Brazil and Argentina, are massive. So, deciding where to stay around the waterfalls is very important.
Our favorite place on the Argentinean side was staying right inside the National Park, as it put us as close to the waterfalls as possible. Of them all, we loved the luxurious Gran Meliá, which lay just 1.2 miles (2 km) inside the park. So, it was a short train ride or a 20-minute walk from the entrance. If that wasn’t enough, we could even see the waterfalls from the hotel! Next, there’s the tiny Argentine town of Puerto Iguazu, which was only 10 mi (15 km) from the National Park. From here, we could take buses from the town center every 20 minutes to the park.
When it comes to the Brazilian side, the best area to stay is right next to the falls. The next closest town is Foz do Iguaçu, which is some 18 mi (30 km) away. Despite most of the falls being in Argentina, the views from Brazil are epic. While there’s just one luxurious hotel, a Belmond Hotel called Hotel das Cataratas, there are other five-star hotels close to Foz do Iguaçu. This sprawling city has a bus, Bus 120, which not only stops at the airport but also takes us directly to the Brazilian park.
How Long Do I Stay in Iguazu Falls?
According to us, spending at least three days is a must in Iguazu. Even though you might have to rush a little bit, you’ll be able to enjoy the waterfalls fully.
How Do I Move Around Iguazu Falls?
Since the park is organized wonderfully, we have the options of trains and buses on both sides of the park. However, we do recommend walking at least a bit on both sides of the park. After nightfall, taking taxis isn’t an expensive proposition either.
