What to Bring to Iguazu Falls: 12 Things to Pack for the Walkways and the Boat
The short answer
Bring your passport, closed shoes with grip for the wet walkways, a rain jacket or poncho, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and a water bottle. If you have booked a boat, add a complete change of clothes and a towel: you will be soaked through. Carry a bank card and some Argentine pesos, and leave large bags behind.
Iguazu Falls packing list at a glance
Two parks and a boat, each asking for something different.
| Item | Argentine side | Brazilian side | Boat ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Essential | Photo ID with ticket | Original only (Gran Aventura) |
| Ticket for the right date | Essential | Essential, on your phone | Part of your booking |
| Argentine pesos or a card | Useful | Not needed | Not needed |
| Closed shoes with grip | Essential | Essential | Not needed |
| Shoes you can soak | Not needed | Not needed | Useful |
| Rain jacket or poncho | Sold in park shops | Useful | Not included |
| Change of clothes and towel | Useful | Useful | Essential |
| Swimwear | Not needed | Not needed | Useful |
| Sunscreen and hat | Essential | Essential | Useful |
| Insect repellent | Essential | Useful | Useful |
| Water bottle | Drinking-water points | Four free fountains | Useful |
| Waterproof bag | Not needed | Not needed | Lent on board (Gran Aventura) |
Documents and money: the things that can end the day
1. Your passport (and a Brazil e-Visa if you need one)
The border between Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu is crossed on a passport, and the Gran Aventura boat checks the original at boarding: no photocopy, no photo on a phone. If you hold a US, Canadian or Australian passport, Brazil has required an e-Visa since 10 April 2025: it costs US$80.90, is applied for through brazil.vfsevisa.com and takes about ten business days on average, so apply before you fly. The route between the two towns is set out in how to get to Iguazu Falls.
2. Your park tickets, on your phone
The Brazilian park asks every visitor for a photo ID and the ticket, and the ticket does not need printing: a phone screen is enough. The Argentine ticket is valid only for the date and time you chose. Keep it: it takes 50% off a second day.
3. A bank card and some Argentine pesos
The Argentine ticket office takes credit cards, debit cards and cash, and the cash has to be Argentine pesos. One private tour still recommends carrying some cash alongside a card. If you stay in Puerto Iguazú, the municipal eco-tourism tax is collected through your accommodation rather than at the gate. Opening times and tariffs for both parks are under hours and admission on both sides.
What to wear to Iguazu Falls
4. Light clothes and closed shoes with grip
The Argentine park asks for comfortable clothes and footwear, and the metal walkways are wet with spray. Trainers or light shoes with non-slip soles do the job.
5. Shoes you can soak, for the boat
The Argentine boat operator recommends footwear that can get wet: flip-flops, sandals or crocs. The Brazilian operator of the Macuco Safari lets you ride barefoot or in flip-flops but advises against it, because of the risk of treading on a bee, which matters most if you are allergic to stings.
6. A rain jacket or poncho
Rain does not close the Área Cataratas, so the Argentine park recommends a rain jacket and sells them in its shops. On the Argentine side some trails can close for safety, and the Devil's Throat walkway is closed with no reopening date, so check the circuits at the entrance.
7. A warm layer in the cooler months
The Macuco Safari suggests light clothes in the warmer seasons and warm clothes in the colder ones. Months and temperatures are on Iguazu Falls weather month by month.
What to bring for the boat ride
Both boats soak you: the Argentine operator's own answer is that you will be drenched completely. Which boat suits your day is covered in the two boat rides compared; the kit is the same for both.
8. A complete change of clothes and a towel
Both boat operators ask for it. The Brazilian operator has changing rooms before, during and after the ride, and optional lockers, so the dry set stays ashore.
9. Swimwear under your clothes
Swimwear is on the Macuco Safari's own list. You do not need to buy a dry bag: the Argentine operator lends a waterproof bag for your belongings during the ride.
Two limits to know before you pack for it: the Gran Aventura takes no one under 12 and no pregnant women, and the walk down to it is about 300 metres of steps. The full range of Iguazu Falls boat tours sets out the rest.
The boat with the bag included
The boat, train and safari truck day from Puerto Iguazú includes a waterproof bag for your things. From $159 per person, park entrance not included.
Sun, insects and water
10. Sunscreen and a hat
Both the Argentine park and Iguazú Jungle, which runs its boats, put a hat and sun protection on their lists.
11. Insect repellent
The Argentine park recommends putting repellent on before the walk and again during it.
12. A refillable water bottle
On the Brazilian side there are four free drinking fountains: at the Visitor Centre, at Espaço Tarobá along the Trilha das Cataratas, at Espaço Naipi at the end of the trail and at Espaço Porto Canoas. The Argentine park lists drinking-water points among its services.
Useful tip. Rent a locker before you go in. The Argentine park rents them from the ticket office, so ask there on arrival and walk the circuits with only what you need.
What the parks lend, rent or sell on site
- Lockers. Argentina: small (28 x 48 x 50 cm) AR$13,500, large (57 x 66 x 70 cm) AR$21,000, and a locked room with a security camera for bigger luggage. Brazil: 85 x 55 x 65 cm at R$45, online or on the day.
- Wheelchairs, free. Argentina keeps them at the train stations of the Tren Ecológico (not electric, pushed by a companion); Brazil lends conventional ones at the Visitor Centre.
- Strollers for children up to two, rented at the Argentine entrance or the Patio de Servicios. More on this in Iguazu Falls with kids.
- Rain jackets, sold in the Argentine park's shops.
- Waterproof bags, lent on the Argentine boat.
What to leave at home
- Pets. Neither park admits them. Argentina has free shaded kennels by the car park for six animals: bring a padlock, food and bowls.
- Large luggage. One Gran Aventura listing does not allow luggage or large bags on the day. Use the lockers or the luggage room.
- Food for the animals. Both parks forbid feeding them. Argentina has designated eating points at the Patio de Servicios and the train stations.
Did you know? The Macuco Safari's own rules warn that the coatis can attack in search of food and can transmit rabies through a bite, a scratch or a lick. Keep snacks sealed.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about hours, tickets and the border are answered in the Iguazu Falls FAQ.
Do you get wet at Iguazu Falls?
What should I wear on the Iguazu Falls boat ride?
Are there lockers at Iguazu Falls?
Do I need cash at Iguazu Falls?
Do they give you a poncho or a dry bag on the boat?
Can I bring food into the parks?
Packed and ready? Check whether the park ticket is in the fare, then pick the day that fits at Iguazu Falls Tours.
Days that include the boat
Iguazu Falls: Private Full-Day Tour Brazil & Argentina 1-Day
Both parks privately, with bottled water and rain ponchos handed out.
From $95 per person
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Puerto Iguazu: Excursion to the Argentinean Falls + Gran Aventura
The Argentine circuits and the Gran Aventura boat. Bring the original passport.
From $138 per person
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From Foz do Iguazu: Brazil Iguazu Falls & Macuco Safari Boat
The Brazilian trail and the Macuco boat, with both tickets in the fare.
From $175 per person
Check Availability