Gay travel Guide to Iguazu Falls (Argentinian and Brazilian sides)

The famous Iguazu Falls is a bucket-list item for many travelers, both gay and straight. This amazing sight is the largest waterfall system in the world and breathtaking up close as you watch thousands of gallons of water plummeting into the foam.

When US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the falls, she exclaimed “Poor Niagara!”

The falls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil, which means you can stay in either country if you want to visit the waterfalls. It can be confusing to figure out which side is best, or even how to understand the differences, but don't worry, 'cause we're here to help!

This is our gay travel guide to Iguazu Falls and the surrounding area. Here you can find out our personal top picks for gay friendly accommodation, gay bars, clubs, and restaurants around Iguazu Falls.

Landing in Iguazu Falls soon?

The two sides of the Iguazu Falls

So, first things first, these spectacular waterfalls have a few names. In English, we call them “Iguazu Falls” and the surrounding area, the “Iguazu National Park”. Both Argentina and Brazil have cities very close by, each of which is the perfect base when visiting the falls. In Brazil, the city is “Foz do Iguaçu” whereas in Argentina it is “Puerto Iguazú”.

We preferred the Argentinian side because you get to experience the Falls close-up, which is a great way to feel how powerful it is. The Brazilian side is good for getting a more panoramic perspective of the Falls.

Traveling between the two towns over the border is easy. You can either go by taxi or public bus. The entire trip shouldn't take more than an hour. Remember to have your passport with you and to have already organized any visa requirements you may need for Brazil and Argentina.

If you're ticking off countries, you can also “pop” into Ciudad del Este – a popular shopping town for Brazilians in Paraguay, close to the border between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil.

Gay travel to the Iguazu Falls at a glance

The towns around the Iguazu Falls are used to tourists and regarded as gay friendly. They have a large international community both visiting and working here, so you won't have any problems visiting with your other half.

Argentina overall is very gay friendly – it was, after all, the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriages back in 2010! When visiting, we were warned to be wary of the “machismo” chauvinistic culture in the more rural areas. But in reality, we never experienced any of this and felt very welcome everywhere we visited in Argentina.

In Brazil, however, whilst gay marriage and progressive LGBTQ laws are in place, society is quite divided. To give you an idea, the extremely right wing and homophobic, Jair Bolsonaro, was elected President in 2018. Whilst he lost his reelection in 2022 to President Lula, the gap between the two was just 2 million votes!

In terms of a gay scene, don't expect much of that here. Leave all the partying for Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Rio. There are however a handful of mixed gay hangouts, as well as some lovely gay friendly hotels to stay in Iguazu.

Gay hotels in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina)

On the Argentinian side, the city of Puerto Iguazú is located only 11km away from the Falls. The majority of the city's income comes from tourism, so most of the infrastructure here has been built around this. Therefore, in a nutshell, hotel staff are accustomed to dealing with international visitors, and of course, LGBTQ travellers. We certainly found everyone we dealt with here to be open-minded and welcoming to us as a gay couple. These are some of our favourite gay friendly hotels to stay in Puerto Iguazú:

01

Amérian Portal Del Iguazú Hotel

The hotel features two restaurants; La Misión for international cuisine and De los Ríos Grill for traditional Argentinian dishes. The food is simply delicious! Before dinner, we would have cocktails from the two bars either in the lush garden or on the terrace overlooking the river, a view not to miss.

Even the outdoor pool features stunning views, and there's an indoor pool too. The Yvy Mara`y Spa and wellness centre is located on top of the hotel where you can enjoy the Jacuzzi, ‘raintemple', massages and a variety of other relaxing treatments. There's also a gym and beauty salon up here, so you know you'll be able to keep looking your best for those photos in front of the falls!

02

Loi Suites Iguazú

For a completely luxurious experience, you can book your own private suite with butler service and hydro-tub on your private balcony. These balconies are the perfect place to watch the jungle wake up; you can spot butterflies, birds and even monkeys in the foliage!

When we stayed there, we would spend our evenings eating delicious food in the restaurant or having a cheeky cocktail at their on-site Tiki bar. And after exhausting ourselves hiking to the falls, the relaxing water treatments and massages at the spa was the best way to comfort our sore muscles.

Take a helicopter ride over Iguazu Falls

An amazing way to see the falls is by flying over them in a helicopter! You will never forget the incredible experience of seeing the cascades from above on this short flight which leaves from the Brazil side.

Find out more

03

Iguazú Jungle Lodge

The jungle restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, serving up cocktails as well as delicious Argentinian barbecue. A yummy buffet breakfast is included in the rates, where you can enjoy lots of fresh tropical fruits on the poolside terrace.

This is a lovely mid-range option in a quiet location, ideal for visiting the falls as well as kicking back and enjoying the serenity of the jungle. We particularly love that the lodge is doing its part for the environment; with an extensive environmental policy and the option for guests to offset their carbon footprint a little by planting a native tree on the property.

Must do in Iguazu Falls: a romantic walk under the full moon

If you are in Puerto Iguazú in the five days surrounding the full moon you could do a night-time walking tour of the falls. This has got to be the most romantic way to visit the falls with your loved one!

Find out more

04

Cabanas Luces de la Selva

The location is peaceful and a bit outside of town, although you can easily get into the city centre on a five-minute bus. This is a lovely spot to relax in the outdoor pool and watch the jungle life pass you by.

You can choose from cabins for up to five guests, so this is an excellent choice for families as well as budget travellers. The decor is rustic but everything is clean and comfy with all the amenities you would expect such as air-conditioning and WiFi.

Gay hotels in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)

On the Brazilian side, “Foz do Iguaçu” is also very touristy, so hotel staff are accustomed to dealing with gay travellers. We were fine when we visited, but since the election of a very homophobic President in 2019, homophobic crime has increased throughout Brazil, so do take extra care here.

01

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

This incredibly luxurious five-star hotel has amenities like a tennis court, swimming pool, fitness centre, 2 restaurants, bar and spa. You can have a couples treatment in the Cataratas Spa or book yourself a spa retreat that includes accommodation, breakfast, a massage and another treatment of your choice.

The 1950s-style hotel has been restored to retain its charm as a colonial jungle getaway, complete with orchids surrounding the pool and the calls of Howler monkeys in the nearby jungle. If you stay at Belmond you'll also be able to easily organise a range of activities at the desk to see the majesty of the falls in unique ways, such as early in the morning or the middle of the night during the full moon.

Full day trip to the Argentine Falls from Brazil

If you're staying in Foz do Iguaçu you can still easily visit the falls from the Argentine side by joining a full day trip that will take you there to enjoy the boardwalks and views from another perspective.

Find out more

02

Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort

This is a popular choice for families, so be prepared to share public spaces with lots of noisy kids. If you want a bit of peace and quiet the spa offers a variety of beauty treatments, massages, facials and podology. You can even book a romantic couples day or a Princess afternoon which includes a manicure plus hair and makeup.

Breakfast is served in the lovely poolside Allegro Restaurant while La Terazza Restaurant & Lounge is a romantic spot for dinner or a cocktail at sunset. The hotel offers special ecological tours in the area and is only 7km from the entrance to the Iguaçu National Park.

Why not go for a boat ride under the Falls?

Riding a boat right up under the falls is an incredible way to see the spectacle of all that water. From Foz do Iguaçu you can travel to the Argentine side of the falls then catch a boat right up close, but be warned, you will get wet!

Find out more

03

Bogari Hotel

Bogari has an outdoor swimming pool as well as three huge hot tubs that can fit up to 15 people in each one. There's also a bar here so that you can enjoy snacks and drinks from the comfort of your tub!

There's a tour desk in the lobby to help you arrange any activities you want to do nearby, like visiting the falls, obviously, but there are other options as well. The hotel is also right by the city's central bus station, so you can easily continue on your travels.

Helicopter ride over Iguazu Falls

For an unforgettable experience, why not see the falls from the sky? This short flight leaves from the Brazil side and takes you right over the falls for the most incredible views of these massive cascades.

Book your ticket here

04

Concept Design Hostel & Suites

The shared kitchen is fully stocked so that you can do your own cooking to keep costs low. The bar offers some snacks to purchase but you're also only a 15-minute walk from all the restaurants, cafes and shops of the city centre.

While it might be a cheap accommodation option it's also very clean and comfy. Concept is especially fun for young gay travellers looking to make new friends; they have a variety of events throughout the year including movie marathons, music shows and even ‘Master Chef' style gastronomic events!

Gay bars in Iguazu Falls

There's no official gay scene in Puerto Iguazú or in Foz do Iguaçu, but there are some very hip and happening gay friendly places in both.

In Puerto Iguazú (Argentinian side), the main gay friendly bar at the moment is:

• Puerto Bambu Restobar: one of the most popular restobars in Puerto Iguazú, great for people watching. They serve pretty decent food and some excellent cocktails. There's a giant bamboo verandah where you can sit and listen to reggae. Bambu is located at Avenue Brasil 96 and is open every day from midday until midnight (later on weekends).

In Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian side), the main gay friendly bar is:

• Zeppelin Old Bar: one of the most popular hangouts in Foz do Iguaçu, particularly on weekends. We love the music theme here, from the decoration to the menu where the dishes are named after and inspired by famous rock bands. Zeppelin is located on Major Raul de Matos Street 222 and is only open Wednesday-Saturday until around 2am.

Go sky-diving over the Three Frontiers

Thrill-seekers will be excited to know that you can do a tandem skydive over the Three Frontiers Landmark. Departing from the Brazil side you will then dive over the point where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.

Book your tandem skydive

Gay clubs in Iguazu Falls

The main gay friendly club hangout in Iguazu is on the Brazilian side:

• Space Free Dance (Brazilian side): Space Free Dance is a popular queer-friendly nightclub with live DJs in Foz do Iguaçu. Unfortunately, there isn't much information available online about opening times so you may need to just rock up and see; keep an eye out on the Facebook page for the latest info. Space Free Dance is located at Avenida República Argentina 1028.

On the Argentinian side, Cuba Libra used to be the main gay club in Iguazu, however, it did not survive the Pandemic and shut its doors for good.

Things to do in the Iguazu Falls

Obviously, the number one thing to do when visiting the area is to see the breathtaking beauty of the falls. But there are a number of different ways to do this, from both sides of the river, as well as other interesting and exciting activities you may not have heard about. These are some of the coolest things to do in the area which we recommend:

Visit both sides of the Falls in one day

We mentioned earlier that you really should try and see the falls from both sides to truly appreciate it. On the Argentinian side you get the splendour of being up close and on the Brazilian side you get an impressive panoramic view. It's possible to organise yourself to cross the border and explore the falls from both sides but if you want to avoid any hassles you can join a full-day tour that will take you to both sides with plenty of time for wandering and taking photos. You can book your own tour of both sides either departing from Foz do Iguaçu or from Puerto Iguazú.

Walk to the Falls at night under the full moon

One of the most romantic things we did in Inguazu was to walk to the falls at night under the light of the full moon! Obviously, you will only be able to do this if your visit coincides with the 5 days surrounding a full moon, but can you imagine a more unique way to experience the Falls with your loved one? Again, this night tour can be booked to depart from Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu but in both cases, you will be enjoying your night-time visit to the Falls from the well-serviced Argentinian side.

Go for a helicopter ride over the Falls

An incredible and adrenaline-inducing activity you might enjoy is to go for a helicopter flight over the Falls. You'll get to enjoy spectacular views from above on this ten-minute flight; an experience you will never forget. The helicopter ride departs from the Brazilian side, near the Foz do Iguaçu International Airport, but you will need to make your own way there. Just imagine being able to say you saw the falls from three different angles; the Argentinian side, Brazilian side and from the sky!

Learn about local flora and fauna at the Biocentre

If you like learning about the local flora and fauna of a place then you should definitely visit the Iguazú Biocentre near Puerto Iguazú. This is also a fun way to get up close to some of the wildlife that is definitely out there in the jungle near the falls, but that you might not actually see. There's a butterfly farm and a lovely orchid garden to wander around. You'll also be able to see animals such as Caymans, tortoises, snakes and iguanas, including ones native to the Galapagos Islands.

Visit a traditional Guaraní Village

For a unique opportunity to learn about the culture of the indigenous people of the area you can visit a traditional Guarani village on a tour from Puerto Iguazú. On this tour, the community of M'bya Guaranies welcome you into their village and will teach you about their natural medicine, culture, songs and crafts. Your English or Spanish speaking guide will help translate as the villagers take you on a jungle walk, show you their jungle temple and later take you to a traditional handicrafts fair.

See tropical birds at the Brazilian Bird Park

On the Brazilian side of the river is the Parque das Aves, a private zoo for tropical birds that have come from rehabilitation centres or official zoo breeding programs. Even if you are staying in Puerto Iguazú you can easily book a tour to get there or travel by yourself if you're already in Brazil. You'll be able to see beautiful macaws, parrots, flamingos, hummingbirds and toucans from the jungle walkways; as well as some native reptiles, butterflies, moths, etc. Make sure you eat at the restaurant with stunning views of the Lake of Flamingos!

Skydive over the Three Frontiers

If a helicopter ride over the Falls wasn't quite thrilling enough for you, you can also do a tandem skydive over the Three Frontiers! You'll be taken up in a plane and given full instructions before jumping with your instructor from above the point where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet in the rivers of Iguazú and Paraná. This activity is a bit of a splurge, but for any fans of sky-diving, you'd be mad not to jump at the chance (sorry, not sorry!) to do it in such a unique location.

Take a day-trip to the San Ignacio Mission

A popular place to visit as a day trip from Iguazu Falls is the San Ignacio Miní; a mission founded by the Jesuits during the Spanish Colonial Period. Departing from either Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu you can travel in comfort to the ruins to explore and then also discover the Wanda Mines. Here you'll be able to spot agate, amethyst, topaz, jasper and different types of quartz as well as having the opportunity to buy yourself some sparkly jewellery in the store!

Watch a live dance show over dinner

How about dinner and a show? Eat a delicious traditional Argentinian steakhouse meal, paired with the perfect local wines, while watching a live Tango show at El Quincho del Tío Querido; a restaurant in Puerto Iguazú. This is the perfect way to listen to some lovely music and relax while getting to know the local culture. If you're staying in Foz do Iguaçu then you should definitely check out the Rafain Churrascaria Show which features two hours of dance performances while you feast on typical Brazilian cuisine.

Go for a boat ride underneath the Falls

As well as seeing the Falls from either side of the border (or both) you can even see them from the deck of a thrilling boat ride! Obviously, you're going to get a bit (or a lot) wet as you get right up close to the thundering waterfalls, but this is an unforgettable way to see the falls with pure adrenaline-pumping action. This exciting boat ride can be booked to depart from both Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu and takes you right up under the Salto San Martin falls; the largest cascade that can be reached by boat.

Gay friendly restaurants

There's a wide variety of delicious places to eat in both Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu. These were our personal favorite gay friendly restaurants which were amazing!

Aqva Restaurant

Another fantastic gay friendly place for a meal in Puerto Iguazú is the very fancy Aqva Restaurant. They specialize in local fish such as pacu, dorado, and the Patagonian toothfish and offer perfectly cooked steak, lamb, pork, and homemade pasta. The service here is impeccable and the desserts are divine; like flan with dulce de leche, passionfruit mousse, or their special yerba mate creme brulee. Make sure you look at their website so you can drool over the photos of all the delicious choices!

La Toscana

If you're craving some genuine Italian food, then make sure you head to La Toscana Trattoria in Puerto Iguazú. The founders came from Florence and serve up traditional Italian dishes made from the best local ingredients. One of their specialities is the incredible spaghetti cooked in a hollowed out wheel of Parmesan with flaming cognac in the sauce! This amazing restaurant is very popular so you will absolutely need to make a reservation ahead of time to ensure you can get a table.

Cheiro Verde

If you're looking for good vegetarian or vegan cuisine, head to Cheiro Verde in Foz do Iguaçu. This vegetarian buffet restaurant serves all you can eat deliciousness for a low price. Most of the food is also vegan but a few dishes have egg so make sure you ask. As well as yummy sushi, noodles, curries and more, the price includes heavenly desserts like fried banana with cinnamon. Cheiro Verde is only open for lunch; it's so popular you may have to wait a bit to get a table but it's definitely worth it!

Pop Art + Black Cat Cafe

Another excellent choice in Foz do Iguaçu for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan food is the Pop Art + Black Cat Cafe. As the first vegetarian cafe in the city, they also serve a vegan lunch menu from Monday-Saturday. This is the perfect spot for a good coffee with plant-based milk alternatives and a delicious vegan brownie or slice of gluten-free cake. The decor is also very groovy with lots of pop art (not surprisingly) and they even sell cool t-shirts and gifts. Yaaaaas Queen!

Must do in Foz do Iguaçu: Dinner and a show

In Foz do Iguaçu you can enjoy a fantastic night out with delicious food and a Brazilian dance show. The Rafain Churrascaria Show features two hours of dance performances while you feast on typical Brazilian cuisine.

Find out more

Prepare your trip

Here we've combined some of our best hints and tips to make organising your own gay trip to Iguazu Falls a little bit easier. This is everything the gay traveller should know before they go:

Gay map of Iguazu

We've put together a map of all the gay friendly hotels, restaurants, bars, sights and more to help you plan your own fabulous trip to Iguazu Falls. Check it out here:

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

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We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

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For more inspiration:

• Find out how to experience the Amazon jungle for gay travelers
• Check out our complete gay travel guide to Argentina
• Along with these interesting facts about Argentina you might not have known
• As well as our gay city guide to exciting Buenos Aires
• These are the best gay bars in Buenos Aires if you're looking to party
• Read about how we learned to dance queer tango
• As well as when we went orca spotting in Patagonia
• These are our top highlights of Patagonia