Visiting Iguazu Falls is an incredible experience, but doing it as a solo traveler is even more exceptional.
My time in Argentina was coming to an end. So far I had spent all of my time in Buenos Aires and I knew that it would probably be awhile until I was back in the area. Seeing the Iguazu falls, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, was something I’d always wanted to do so if I was going to see them it would have to be now. None of my friends wanted to go with me, however, so I decided to go on my own.
Flights to Iguazu were pretty easy to find. So I booked a flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu, found a cheap hotel, and packed a bag for my weekend adventure.
The flight was just under 2 hours and the hotel was easy to get to. The next morning I got up early, went into town, and got on a public bus that took me to the park. The day was cloudy, but even then it was still really hot and incredibly humid (and that’s saying something coming from a Florida girl!).
Once I paid the general admission cost of 215 pesos (roughly $25) I made my way to the Jungle Train. It is an eco-friendly train that runs on liquefied petroleum gas and was designed exclusively for the Iguazu Falls National Park. It holds up to 250 passengers and after about a 10 minute ride drops off in front of the walkway that leads to Devil’s Throat, the highest of Iguazu’s 275 waterfalls.
The Jungle Train
Devil’s Throat Waterfall in Iguazu
I went on this trip completely on my own. And I had a great time! Iguazu is such an amazing place, and I think that because I was by myself I was able to take my time and really soak it all in (pun intended!). I stood in the mist and I let myself listen to the thundering of the water for as long as my little heart desired.
I walked as slowly or as quickly as I wanted. I took the boat tour that takes you almost right under the falls and very briefly makes you think, “Oh shit! This is how I’m going to die!” And I took as many pictures as I wanted.
A small boat going up the river
I’m not sure I would have really taken it all in if I’d been with the group of friends I’d gone to Argentina with. I tend to put myself last when I’m with other people. I tend to worry that I’m taking too long or that whoever I’m with is sick of me taking too many photos.
If no one else had wanted to go on the boat ride, would I still have gone on it by myself? Probably not.
On this trip I also made friends with two brothers that I’m still in touch with to this day. If I’d been traveling with others, I might not have started a conversation with them. I think when we have travel companions we tend to only talk with them and aren’t as open to making new friendships.
Do don’t be afraid to be a solo traveler once in a while; it can be a very rewarding experience. I write more about the pros and cons of solo travel here, but in the case of Iguazu, I’m so glad I went by myself.
What about you? Do you like to travel on your own? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂
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Dawn Lopater says: Those are amazing photos. And I think you are an adventurous young woman. I wish I had had that kind of spirit when I was your age. I have never traveled out of the country and only a few places in the US. So, seeing the places you have traveled is awe inspiring.
Buddy says: Thank you so much Dawn! It’s never too late though! You can start planning a trip and save up little by little. You may not even have to go out of the country to go somewhere new and amazing. It may take some research, but it’s definitely possible 🙂
MaryAnn says: I loooove traveling on my own. For all those reasons. I have dreamed about going to Iguazu!! It’s on my list.
Buddy says: You should definitely go! 🙂
I LOVE Iguazu falls, some of my favourite waterfalls in the world, they’re incredible!!!
WOW! What a beautiful site! I would love to visit there one day! As for traveling solo.. I think these types of trips make PERFECT solo adventures! Sometimes I feel that big cities, even with all of the people around you, make the worst destinations to visit alone.
Hi Kelsey, that’s an interesting perspective. I’ve traveled alone in big cities and still enjoyed it, but I think I understand what you’re saying. As for Iguazu, I hope you get to visit there one day. 🙂
That is one amazing waterfall, indeed! Good job on the shots–you captured the essence of this place perfectly. I’ll definitely take note of this place, of course. It’s such a beauty!
Beautiful photos! I often am bringing up the rear when I travel with friends since I am exploring and snapping photos! It’s definitely fun to go out on your own sometimes!
Vicky, I spent half of my childhood living in Latin America, mostly in Paraguay, so I have been to Yguazú many times. The first time in 1972 and the last time in 2001. As far as I recall, all of my visits have been on the Brazilian side. Although I have been to Argentina many times, I don’t think I ever went to the Argentine side of the falls. There is so much to do and see in the tri-corner area of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Wish you could have made it to the Jesuit ruins in Paraguay, another UNESCO site. Have you seen the movie The Mission with Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro? Incredible movie, and my favorite movie score of all time. Thanks for reviving my beautiful memories!
Hi Howard! I’ve heard that the falls in Argentina are better, so seeing them from the Brazilian side may have been a good thing! Lol. And you’re right, there’s so much to do in that area. While I was there I was also able to go to an amethyst mine, which was really cool. 🙂
Iguazu falls looks amazing! I didn’t travel solo before kids, but wish I had. My only solo travel now is to conferences – sometimes 🙂
Hi Dana! Well I’ll be going to my first conference this month, so that’ll be a new experience for me!
Wow, amazing. I’ve always wanted to visit Iguazu. This makes me want to even more! I like to travel solo and used to a lot more a few years ago, but I travel mainly with my husband now. But it’s great – he lets me take my time to take in a place as much as I want! 🙂
Hi Bailey! It’s so great that you’ve found a great travel partner; they’re not always easy to come by 😉
I love reading other solo female travel posts, especially in places I haven’t been! I love traveling solo, but usually do it once I’ve developed a comfortable feeling with the country. Being in nature seems to have been an amazing solo experience!
We’re aiming for Argentina over land. Thanks for the tip on Iguazu…we’ll have to make this one work. At this moment, pics not showing up…maybe a problem on my end?
Hi guys! I’m not sure why the pics aren’t showing up for you. No one else has seemed to have a problem 🙁
This is number one item on my South American bucket list. Listening to other people’s experiences just makes me want to go more! Great post!
Hi! I'm Vicky, a South Florida-based blogger traveling around the world with my stuffed monkey Buddy. Tired of the 9-5, we recently sold all of our stuff and started traveling full time. Click on the photo to learn more!
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