We will be ending a cruise from Buenos Aires and would like to visit Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro. Suggestions are needed if this can be done independently or should we use a company to help with the planning. Normally we do don't do tours, but this being South America I'm not sure. Also which hotels would you recommend if we did independently.
Posted by
London
707 posts
It was a long time ago we did this trip (2012), but we found it very easy to visit Iguazu Falls independently from Buenos Aires (I have not been to Rio). We flew from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and spent one day visiting the Brazilian side and one day on the Argentinian side. We had a taxi drop us off and collect us at each- in fact it was a driver we got at the airport, who happened to live next door to where our hotel was and was happy to take us around for a few days. The taxi was also fine taking us back and forth across the Brazilian border. Once you are at the falls yourself (both sides) it is easy to be self-guided. There's more to do on the Argentinian side- we spent a full day there vs more like half a day on the Brazilian side. This was definitely one of the most amazing sites I've been to and a highlight of my travels, so you will have a fantastic time- good luck with the planning.
Posted by
6137 posts
I used a tour guide when I was in Rio, but I did not feel like a tour was necessary for choosing hotel and getting around. Otherwise the only thing I did differently than usual was use Uber for getting to/from restaurants at night (usually I would walk), so it just comes down to your comfort level. It may depend on how long you will be there and your interests. I spent more time outside of Rio and while I was in the city visited the rain forest and botanical garden.
I stayed on Copacabana, which I felt like was a good location.