Tap any question into the internet and you will be rewarded with an answer. As regards Iguazu, the internet will confidently tell you there’s a “best time” to visit the Falls.
For example, The Times says visit “between late March to May, or August to early October.” Meanwhile, iguazufalls.com declares that “the best time to visit the Iguazu Falls is from April to May and from September to October.”
So what is the reason for these specific, yet differing, months?
The varying opinions all say that Iguazu is a year-round destination yet they base their recommendation on avoiding high temperatures and too many crowds. Did it occur to anyone that declaring a best time to avoid the crowds on the internet would make people flock to those months?!
Decking overlooking the River Iguazu at Awasi Iguazu
Those who read a previous post we made about a similar situation in Atacama may have seen a quote that sums up our thoughts on the subject: “Wherever the crowd goes, run in the other direction. They’re always wrong.” – Charles Bukowski
For the inquisitive (or perhaps obstinate) mind, finding such firm guidelines on the internet could be enough to make you determined to go against the recommendation. After all, what are they hiding between May and October..? Could that be when all the fun happens?
Awasi Iguazu – Master Villa – Photo by Susette Kok
Jokes aside, here are some facts about what it’s like at Iguazu, Northern Argentina, between April and October.
– Temperatures range between 22-28ºC (71-82ºF) during the day, and 8-12ºC (46-53ºF) at night.
– This is the dry season with few rain showers, and less humidity (which means less mosquitos!). More agreeable temperatures makes this season ideal to enjoy hikes through the rainforest, adventurous bike outings or leisurely boat rides on the Paraná River.
– As a result of being cooler, the wonderful birdsong of the Atlantic Rainforest can be enjoyed all day long. Whereas during other hotter months of South American summer, you mainly hear the birds at dawn and dusk. This also means optimal birdwatching. We have had guest sightings of as many as 10 toucans eating the fruit on the trees around our Relais & Chateaux lodge.
– The same happens with other wildlife around the region, we see more hummingbirds during these months, and also more tortoises as they like to climb out of the rivers and enjoy a touch of winter sunbathing on the rocks.
Iguazu becomes even more photogenic:
– Early spring is when some of the region’s most picturesque plants come into flower. For example bright orange San Juan shrubs line many of the paths. Also, August and September are the months when the Lapacho trees come into flower and paint the canopy of the rainforest pink and yellow like scattered cotton candy.
The Lapacho tree looks like it has come straight from a storybook, perhaps one by Dr. Seuss.
A piece of artwork by Ingrid Weyland showing the lapacho tree
– Due to the cooler temperatures at night, the mornings are often misty. The mist hanging over the jungle, creeks and lakes is very photogenic and is loved by photographers.
– And, for those interested, these months coincide with the harvest of yerba mate which means Awasi guests can visit some mate plantations and learn about this bitter tea so adored by Argentines.
Explore the private, original excursions that we have designed at Awasi Iguazu on our interactive website: www.awasi.com/excursions/iguazu
Awasi protects 145 hectares of virgin forest in the Atlantic Rainforest near the Iguazu National Park.
Awasi Iguazu is a 14 room lodge located 15 minutes from the famous Iguazu Falls. Part of the Relais & Chateaux association, renowned for excellent service and gastronomy, at Awasi each room is given a private guide and 4×4 vehicle for the duration of each stay. We are open year-round and our team of guides love showing guests the best of each season, whenever they should visit.