The Iguaçu Falls are a set of 275 waterfalls on the Iguaçu River, located on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and Argentina’s Misiones Province. They were discovered in 1541 by Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, but only gained broader recognition in 1860 through German naturalist Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the falls are among the region’s main tourist attractions. Keep reading to discover the 15 best hotels in Foz do Iguaçu near the waterfalls.
A Few Reasons to Visit Foz do Iguaçu
Photo: Daboost / Shutterstock.com
- Natural Wonder of the World – Foz do Iguaçu is home to one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the Iguaçu Falls. With over 200 cascades, they create a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s beauty and power. You can admire them from different angles or get closer with boat rides or helicopter tours.
- A Multicultural City – Situated at the triple border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Foz do Iguaçu offers the chance to experience three countries in one trip. Visit the Marco das Três Fronteiras (Three Borders Landmark), a monument marking the confluence of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, and explore local culture, cuisine, and shopping.
- Itaipu Dam – The world’s largest hydroelectric plant in energy production. You can take guided tours to learn how it works, its role in sustainable development, and even watch a nighttime light show at the dam.
- Iguaçu National Park – One of Latin America’s largest nature reserves, home to diverse Atlantic Forest wildlife such as toucans, monkeys, jaguars, and orchids. Nearby, the Bird Park (Parque das Aves) shelters more than 1,500 birds from 150 species in immersive aviaries.
- Other Attractions – The Buddhist Temple, a peaceful site with oriental architecture and panoramic views; the Wax Museum featuring replicas of famous personalities; and Acquamania Water Park, perfect for family fun with pools and slides.
So, are you ready to visit Foz do Iguaçu and stay at a hotel near the waterfalls?
Check out the video produced by our partner Tesouros do Brasil, answering the most common questions from travelers to the region.
The 15 Best Hotels in Foz do Iguaçu Near the Waterfalls
- Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
- Gran Meliá Iguazú
- Wish Foz do Iguaçu
- Loi Suítes Iguazú
- Awasi Iguazú
- Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort
- Mabu Thermas Grand Resort
- Vivaz Cataratas
- Viale Cataratas
- Wyndham Golden Foz
- Golden Park Internacional Foz
- Grand Carimã Resort
- Viale Towers
- Continental Inn
- Tarobá Hotel
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Photo: Disclousure / Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
One of Brazil’s finest hotels, both for its service and its charming architecture resembling a historic estate. Its true luxury lies in exclusive access to the falls during hours when the park is closed. One of our all-time favorites.
Gran Meliá Iguazú
Photo: Disclousure / Gran Meliá Iguazú
Located inside the Argentine park, this hotel features a modern style with rooms that open onto balconies overlooking the falls. However, guests don’t have after-hours access to the trails. Still, staying here is unforgettable.
Wish Foz do Iguaçu
Photo: Disclousure / Wish Foz do Iguaçu
This resort offers two restaurants, outdoor hot tubs, a golf course, and even activities for kids such as tree climbing. Located very close to the park.
Loi Suítes Iguazú
Photo: Disclousure / Loi Suítes Iguazú
Nestled in the Atlantic Forest on the banks of the Iguaçu River, this hotel boasts one of the most beautiful pools on either side of the falls. Its bungalows are wonderfully romantic.
Awasi Iguazú
Photo: Disclousure / Awasi Iguazú
Set in the jungle, with just 14 villas, each featuring a private pool. This boutique hotel is perfect for travelers who want both excursions and days of pure relaxation.
Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort
Photo: Disclousure / Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort
A great family-friendly hotel with a thermal water park, bowling alley, game room, sports courts, and two restaurants. Located near Ciudad del Este—ideal for those planning to shop or rent a car.
Mabu Thermas Grand Resort
Photo: Disclousure / Mabu Thermas Grand Resort
Famous for its large thermal pools, perfect during Foz’s cooler months. The resort has tennis courts, hot tubs, bikes, an entertainment team, restaurant, and bar. Though rated as five stars, it is undergoing renovations; expect a very good four-star experience if you find a good rate.
Vivaz Cataratas & Aquapark
Photo: Disclousure / Vivaz Cataratas & Aquapark
A newer, modern hotel with spacious rooms and a nice pool. In summer, guests also enjoy access to the adjoining water park.
Viale Cataratas
Photo: Disclousure / Viale Cataratas
A budget-friendly modern hotel offering consistently good rates. Spacious rooms and basic amenities—ideal for travelers who spend most of the day exploring.
Wyndham Golden Foz
Photo: Disclousure / Wyndham Golden Foz
Located downtown, perfect for those who want to be close to restaurants and shops. Clean rooms, with larger options suitable for families.
Golden Park Internacional Foz
Photo: Disclousure / Golden Park Internacional Foz
An older hotel with generously sized rooms, centrally located with competitive rates. Rooms with two double beds are a great option for families.
Grand Carimã Resort
Photo: Disclousure / Grand Carimã Resort
Recently renovated into a resort-style property. Great for families traveling with children at affordable rates. Large rooms, many with two double beds.
Viale Towers
Photo: Disclousure / Viale Towers
Located downtown, its rooftop pool with panoramic city views is the main highlight. A comfortable and economical choice.
Continental Inn
Photo: Disclousure / Continental Inn
A budget-friendly hotel with spacious rooms, also located downtown near many restaurants.
Tarobá Hotel
Photo: Disclousure / Tarobá Hotel
Well-maintained rooms, excellent rates, and a great central location near the city’s best steakhouse.
Did You Know the Iguaçu Falls Are Ancient?
They were formed about 100 million years ago when a volcanic eruption created a massive fissure in the ground, splitting the Iguaçu River and giving birth to these magnificent cascades. Their volume changes with rainfall—sometimes producing more than 200 waterfalls, other times fewer. Isn’t that incredible?
Must-Do Tours in Foz do Iguaçu
Photo: Junior Braz / Shutterstock.com
- Iguaçu Falls – View them from both Brazil and Argentina. Take boat rides, helicopter tours, or hikes to fully appreciate their grandeur.
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam – The second largest in installed capacity and the first in energy production worldwide. Guided tours showcase its scale and role in sustainable energy.
- Bird Park (Parque das Aves) – Home to over 1,500 birds of 150 species. Walk through immersive aviaries featuring macaws, toucans, flamingos, and parrots.
- Buddhist Temple – A peaceful sanctuary with oriental architecture, panoramic views, and dozens of Buddha statues.
- Three Borders Landmark (Marco das Três Fronteiras) – A historic monument at the confluence of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, marking the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Visitors can admire the three national flags and enjoy a colorful evening light show.
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