What to Pack for Iguazu Falls (w/ Free Packing Checklist)

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When deciding what to pack for Iguazu Falls, the main things to consider are when you’ll be visiting and just how wet you’re willing to get. There are a handful of super important things to know and this post covers them all. Read on for what you need to know before you go and get your free Iguazu Falls packing checklist.

Detailed Iguazu Falls packing list

This post covers many essential items and considerations that should go into your own personal Iguazu Falls packing list. Many of the obvious things are missing (because do I really need to remind you to bring underwear and toothpaste?) but you can find them all here in the printable checklist version. It’s simple, instantly downloadable, and totally free.

Weather and climate at Iguazu Falls

The major thing to know about Iguazu Falls is that it’s located in a subtropical rainforest climate zone. As such, it’s pretty warm and humid here year-round. It’s hotter in the summer: December to February (high 80s °F) and coolest in the winter: June to August (can get down to the 50s °F).

Pro tip: Keep in mind Iguazu Falls is located in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are probably reversed for you (if you live in the northern hemisphere like me).

Dry season vs. wet season

That said, Iguazu Falls also has notable dry and wet seasons. The dry season sees more sun; the wet season sees more rain. Simple as that. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always wet/dry during these times. It just means that the wet season sees more days with rain and the dry season sees fewer rainy days. I personally visited during the last week of February (still technically part of the “wet season”) and experienced clear sunny days and hot temperatures.

Iguazu Falls dry season: Winter / May – August
Iguazu Falls wet season: Summer / October to March

Obviously, the dry season is the better time to visit Iguazu Falls (weather-wise). The falls will be at their most powerful during the “wet season” though which is truly something to behold. In extremely rainy conditions though, they may close some trails and activities due to flooding or other potential dangers.

Basic Iguazu Falls packing list

The following are the things you’ll need to add to your Iguazu Falls packing list regardless of whether you plan to visit the Argentina side or the Brazil side. (But hopefully you get to visit both!) I’ll cover the more important things but leave the details to you since everyone’s personal packing needs are different. (The printable checklist has all the details though.)

Iguazu Falls travel essentials

Passport – Make sure you carry your passport with you at all times since you’ll likely be hopping the border between Argentina and Brazil a few times.
Travel insurance – Travel insurance is a must for all trips, especially those that include time in the jungle. (Plus, it’s great for so many things beyond emergencies and canceled trips.)
Yellow fever vaccine – Even though it’s not officially required by Argentina or Brazil, it’s still very strongly recommended to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you plan to visit this region. The best part? Yellow Fever vaccines offer lifelong protection. Talk to your doctor or your local Passport Health clinic ASAP.

Outlet adapters – Argentina uses Type I (China/Australia/New Zealand) and Type C (Europe) outlets so make sure you have the proper adapters if you’re coming from the US, etc. Brazil has its own type (Type N). If you have the really small ones, you should also be able to fit your Type C and 2-prong Type J (Switzerland) plugs into them. But, only if you have the micro versions that I do.
Cell phone lanyard – I don’t know how I ever traveled without a cell phone lanyard, truly. Besides being great for preventing theft, they’re also totally necessary if you plan to take photos over a boardwalk railing, over a waterfall, etc. Like, an absolute must.
Refillable water bottle – It’s probably going to be very hot and humid during your visit to Iguazu Falls and you need to stay hydrated. Insulated ones are best to keep your water super cold here.
Extra electrolytes – It never hurts to add some extra electrolytes to your water since the conditions here are so dehydrating. I always bring Liquid IV with me. (Firecracker Popsicle is my favorite!)

Sunscreen – While a lot of the walking paths here are tree-covered, much of your visit will be spent under full sun exposure. I use reef-safe Badger brand products. (Pro tip: the kids version is the same formula but smells so much better!)
Insect repellent – Whatever your go-to is for this, bring it. In lieu of a liquid spray (since I was flying carry-on only), I got these OFF! wipes instead and actually love them. Throw a few extra in your daypack since you’ll be getting wet all day.
Ziplock bags – Even though you’ll have a waterproof daypack (listed below), you’ll still want to keep at least your passport in a Ziplock just to be safe.
Small personal fan – If you’re afraid you’ll overheat in the jungle (you might), consider bringing a small personal fan with you. My friend uses both this one and this one and I’m fairly certain she’d lay down her life for these things. I’ve also seen people with these that hang around your neck.

Also read: 9 Random Things Under $15 That Make My Trips So Much Easier

On the Lower Circuit on the Argentina side

Clothing to pack for Iguazu Falls

As with all my packing guides, I won’t tell you what to wear to Iguazu Falls since everyone’s style is different. What I will do is give you some guidelines and tell you what I packed for this trip.

The main thing to know when deciding what to pack for Iguazu Falls is that you’re going to get wet and it’s (probably) going to be hot.

Tops

Tank tops – I wore a couple of stretchy workout tank tops (with built-in bras) since they’re already made for when you’re hot and sweaty. Plus, I wouldn’t have to add a suffocating bra to the equation this way. Both of my tops came from Halara, but you can find similar tops here on Amazon and REI. For men, any type of breathable sports-adjacent shirt would work.
Rash guard or sun shirt – Because the sun is pretty intense here, I also brought along a lightweight/breathable sun shirt for when I felt like I was starting to burn.
Swimsuit – Many people simply opt to wear a bathing suit to Iguazu Falls since they know they’re going to be wet all day. (FWIW, my favorites are the ones from Cupshe.)

Pro tip: I added extra bra pads to the shirt below because it’s white and I knew I’d be getting soaked. But you do you.

Bottoms

Shorts or athletic skirt – Knowing it was going to be so hot and wet, I wouldn’t wear anything but a pair of athletic shorts or a similar skirt. The skirt I wore is similar to this one from Columbia (with built-in shorts!). My shorts are simple yoga-type shorts.

Given Iguazu Falls’ location and climate, mosquito-borne illness is a concern. I debated wearing long pants during my visit, but opted out of it because being soaking wet in long pants? Ick. Instead, I generously applied insect spray and relied on my yellow fever vaccine (which I got for my trip to Peru). You can also pre-treat your clothing with Permethrin.

Thankfully, I’m one of those rare weirdos whom mosquitos simply avoid. But if you tend to attract them and worry about this, definitely consider wearing some long but lightweight pants. I prefer joggers for something like this for the ankle cuffing. I’d go ahead and pack the anti-itch cream too.

You could totally go full jumanji if you wanted (specifically, Kevin Hart’s character)

Shoes

The main thing to remember here is that all of the boardwalks and paths at Iguazu Falls are going to be soaking wet. Most are paved, but there’s a chance you’ll also be walking on grass, dirt, or mud at some point.

Whatever shoes you wear, make sure they are solid outdoor-appropriate shoes. If you go with sneakers or hiking shoes, opt for waterproof ones. And whatever you do, stay away from flimsy flip-flops or regular ol’ sneakers and socks that are just disgusting when walking around in all day soaking wet.

Personally, I wore my Teva hiking sandals so I could have the best of all worlds. They have great traction, they’re breathable, it’s fine if they get wet, and they don’t take up a lot of space in my luggage. Chacos and Keens are also built for these kinds of activities. I’ve used Amazon links here, but you can also find great selections of these at REI.

Pro tip: I’d also recommend bringing a dedicated shoe bag to keep your jungle shoes in during the rest of your trip so everything else stays clean.

Wet weather gear

When deciding what to pack for Iguazu Falls, you have to decide: Are you going to embrace getting soaked? Or try to avoid it?

I figured getting soaked here would be inevitable so I chose to embrace it and packed accordingly. Other people may choose to try to stay dry. If this is you, you’ll want to consider packing:

Rain ponchos – Something like these disposable ones are lightweight and easy to pack.
Light rain jacket – Something a little heavier than a poncho (but not a heavy raincoat), that you can use for the rest of your trip and beyond. I have the Rainier jacket from REI and love it.
Light rain pants – I’d say only wear these if the temperatures are going to be cooler because these things do not breathe. They’ll keep your pants dry, but at a very sweaty cost. (I have these from Columbia.)

Pro tip: I personally would steer clear of bringing an umbrella to Iguazu Falls. Not only will it not keep you dry, it gets so crowded in spots you’re likely to take someone’s eye out. (Especially around the chaotic Devil’s Throat.)

It’s so hot today everyone is just embracing it

Taking a boat ride?

If you have the boat ride under the falls on your itinerary, you’ll definitely want to pack an extra change of clothes. After getting fully dunked into the falls, you’ll want something dry to change into afterwards lest you ride all the way back to town in wet clothes.

Washing your clothes

If you want or need to wash your wet, dirty Iguazu Falls clothes, check with your hotel to see if they offer laundry services if you want it done the proper way.

Otherwise, I’d recommend adding a few extra things to your Argentina/Brazil packing list so you can wash your own clothes during your trip:

Scrubba bag – Wash bag for clothes that fully seals and has little scrubbies on the inside. This is what I take on most of my trips. So much easier than washing your stuff in a hotel sink.
Clothes line – It has suction cups and clips on both ends so you can hang it up almost anywhere, and a braided cord so you don’t need to bring clothespins either.
Dr. Bronner’s – You can use this stuff for washing just about anything (really!).

Accessories to pack for Iguazu Falls

Here are a few additional things to consider when deciding what to pack for Iguazu Falls:

Small waterproof daypack – Again, everything you wear and bring is going to get soaking wet. You’ll need a small backpack or dry bag for your passport, sunscreen, etc., but make sure it’s waterproof. Something like this Osprey waterproof Ultralight pack is perfect; I have this LL Bean version.
Hat – Some kind of hat will do you a lot of good here. Be sure to bring either a sun hat, a baseball cap, or whatever you prefer.
Sunglasses – Make them polarized so you can see all the fishies in the water.
Monstera earrings – Just for fun 🙂

Cool fish in Argentina | Me being hilarious in Brazil

Iguazu Falls Packing Checklist

If you haven’t already, be sure to snag the complete Iguazu Falls packing checklist here. This comprehensive list is instantly downloadable, printable, and FREE.

More info for your trip to

Hotels: Head to Booking.com for your best options. (But Expedia and Hotels.com usually have good deals too.) Or head to VRBO for the best rental properties.
Rental cars: Check out the best rental car deals here.
Travel planning: Pick up an Argentina and/or Brazil guidebook and one of these must-have Argentina and/or Brazil customs and culture guides.
Tours & activities: Check out all the great local tour options here on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Want more? See all my South America posts here.

Like this post? Have more questions about packing for Iguazu Falls? Let me know in the comments below. Have fun in the jungle!

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