Iguazu National Park Anniversary

Iguazu National Park was established on 9 November 1934, making it one of Argentina’s oldest protected areas. The anniversary is marked each November with events in Puerto Iguazú, the gateway town on the Argentine side of the falls, and occasionally with reduced or free entry to the park itself. Whether entry fees are waived on the anniversary varies by year and depends on decisions by the national parks administration (APN), so check current information from the APN or local Puerto Iguazú tourism sources in the weeks before visiting.

About the park

The park protects approximately 67,000 hectares of subtropical Atlantic Forest in Misiones province, part of a cross-border UNESCO World Heritage site that also covers the Brazilian Iguaçu National Park. At its centre is the Iguazu Falls system: 275 individual cataracts spread across a 2.7-kilometre arc on the Iguazu River, with the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) forming the dramatic focal point where the water drops roughly 80 metres.

The Argentine side of the park allows visitors to walk directly above and beside individual falls on a network of elevated walkways, which gives a different and closer perspective than the panoramic view available from Brazil. Both sides are worth visiting if time allows.

Anniversary events

The anniversary week typically sees the APN organise environmental education activities: guided wildlife walks, talks on conservation and biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest, and school visits. The town of Puerto Iguazú holds cultural programming in its central square, and local environmental groups sometimes run awareness events in the biosphere reserve buffer zone around the park.

November conditions

November falls within the wet season in Misiones province. Rainfall is higher than in the dry season (July to August), which means water volume through the falls is usually significant and the gorge fills with spray. Heat and humidity are also higher than in the cooler months. Visitor numbers in November tend to be lower than during the July school holidays, which can make the walkways and viewpoints noticeably less crowded.

Practical information

Puerto Iguazú has regular direct flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery) and from other Argentine cities. The town has hotels across all price ranges, from budget hostels to the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Brazilian side). Park entry is purchased at the gate and prices are set in Argentine pesos, which are subject to change — check the APN website for current rates before your visit.

The park opens daily from around 8am to 6pm. The Devil’s Throat walkway closes periodically when water levels are extremely high. Bring lightweight waterproof layers, insect repellent, and sun protection regardless of cloud cover.

For more detail on visiting the falls and arranging transport, see our Iguazu guide and our Iguazu airport transfers guide.