Iguazu Devil's Throat Circuit: October 2026 Update

· 3 min read Travel News
Iguazu Falls lower circuit walkway on the Argentine side with spray rising from the cascades

Latest update: see our Iguazu Falls flooding closure update (15 October 2026).

The Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) circuit at Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side has been closed since 16 August 2026 due to elevated water levels in the Iguazu River. The circuit, which takes visitors along a series of walkways to the observation platform above the main waterfall, was suspended to protect the infrastructure and ensure visitor safety during high water conditions.

Planning an Iguazu visit? Most Iguazu Falls tours are still running with free cancellation, so you can book flexibly. Compare hotels in Iguazu or read our where to stay in Iguazu guide, see the Iguazu Falls visitor guide, and arrange your Iguazu airport transfer.

At current flow rates, the 90-day closure period places the expected reopening around mid-November 2026. That timeline is subject to river conditions, which vary with rainfall in the Brazilian and Paraguayan headwaters. We will update this article when Argentina’s National Parks Administration (Administración de Parques Nacionales) announces a confirmed reopening date.

What Remains Open on the Argentine Side

The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls continues to operate two full circuits and remains one of the most complete waterfall experiences in South America even with Devil’s Throat closed.

Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior) takes you to the base of 10 individual falls, including Salto Bossetti and Salto San Martín. You reach the spray level on the canyon floor and get closest to the sheer scale of each cascade. The circuit is 1.5km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Bring a waterproof layer; the spray at the lower viewpoints soaks clothing within minutes.

Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior) is a 1.1km elevated walkway running above the falls for panoramic views over the top of the cascade system. This is the better option for wide photography and for visitors who prefer a drier experience. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.

Isla San Martín is accessible by a short free boat transfer from the Lower Circuit. The island sits between the Argentine falls and Salto San Martín and offers viewpoints not visible from either main circuit. Boat access operates when water levels permit, so confirm availability at the visitor centre on the day.

What About the Brazilian Side

The Brazilian side (Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu) is not affected by the Argentine circuit closure. Its single 1.2km panoramic walkway runs along the base of the Argentine falls and remains fully open. The Brazilian side is the better option for a front-on view of the full horseshoe; the Argentine side gives greater variety and closer access to individual falls. Most visitors who have time do both.

Practical Notes for October Visits

Entry to the Argentine park is at the Cataratas del Iguazú entrance. The visitor centre, Tren Ecológico (connecting the entrance to both circuit trailheads), and all park services continue to operate normally.

Park entry fees are set in Argentine pesos and adjusted for inflation periodically. As of October 2026, international visitor entry runs approximately ARS 12,000 (around USD 11 at the official exchange rate). Check current prices on the APN website or with your accommodation before arrival.

October weather at Iguazu averages 25 to 30°C with high humidity. Morning visits reach the falls before the tour groups that arrive by midday. If you arrive by 08:00 when the gates open, you can complete both the Lower and Upper circuits before the main wave arrives.

Getting There and Tours

Puerto Iguazú is the Argentine gateway town, with its own airport (IGR) receiving daily flights from Buenos Aires Aeroparque via Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSmart. The park entrance is 18km from Puerto Iguazú by road.

See current Iguazu Falls tours on GetYourGuide for day trips, boat experiences, and combined Argentine-Brazilian itineraries. For accommodation, search hotels in Iguazú to find properties ranging from budget hostels in Puerto Iguazú to the Sheraton on the park boundary.

Our full Iguazu Falls guide has park logistics, where to stay, and how to split the visit across two days. The things to do in Iguazu page covers activity options beyond the falls circuits.

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