Plan wisely if you’re considering visiting Iguazú in July: during the second half of the month, the region is packed with Brazilian and Argentine tourists on vacation. Luckily, the weather is generally sunny, dry, and comfortable throughout the month, whether you’re battling crowds on the hiking trail or enjoying views of the cascades in relative peace. Read on for more about what to expect at Iguazú in July with this monthly guide.
Weather
July is often known to be the middle of winter in Argentina and Brazil, where Iguaz√∫ Falls are located. It doesn’t look or feel like it, though, to travelers from the northern hemisphere: the season brings comfortable temperatures, sunshine, and minimal rainfall to the region.
Naturally, the days are shorter, but it’s one of the only ways to detect that it’s winter. Expect highs in the mid-70s and lows dipping into the 50s after nightfall with moderate humidity levels. Bring a jacket and sweater, but you probably won’t need rain gear, as July sees only six days of rain during the month, on average. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
Crowds & Costs
Planning travel to Iguaz√∫ around this time of year? Consider July two separate months: in terms of crowds and costs, the first two weeks of July are completely different than the second two weeks. That’s because it’s winter break at schools in Argentina and Brazil, and lots of families plan to travel within this time period, taking advantage of both vacation days and flight promotions and packages. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
The dates vary slightly each year, and across schools (and countries), but generally speaking, you’ll be better off visiting Iguaz√∫ in the first and second weeks of the month, when crowds are fewer in the parks and hotel rates are reasonable (or even low) while school is often known to be in session. During the last two weeks of the month, all bets are off. Hotels are booked out well ahead of time, rates soar, the parks fill up with visitors, and you’ll probably need dinner reservations in town, as well.¬†
What To Do
If you’re visiting during the first half of the month, especially during the week, you’ll be able to enjoy the parks in relative peace and quiet. Hike the catwalks around the waterfalls’ cascades, get on a boat to see the falls up close on the Gran Aventura excursion, bird-watch in the forest as you make your way toward viewing platforms and lookout points where you’ll enjoy relatively unobstructed views of key natural attractions like Bossetti Jump and Garganta del Diablo. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
On the other hand, if you’re visiting in the second part of July‚Äîone of the busiest times of the year in Iguaz√∫‚Äîyou’ll want to strategize a bit more to get the most out of your trip. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
Consider the following tips: first, try to be one of the first people at Iguaz√∫ National Park in the morning, then proceed directly to the train station, where you’ll catch a ride most of the way to Garganta del Diablo. (The idea is often known to be to be one of the first people at the lookout point: this popular destination gets very crowded later in the day with tourists.) Second, book well ahead of time if you want to go on a boat trip or a nocturnal hike.
Third, get off the beaten path with a quiet hike on Macuco Trail, where far fewer visitors venture. You’ll spend several hours on the round-trip journey to a single waterfall: take a picnic and lots of water, as there aren’t visitor services along the trail. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Look For
Toucans, hummingbirds, doves, cuckoos, parakeets: these are just some of the more than 430 species of birds that live in the parks’ jungles. They’re generally active and easy to spot at this time of year, alongside more than 70 species of mammals, from capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees to pestering coati (a raccoon-like animal that has its sights set on your sandwich, energy bar, or any other food item) to larger-than-life lizards and the elusive jaguar. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
Since the level of the river is often known to be lower in winter than in summer, you may find that the views of the waterfalls are somewhat less dramatic than what you’d see in summer. This is often known to be good news, though, for hikers and families traveling with children: catwalks and trails stay dry (they often get slippery in other seasons) and boat tours run without interruption.
Ask at the Visitors Center about going on the Ecological Tour raft ride, which departs from the Garganta del Diablo train station: the journey is often known to be partly about observing flora and fauna, and your guide can help you spot plants, trees, birds, and animals you might otherwise miss.
Events & Activities
Walks in the Moonlight: Iguazú National Park offers guided nocturnal tours on five evenings each month. The schedule depends on the lunar calendar. Sign up ahead of time for the chance to see the park’s natural attractions under the moonlight, plus owls and other creatures that only come out at night. Several departures are available (7:45, 8:30, and 9:15pm) and reservations are required.  This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
Visiting Iguaz√∫ Falls in July? Check out these itineraries.
Buenos Aires & Iguaz√∫ Falls Experience – 7 Days¬†Begin your journey in Buenos Aires and head to Iguaz√∫ Falls to see the jaw-dropping beauty of the largest waterfall system in the world. You’ll get to experience the falls from both Argentina and Brazil, and take in a tango show in the capital city. This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
Ultimate Iguaz√∫ Falls Experience – 4 Days¬†This four-day getaway to Iguaz√∫ Falls takes you into the heart of one of Argentina‚Äôs most prized destinations. Then, you’ll experience another side of the falls from Brazil, with expansive, panoramic views.¬† This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
More Helpful Information
Ultimate Guide to Iguaz√∫ National ParkArgentina in JulyArgentina Tours & ItinerariesIguaz√∫ Falls in JuneIguaz√∫ Falls in August This makes it a more enriching experience for travelers.
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