Originally Posted by
invisible
Having a business trip to Porto Alegre. I am researching if it worth effort and are there reasonable options to visit iguazu falls during weekend.
Originally Posted by
invisible
I can't find much information in English how to get to falls from Porto Alegre except via plane. While there is a direct flight, it is definitely not cheap - US $370 for a round trip.
Domestic airlines are:
LATAM
GOL
Avianca
Azul
When purchased sufficiently ahead of time, airfare is usually pretty close to bus fare in Brazil.
Originally Posted by
invisible
Is there an option to get there via sleeper bus? Does renting a car and driving is a reasonable alternative? Or get there (by bus or plane) and rent a car to drive around?
.
Probably there is a sleeper bus. Check at
www.buscaonibus.com.br or the RomeToRio site.
if you haven’t driven in Brazil, you probably don’t want to/shouldn’t.
There is local bus transportation and taxis to get around the park area.
Originally Posted by
invisible
How about lodging? Where to stay - on Brazilian or Argentine side (assuming that I have passports giving me visa free access to both countries), if I do not want much beyond clean bed and room?
Stay on the side yu are flying OUT of.
Originally Posted by
invisible
Do I have to purchase park entrance for both sides, or purchasing on one side gives access to both? If former, do I have to have cash or it is possible to use credit cards? If latter, which side is preferable moneywise?.
Two separate countries, two separate parks.
Cash. Reais for Brazil. Pesos for Argentina.
Originally Posted by
invisible
How about border crossing, stamps, etc? Can I use one passport to enter/leave Brazil and another passport for Argentina?
You have to stop at the border booth to stamp out of one country and then at the other country’s booth to stamp in to that country.
Why would you switch passports? Presumably you have a visa in your US passport for the business trip. US passport holders no longer have to pay a reciprocity fee for Argentina.
Originally Posted by
invisible
Any potential pitfalls I am not aware of? Advices? Warnings?
Buses to the falls area carry Brazilians going to Cidade del Este in Paraguay with lots of cash to buy merchandise for their small shops. Robbers know this. These bus routes are vulnerable, especially after dark.