Is Iguazu Falls Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Street touts near the main square in Puerto Iguazú and outside hotel lobbies offer unofficial USD-to-peso exchange at rates above the official bank rate, appealing to tourists who know about the Argentine informal exchange market. In practice, these exchangers frequently provide counterfeit bills, short-count bundles, or switch genuine notes for lower denominations mid-count. The informal exchange rate advantage disappears entirely if even one counterfeit bill is received.

How to avoid: Use licensed casas de cambio or withdraw Argentine pesos from ATMs using the official rate. If you use informal exchange, count every note individually in a well-lit place before walking away.

Where: Near Plaza San Martín in Puerto Iguazú, along Av. Córdoba between the bus terminal and the town center

Unlicensed taxi drivers operating near Puerto Iguazú bus terminal and the Brazilian side border crossing have been linked to express kidnapping incidents where tourists are driven to ATMs and forced to withdraw cash. These vehicles often pose as legitimate remises and approach visitors exiting the national park or arriving late at night. The risk is highest after dark and during peak tourist season when official taxis are harder to hail.

How to avoid: Only use radio-dispatched remises booked through your hotel, or official taxi ranks with marked vehicles. Never accept unsolicited ride offers near the terminal or border crossing.

Where: Puerto Iguazú bus terminal on Av. Córdoba, Argentine side border crossing at Puente Tancredo Neves