Getting around — Iguazu & South

Access to Iguazu-Southern Brazil region is mainly by domestic flights from Rio, São Paulo and other major Brazilian cities.

For Iguazu, Cataratas International Airport (IGU) in Foz do Iguaçu Brazilian side is the main hub: daily flights from Rio (2h, €100-200 return), São Paulo (1h30, €80-180, more frequent, Latam and Gol hub), Curitiba (1h, €80-150), Brasília (2h30, €150-300), Cuiabá (1h30, €150-300, ideal for Pantanal + Iguazu combination). To visit Argentinian side, possibility to arrive at Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR) in Puerto Iguazú from Buenos Aires (2h, €100-200) — useful for travellers combining Argentina and Brazil. From IGU airport to Foz centre: taxi 50-70 BRL (€10-12), Uber 30-50 BRL. From Foz centre to Brazilian side park: line 120 public bus (4-5 BRL, 30 min), taxi 50-70 BRL, hotel shuttle by booking. Brazil-Argentina border crossing: taxi or bus to Tancredo Neves bridge (15 min from Foz), standard customs formalities (passport required), Argentinian bus or taxi to Puerto Iguazú (15 min) then bus 11 to Argentinian side park. Expect 1h-1h30 total transfer. One-day guided excursion including border crossing €50-80/person.

For Curitiba, Afonso Pena Airport (CWB) is served from Rio (1h15, €80-150), São Paulo (1h, €60-130), Florianópolis (1h, €80-150). City centre 15 km away, taxi 50-70 BRL. The Serra Verde Express train departs from Curitiba central station — recommended booking (quick fills, €60-100/person first class return), 3h30 journey to Morretes with same-day return or overnight stay.

For Florianópolis, Hercílio Luz Airport (FLN) is served from Rio (1h30, €100-200 return), São Paulo (1h, €80-150), Foz do Iguaçu (1h30, €100-200). Airport 12 km from city centre, taxi 60-80 BRL (€10-14), Uber 40-60 BRL. Florianópolis is an island connected to the mainland by 3 bridges — traffic can be heavy in summer. Car rental recommended (Hertz, Localiza, Movida, €30-50/day) to explore the island's 42 beaches, otherwise Uber/99 work well (€5-15 per ride). Efficient public bus between main beaches (4 BRL per trip). The Trolley Floripa (tourist bus) covers main points of interest (€40/day).

For Serra Gaúcha (Gramado, Canela, Bento Gonçalves), Porto Alegre Salgado Filho Airport (POA) is the entry point, then 2h drive to Gramado.

Inter-region connections. Foz do Iguaçu to Florianópolis: direct flight 1h30 (€100-200 return). Foz do Iguaçu to Curitiba: direct flight 1h or 9h night bus (50-80 BRL). Curitiba to Florianópolis: 1h flight or 5h bus (40-60 BRL). Foz do Iguaçu to Porto Alegre: direct flight or via São Paulo.