Foz do Iguaçu infrastructure combines international connectivity, a well-established tourism industry and a complete urban structure with one of the most diverse tourism networks in Brazil. Located in western Paraná, in the Trinational Region, the city is connected to Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, creating a strategic location for visitors traveling through South America.
Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU)
Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) is one of the main gateways to the destination. In January 2025, the airport completed a modernization project with investments of approximately R$350 million, doubling its annual passenger capacity from 2 million to 4 million.
The project expanded the passenger terminal by approximately 5,000 square meters, added more than 30 check-in counters, automated baggage systems and a new international departure area connected to aircraft through boarding bridges. The airport’s runway is 2,705 meters long, increasing its operational capacity and allowing the airport to receive larger aircraft.
The airport also holds Level 1 certification from the international Airport Carbon Accreditation program, recognizing its efforts in carbon management and sustainability.
In 2025, the airport handled more than 2.2 million passengers, an increase of almost 12% compared with the previous year. In 2026, Foz continues to work on expanding its international air connectivity and attracting new routes.
How to Get to Foz do Iguaçu: International Air Connections
Foz do Iguaçu is connected to international markets through a combination of direct flights, domestic connections and the integrated transport network of the Trinational Region. This makes the destination accessible to travelers from South America and from overseas, even when there is no direct flight from their city of origin to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU).
The city’s main gateway is Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU), located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center and close to the destination’s main tourist attractions. The airport has a direct international connection with Santiago, Chile, operated by JetSMART, providing a non-stop option for travelers from Chile.
But, Foz can also be reached directly from major Brazilian hubs, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and Curitiba, allowing international travelers to connect to Foz after arriving in Brazil.
Curitiba: a gateway between Europe, South America and Foz
Curitiba has become an increasingly relevant gateway for international travelers heading to Foz do Iguaçu. Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) has direct international flights to Lisbon, Lima, Santiago and Buenos Aires, among other destinations.
From Curitiba, travelers can continue their journey to Foz do Iguaçu on direct domestic flights. This creates convenient one-stop itineraries such as:
Lisbon → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu
Lima → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu
Santiago → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu
Buenos Aires → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu
The Lisbon connection is particularly relevant for European travelers, as Lisbon is an important international hub with connections to several destinations across Europe and beyond.
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília: major international gateways
For travelers coming from destinations in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America that do not have a direct connection to Foz, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília serve as important gateways.
São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) has one of the largest international networks in South America, with direct connections to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. From São Paulo, travelers can take a direct flight to Foz do Iguaçu.
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Brasília International Airport (BSB) also offer international connections and direct flights to Foz, providing additional alternatives for international visitors.
This network means that travelers arriving from major international markets can generally reach Foz do Iguaçu with one flight connection in Brazil, depending on the origin and available schedules.
Puerto Iguazú: another gateway to the destination
Foz do Iguaçu’s location in the Trinational Region creates another important access option. Travelers can arrive at Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR), in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, and continue to Foz do Iguaçu by road.
The airport has direct connections with cities including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and Salta. This makes the Argentine side of the region an alternative gateway, particularly for travelers who want to experience the three countries, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, during the same trip.
In this case, Puerto Iguazú is not an air connection to Foz, but a regional gateway connected to Foz by land.
Main International Routes and Connections to Foz do Iguaçu
| International origin | Gateway | Route to Foz do Iguaçu | Access |
| 🇨🇱 Santiago, Chile | Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) | Santiago → Foz do Iguaçu | Direct |
| 🇨🇱 Santiago, Chile | Curitiba (CWB) | Santiago → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal | Curitiba (CWB) | Lisbon → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇵🇪 Lima, Peru | Curitiba (CWB) | Lima → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires, Argentina | Curitiba (CWB) | Buenos Aires → Curitiba → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires, Argentina | Puerto Iguazú (IGR) | Buenos Aires → Puerto Iguazú → Foz do Iguaçu | Plane + road |
| 🇦🇷 Córdoba, Argentina | Puerto Iguazú (IGR) | Córdoba → Puerto Iguazú → Foz do Iguaçu | Plane + road |
| 🇦🇷 Rosario, Argentina | Puerto Iguazú (IGR) | Rosario → Puerto Iguazú → Foz do Iguaçu | Plane + road |
| 🇦🇷 Salta, Argentina | Puerto Iguazú (IGR) | Salta → Puerto Iguazú → Foz do Iguaçu | Plane + road |
| 🇺🇸 United States | São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro | USA → Brazil → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro | Canada → Brazil → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro | UK → Brazil → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇫🇷 France | São Paulo | France → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | São Paulo | Germany → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | São Paulo | Italy → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro | Spain → Brazil → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | São Paulo | Netherlands → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | São Paulo | Switzerland → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | São Paulo | UAE → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | São Paulo | Qatar → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | São Paulo | South Africa → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu | 1 air connection |
Note: Flight routes and frequencies are subject to airline schedules, seasonality and operational changes. The table indicates possible air connections based on the current scheduled network and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that all routes operate daily or that all segments are sold as a single ticket. For travel planning, passengers should always check the airline’s current schedule.
Foz do Iguaçu infrastructure: Road Connections and the Trinational Region
The city is also connected to major Brazilian destinations by road and has an international bus network linking Foz do Iguaçu to cities in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
Its location at the Trinational Region is one of its greatest logistical advantages. Visitors can combine three countries in a single trip, with Foz do Iguaçu as a base for exploring the region.
The International Friendship’s Bridge connects Brazil and Paraguay, while the Tancredo Neves International Bridge connects Brazil and Argentina.
A new connection between Brazil and Paraguay, the Integration Bridge, has also been completed. However, its operation is being implemented gradually, at the moment just allowing trucks and Freight transport.
Hotels and Accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu has a large and diverse accommodation network. The city currently has 122 accommodation establishments with active permits and more than 29,000 beds, including hotels, resorts and inns.
The scale of this network allows the destination to accommodate both leisure travelers and large groups attending congresses, conventions and international events. In 2025, the average annual hotel occupancy rate was 69.94%, the highest recorded by the city’s tourism monitoring in recent years.
Events, Conventions and Business in Foz do Iguaçu Infrastructure
Foz do Iguaçu has an established structure for corporate, scientific, cultural and sporting events. The city has 95 registered event spaces distributed across 26 establishments, with a simultaneous capacity of 37,910 people.
This structure allows the destination to host different formats, from small meetings to large congresses, conventions and exhibitions.
The city’s performance in the international events sector also reinforces this infrastructure. According to the ICCA ranking, Foz do Iguaçu was the third Brazilian destination that hosted the most international association events in 2024, with 16 events, behind only São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Healthcare, Shopping and Everyday Services in Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is not only a tourist destination. It is a regional urban center with services that make longer stays more convenient.
Visitors can find hospitals, medical services, pharmacies, banks, supermarkets, restaurants and other everyday services throughout the city. The destination also has shopping centers, like the JL Shopping and Shopping Catuaí Palladium, besides commercial areas and a wide range of retail services.
For international visitors, this urban structure means that essential services are available beyond the tourist attractions, providing greater convenience and autonomy during their stay.
While its location on the border with Paraguay and Argentina adds international shopping opportunities to the travel experience.
The Trinational Region and Foz do Iguaçu infrastructure allows visitors to combine sightseeing with shopping, gastronomy and entertainment, making Foz more than a destination focused exclusively on nature.
Gastronomy and Cultural Diversity
The city’s tourism infrastructure is complemented by a diverse gastronomic scene. Foz do Iguaçu’s population and tourism industry reflect the cultural diversity of the Trinational Region, with Brazilian, Argentine, Paraguayan, Arab, Asian and other international influences represented in the city’s restaurants and commercial areas.
This diversity gives visitors the opportunity to experience different cultures without leaving the destination.
Tourist Attractions in Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu infrastructure in tourism is supported by a broad network of attractions. The Iguazu Falls are the city’s main international symbol, but visitors can also explore the Iguaçu National Park, Itaipu’s Dam, Bird Park, Three border landmarks, religious and cultural attractions, theme parks, adventure experiences, gastronomy and entertainment complexes.
The strength of this network is reflected in international recognition. In the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice – Best of the Best 2025, the Iguazu Falls were named the best tourist attraction in Brazil and South America and ranked 22nd among the world’s top attractions.
Tourist Assistance
Visitors also have access to the city’s Tourist Information Center (CAT), operated by the Municipal Tourism Department. The service provides information about attractions, accommodation, gastronomy and tourism services, helping travelers plan their stay and access reliable information.
An Internationally Recognized Destination
Foz do Iguaçu infrastructure has been accompanied by international recognition. In 2024, the city received two trophies at the Ibero-American Smart Tourism Destinations Awards, in the categories of Innovation and Technology and Data Management.
In 2023, Foz do Iguaçu was the only South American destination included in Booking.com’s global top 10 destinations for a more sustainable stay, based on the number of accommodation properties participating in its Sustainable Travel program.
Together with its international tourism awards, event performance, airport infrastructure, accommodation capacity and location at the Trinational Region, these elements putFoz do Iguaçu as a destination prepared to receive visitors from all over the world.
