I wouldn't try to make it tighter, the falls are easily worth two full days. (For photo evidence: http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/South-America-2012 ) It is generally recommended to do the Brazilian side first.

Based on the advice in the Fodors' guidebook I stayed on the Argentinian side (I was doing what you are planning, but in the other direction). I took a bus from the Puerto Iguazú bus station directly to/from the Brazilian falls, and another bus to/from Argentinian falls. Although I crossed the border by bus when I arrived, with children I would suggest taking a taxi, but I can't help with the cost.

Option 2 makes more sense to me. I did much the same as Thursdaysd and traveled between the two places by bus on a couple of occasions. The bus was very cheap but our did involve a change en route.

Can't help with the cost of a taxi but your hotel or hostal should be able to sort out a deal for you either just a cab or maybe an inclusive tour.

The bus from Puerto Iguazú to the Brazilian falls was direct, as was the bus from Puerto Iguazú to the Argentinian falls. I believe that the bus from the airport to the town on the same side of the border would also be direct, but I know that the bus from the Brazilian airport to Puerto Iguazú is not direct, which is why I suggested a taxi for that leg.

I think that a taxi TO the airport will be cheaper than a taxi FROM the airport, but you can check with your hotel. Note that if you opt to stay in one of the hotels IN the parks, you will have to eat there (or take taxis) and it will be expensive.

Thanks for the replies. I will certainly consider the ideas. Is it better to do the boat trip or the helicopter tour from the Brazilian side or the Argentinian side?

Believe it or not, I have never been to Iguazú, but I believe the helicopter tour is only done on the Brazilian side.

Besides that, I consider it anti-ecological, but that's just me.

Have a great time in our country.

dukkar - I did neither, so can't help.

avrooster - Iguazu is absolutely spectacular, better than Niagara. You should consider going! (But probably better in the spring - more water.)

The Argentina side has various paths and takes an entire day to visit. The Brazil side is a lot easier to visit, it is run more Disney Land style with a tourist bus that takes you to the one walkway you’ll follow.

It would make sense to stay in Argentina and see that side of the falls first.

There is a boat trip you can take on the Argentina side that is free; it is like a ferry that takes you to an island between the falls. You have to go there earlier in the day; they stop running sooner than they say they do… http://www.iguazuargentina.com/isla-san-martin/

I believe the helicopter flight is only from the Brazil side http://www.cataratasdoiguacu.com.br/portal/

Thanks. Yes, helicopter tours are available only on the Brazilian side. I agree with everyone that I should do the Argentinian side the first day and the Brazilian side the next day.

And since the Brazilian side takes less time, I am thinking of flying out to Rio that same late afternoon or evening. If I can do that, then don't you think staying in Foz do Iguaçu makes sense so we are not rushed and we can keep the luggage at the hotel after checking out?

So the plan would be:
Day 1: Fly into Puerto Iguazú, and catch a taxi to go to a hotel in Foz do Iguaçu (close to park).
Day 2: See the Argentinian side of the falls. Back in Brazil, do one of the following: Helicopter tour (Brazilian side) or visit Bird Park (Brazilian side).
Day 3: See the Brazilian side of the falls. IF time permits, do either the Helicopter tour or visit Bird Park. Then, catch a flight to Rio from Foz do Iguaçu.

How does this sound? Would I need to buy the Park ticket (Brazilian side) on Day 2 to do the Helicopter tour or visit the Bird Park? If yes, then that would be bad because I would have to buy the Park ticket (Brazilian side) again on Day 3, correct?

Actually, I would recommend doing the Brazilian side first. The falls are on the Argentinian side, you look across at them from Brazil. All the recs I saw were to do Brazil first, and it's what I did. Also, Fodors seemed to think that the Argentinian town was safer.

thursdaysd:

The Argentinian side takes a longer time than the Brazilian side so I want to keep the shorter activity for the day I am flying to Rio. Plus, if there are any visa stamping delays/lines getting back to the Brazilian side from Argentina on that day, I would be stressed out thinking I'll be missing the flight.

Thanks,
D

Foz town is worth wandering around for a few hours. I had read about it begin unsafe but found it perfectly ok and had no problems whatsoever. The views from the Argentine side tke you up close to the falls, whereas on the Brazilian side the views are more panoramic. Both sides are great and rate high up on my top places to visit around the world. When we we there 4 years ago the border immigration seemed entirely voluntary. One day we drove straight trough on the bus without bothering ( on the instruction of the bus driver) the next day we stopped to get our passports stamped. It only took a few minutes. Having said that we are UK nationals and don't need visas for either country.

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Here are some taxi fares from a trip earlier this year. These seem to be standard prices for tourists, though I suspect you can do much better if you speak the language(s).

From IGU airport to Foz: 45 BRL (about $25)

A part-day trip from Foz to the Brazilian side of the falls and back:
120 BRL (about $65)

From Foz to the Argentine side of the falls (Sheraton): 80 BRL (about $44)

From the Sheraton to IGU airport: 250 ARS, but I actually paid in USD: $50

I didn't use IGR (airport on the Argentine side), nor visit Puerto, so don't know the fares there.