As the only hotel in Iguaçu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas offers a front-row seat to the magnificent Iguaçu Falls.
An elaborate pink Portuguese colonial–style building houses 187 guest rooms, alongside a spacious pool and spa – all surrounded by tropical gardens filled with orchids, tropical fruit trees, tapirs and exotic birds.
But the hotel’s defining feature is, without a doubt, its location. The lawns lead down to a splendid lookout over Iguaçú Falls, and guests have privileged access to the falls outside of the park’s opening hours.
What we love about Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
- Exclusive access to Iguaçu Falls at dawn and after closing, when the park is free of day visitors.
- Classic interiors: hardwood colonial-style furnishings, hand-painted Portuguese tiles, marble-topped vanities, and artwork depicting local flora and fauna by Brazilian artist Ludmilla de Montes.
- Expansive grounds with tropical gardens, tennis courts, and a large swimming pool lined with palm trees.
- A wide program of experiences, from white-water rafting and helicopter flights over the gorge to jungle treks, tennis, golf and birding.
- Two restaurants – a relaxed poolside eatery, and a more formal dining room serving international dishes with a Brazilian touch.
- A well-appointed spa offering restorative treatments after time spent exploring the park and the falls.
Wake at first light and walk through the park to witness the immense power of the falls before they open to day visitors.
Head up the Iguaçu River aboard a speedboat for a drenching pass beneath the falls, or take to the air by helicopter to appreciate their sheer scale. Set aside time for the Argentine side of the falls for a different, closer perspective.
After exploring the national park, return to the open-air poolside restaurant, and settle in for a glass of wine and Brazilian barbecue with the sound of the falls thundering nearby.
If your stay coincides with the full moon, look out for the lunar rainbow. Moonlight catches the spray rising from the water, creating pale arcs of colour – a rare sight reserved for those staying within the park.
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas has an unrivalled location being the only hotel within Brazil’s Iguazu National Park.
There are direct flights to Foz de Iguaçu (IGU) from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. From Foz do Iguacu airport, it’s a 20 minute drive to arrive at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas.
For those coming from Argentina, there are direct flights to Cataratas International Airport (IGR) from cities across Argentina, such as Salta, Buenos Aires and Córdoba. From there, it’s a 1 hour drive to the hotel.
When to Travel
The falls can be visited year-round, with the sweet spots being from late March to May, and from August to early October. Late March to May brings drier conditions, sunshine and fewer visitors (excluding over Easter). August to early October is cooler and also well suited to exploring the surrounding rainforest. Water levels are slightly lower at these times, but the falls remain hugely impressive.
Between December and February, the falls are at their highest water levels, but the high rainfall can mean some hiking trails are closed, and the park is typically crowded as Brazilians and Argentinians take their summer holidays.
ENQUIRE NOWCONTACT US
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our bespoke holidays and luxury stays across Brazil.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
