Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park at the park entrance, walk past the Estación Central to the start of the Sendero Macuco. The trail runs north-east through subtropical forest, almost level, on a narrow earth path among tall trees, vines and ferns. Monkeys and coatis live in the forest, which is loud with birds. It ends at the Salto Arrechea, a waterfall dropping into a pool on a stream that runs down to the Iguazú. Return the same way.
It is 8.2 km there and back and almost level; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a flat earth path that can be muddy after rain.
The park charges for entry and for the car park, and lets visitors in until 16:00. The trail is for walkers only. Ask at the visitor centre for the trail leaflet, and keep your distance from the animals: coatis bite.
Summer is hot, humid and stormy: carry water and insect repellent, and start early, when the forest is cooler and the birds are most active.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The trail is named after the macuco, the solitary tinamou, a ground bird of the forest
- It ends at the Salto Arrechea, a waterfall on a stream running down to the Iguazú
- Monkeys, coatis and many forest birds live along the way
- The trail is for walkers only, a quiet contrast to the crowded walkways at the falls
Getting there
Start: Iguazú National Park car park. -25.68459, -54.45438
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Iguazú: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.