Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: the only hotel inside the National Park

Direct answer: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel INSIDE Iguaçu National Park, on the Brazilian side. Its big draw is access to the Falls early morning and late afternoon, when the park is closed to day visitors. It has 187 Portuguese-colonial rooms, two restaurants and a pool. It is a five-star luxury hotel, so it is expensive; worth it if you want the Falls without the crowds.

Why it is unique

It is the only hotel inside the national park (BR side). The pink Portuguese-colonial building sits steps from the Falls trail. As a guest you enter the walkways before the park opens and after it closes to the public, seeing the falls almost alone, in the best light.

What it offers

There are 187 units in six categories, from about 20 m² to 63 m². Two restaurants (Ipê, by the pool, and Itaipu, with a terrace), a pool heated in colder months, a spa and rainforest lounges. The Forbes Travel Guide rates it five stars.

Is it worth it?

If your budget allows, seeing the Falls outside crowd hours is rare worldwide. For lower prices, there are many options outside the park (see where to stay in Foz). First, check when to go for shorter queues and the rainbow chance.

Source: Belmond and Visit Iguassu (hotel data).