Ciudad del Este

This city is the most eastern city of the country. There are more than 300.000 people living (and thus the second city of the country, in the region another 200.000 people live) and is the capital of the province of Alto Paraná. It is linked to the Brazilian city Foz do Iguaçu with a bridge (the Friendship Bridge, 1964) across the Paraná River, which is the base for one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

The city was initially called Puerto Flor de Lis. It is a young city, because it was founded only in 1957 (at the expense of the rainforest here) and was also named by the then ruling dictator, Puerto Presidente Stroessner (although that name was only used for a very short time).

Because of the dam (Itaipu Dam), this city is also the largest electricity producer in Paraguay. It is also responsible for 50% the Gross National Product for. It is a major trading city. Many Brazilians come shopping here, hence there are several major shopping malls and there are many stalls on the street too.

Because of the commercial interest, there are many nationalities in the city and also many foreign investors. The city is also near Argentina and is therefore also referred to as the three-border city. The city has also served as a decor for many American series such as JAG, Miami Vice and NCIS.

There is a treaty with Brazil since 2016 that you can move freely within a radius of 30 kilometer circle. That means you can move in both countries without control, including the waterfalls. If you want to go to Argentina, this will not apply (you must also have a visa if you are moving from Paraguay to Brazil).

Like any big city, crime is higher here and is called the city as unsafe, which does not mean you should feel insecure immediately, but certainly show off with expensive stuff. The economy of the city flourishes, especially by buyers from Brazil (no tax payable here)

The city can be reached by road and by plane. There is also a boat connection to Argentina. Of course, you should not miss the Igazu waterfalls when you are here, but you need to go to Brazil or Argentina. There are buses that drive here. Also, the Itaipu (singing stone) dam should not be missed. You can visit this from both the Brazilian side as from the Paraguay side. The dam was opened in 1984 and has been built in 24 years. Because the young city is, there are no old buildings, only the cathedral is an attraction. There is also a large park with a lake and a few museums. Of course there are enough hotels. The parking of a car on the street is not advised, you can better take a hotel with an own parking facility. In the evenings you can better avoid the street.

To the north of the city is Tati Yupi Nature Reserve (licensed only) and south of the city you can find the Saltos Monday waterfall.

First published: 29 October 2017
Last update: 29 October 2017
© A. Heeroma

  • Travel route