Ciudad del Este
Cross the Friendship Bridge to reach one of South America's largest duty-free trade cities, full of electronics, perfumes and general merchandise, and experience the bustle of the tri-border area.
Ciudad del Este lies on the west bank of the Paraná River and is connected to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil by the Friendship Bridge. It is Paraguay's second-largest city and one of South America's largest duty-free trade zones. Streets are packed with shopping malls and stalls selling electronics, cosmetics, perfumes, liquor and outdoor gear, and there are many Chinese and Lebanese traders. From the Brazilian side, you can take a bus or taxi across the bridge, though traffic often jams, or you can walk. Shop at reputable malls such as Shopping París and Monalisa, keep your receipts, and watch out for counterfeit goods and pickpockets. Brazil limits the duty-free allowance on entry. Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Paraguay, so confirm this before you leave. You can also take an international bus from the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazú.
Opening hours
Market approx. 07:00–15:00 (many stalls closed on Sundays)
Nearby sights
- Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque
- Chen Tien Buddhist Temple
- Monday Falls
- Triple Frontier Landmark (Marco das Três Fronteiras)
- La Feirinha (Puerto Iguazú)
- Itaipu Dam
- La Aripuca
- Güirá Oga Wildlife Refuge