Ciudad del Este

Eco-friendly travel guide to Ciudad del Este advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

Skyline of Ciudad del Este

Air quality: 3.0 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.0 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3.5 / 5

Public transportation: 3.8 / 5

Parks: 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 2.5/ 5

Locals' English level: 2.5 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$10 - $15

Budget per day: US$40 - $45

Responsible Travel

Ciudad del Este is one of the cities in Paraguay, a country in South America. The country is rich in its historical background, and so is the case of Ciudad Del Este. When you go to visit Paraguay, there is no way you can skip visiting Ciudad Del Este. However, you travel to Ciudad Del Este; you must indulge in the practice of responsible travel so that you can maintain the poise and dignity of this beautiful country. Here are a few ways when you can travel responsibly:

Using the types of public transportation methods: It is the best way to get access to Ciudad Del Este's local life and a crucial to think environmentally to make the right choices. Travelling with using public transport helps reduce the carbon footprints and lower the city's degree of pollution.
Hire a bicycle: One of the economical ways to get around the city is the bicycle. You can rent a bicycle and enjoy it as it is an excellent way of transportation that is environmentally sustainable and extremely affordable.
Being respectful: You must show your respect to other countries' community and traditions while you are travelling to somewhere unknown. It is sure that you come across different traditions and customs, so you must try your best to respect somebody else's community's traditions and customs.
It is not likely acceptable for any foreign place you visit and litter around. This is the reason why you should travel with an extra bag where you can dispose of any waste article.
No wasting of water and food: As Paraguay is one of South America's landlocked countries, it is a bit difficult to get the resources. When you try new food, make sure you test it before you invest in it. You must also make sure to reserve water and not waste it.
Shop local: As an eco-friendly traveller, it is natural you take some memoirs when you leave Ciudad Del Este. You can easily buy traditional artworks and other things from the locals. Not only you get something that is made with care love, but you will also be able to support the local community instead of making it the rich richer.
Sustainable hotels for stay: Staying sustainably always counts as the best if you are travelling responsibly. It directly means that your hotel uses the solar power supply, which is ultimately great for reusing and recycling if you are travelling eco-friendly.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Ciudad del Este, when taken into consideration, was found that it is slightly unhealthy. Some days, the air is truly harmful to the sensitive groups, while on some days, you can fancy walking down the street without wearing any protective gear. The major reasons for the high level of pollution are the industries and vehicles. It is also no surprising fact that pollution is rising every day. If you are a tourist, you must choose the timing accordingly if you think of waltz around the city carefully. Always avoid walking around during peak hours as the air pollution amount could be higher than usual. It is most likely unhealthy, so try using the masks and reduce the impact of pollution as the tourists who are suffering from any kind of breathing ailments must carry all the required medications along with them.

PM10 – 12
PM2.5 – 17
PM10 Pollution Level – Good

The annual AQI is calculated to be 18, which is good for tourists and people. The data has been taken from the Plume Labs as of March 21, 2020.

Respect the Culture

Paraguayans are known to be conservative, traditional people who strive for tranquillity. As a traveller, you must keep in mind to respect the culture wherever you are. Here a few tips to remember when you visit Ciudad del Este:

When you meet and greet, be it, men or women, always shake hands even if you have met them earlier. Paraguayans kiss twice when they meet family and friends.
Body language is an essential thing. Always maintain a good posture by keeping your feet on the floor and never prop them up on the furniture.
It may sound unusual, but Paraguayans may be late but would like the visitors to be punctual for the business meetings. The meetings often begin 10 to 20 minutes late. You can also hire a local contact to represent you in the Paraguayan business community.
If you are invited for any social engagement, it could begin at 9.00 or 9.30 pm, and the dinner is usually served around 10.00 pm and not earlier than 9.00 pm. If you are dining continental style, it is customary that you hold your fork constantly in your left hand. Dinner is considered a social event, so do not talk about business unless the host has asked you.
Paraguayans dress conservatively. Dress, makeup, nails and hair are all essential part despite the economic status of a person. Even the poorest people are well-groomed and clean.
Gifts from your home region will be appreciated but give high-quality gifts. You can give your hostess chocolates and flowers.
Paraguayans are soft-spoken and polite. They do not appreciate rude behaviour or shouting. You must exhibit patience in your every action. They also love their country a lot and will appreciate how your interest in it.
Women are respected in the country even though machismo is strong. Men will also sometimes go out of their way to avoid offending or confronting a woman.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Ciudad del Este is a city in Paraguay on the triple border with Argentina and Brazil. It is linked to the city of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil with an international bridge over the Paraná river. The city is known mainly for being a shopping destination for Argentineans and Brazilians because it is one of the commercial cities and the world's largest free-trade zones. The tax-free status also attracts many Argentines and Brazilians to the city.

Itaipu Dam: It is one of the hydroelectric dams located at the Paraná River on the border between Paraguay and Brazil. Argentina first contested the construction of this dam, but the resolution and negotiations of the dispute ended up setting the basis for Argentine-Brazilian integration later on. The name 'Itaipu' was taken from an isle that existed near the construction site.

Ponte da Amizade: It is also called the Friendship Bridge, which connects the Brazilian city of Foz do lguaçu and the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1965. The space between the main arch is 290 metres, and the bridge itself is 552.4 m long. The bridge is essential to the economies of both Ciudad del Este, and Foz do lguaçu.

Triple Frontier: The Triple Frontier is a crucial tourist area within the touristic sub-region of the Región de las Aguas Grandes. The visitors will see the Tancredo Neves bridge, which connects the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazú and its Brazilian neighbour, Foz do Iguaçu. At the convergence of the borders, each of the three countries bordering has erected an obelisk painted in the country's national colours. All three countries can be seen from each of the obelisks.

Monday's Falls: It is one of the wide waterfall named Saltos del Monday and is located in the Presidente Franco District. Nature gives the region a show over the waters that imposes Monday Falls, forming a remarkable natural spectacle with a long history. It was one of the stations in the path of the pre-Hispanic Guarani. The waterfall is more than 40 m high and consists of three main falls.

Lago de la República: The lake of the republic is one of the artificial lakes fed by the Amambay stream. It is located in the Boquerón neighbourhood of Ciudad del Este, Alto Paraná and Paraguay. It is also surrounded by an urban park where you can perform recreationally and sports activities. The Amambay stream also follows an irregular course between elevations for 2.6 km and is the source that is allowed in the formation of the lack.

Scientific Monument Moises Santiago Bertoni: The Scientific Monument Moises Bertoni is located in the District of Presidente Franco, Department of Alto Paraná, Paraguay riverside Paraná. It is 26 km from Ciudad del Este if you take the superhighway south. It is 10 km from Presidente Franco's city and takes the road to Los Cedrales, which is 10 km from the poster indicator.

Hito de las Tres Fronteras: It is a type of park that looks out to the confluence of Parana and Iguazu River. Each coast belongs to a different country and with the lookouts over the area and a big column with the respective country's colours.

Refugio Biológico Tati Yupi: If you have access to the reserve without renting a vehicle, take a bus to Hernandarias. It is one of the biological reserves in the district of Hernandarias, Alto Prana Department, Paraguay. It is located on the bank of the Parana River and covers an area of 2,245 hectares. The reserve is one of the 8 sites earmarked as the ecological reserve by the Itaipu.

Centro Ambietal Itaipu Binacional: The place is about 2 km from the visitor centre on the way back to Ciudad del Este. It is a park with benches, playgrounds, and paths that also included Museo de la Tierra Guaraní, a Zoológico Regional, a wildlife rescue centre.

Catedral San Blas: The Cathedral of San Blas can attract attention from its boat-shaped architecture. The building is constructed with local stones and inaugurated in 1970; the church is the work of Bolivian architect Javier Quererazu. You will also admire the Christ carved in lapacho wood, donated by the artist Hermann Guggiari and the circular stained-glass windows includes the one depicting San Blas.

Itaipu Dam

Explore

The city is situated in Paraguay's southern part, and the town is close to the triple frontier where it shares its borders with neighbours Argentina and Brazil and meets with Paraguay's edge around the Iguazu Falls. A bit away from the falls and near the town is the Itaipu Dam, one of the country's big energy maker, but it also sends an enormous amount of energy to Brazil. The travellers who visit this city find it one of the energetic and active places for shopping and performing bog roles and being one of Paraguay's major points from which you can travel by to the remarkable falls. In similarity to the city of Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguacu in Brazil and Argentina correspondingly, Ciudad del Este does not have similar travel amenities as the two places, but transport from the city are present to create the short travel to the Brazilian and Argentine point of view of the Iguazu Falls. The falls are awesome from both nations, but help the Argentine part of the falls as of the beautiful track and the outstanding point of views which consists of the Devil's Throat, which provides a remarkable view.

Travellers to the Ciudad Del Este can also celebrate the amazing hydroelectric dam's travels, which is simply a short bus tour from the city centre. The next famous charm is the Refugio Tati Yupi, an impressive nature preserve close to the dam itself with various colourful birds, Capuchin monkeys, and other different animals you can see in this awesome Atlantic Park Forest. If you love to dance, then the city is packed with a few special pubs where you can tap your foot. These pubs also serve a wide range of famous beers and liquor. You can visit these popular pubs in the city and move your body on the compelling music around.

City Parks

Ciudad del Este has parks all around the city, and here are a few that you can find:

Plaza Kaaguy Pora
Plaza Jukeri
Plazoleta Concejal Romero del Lago de la República
Plaza Santa Lucia
Plaza 15 De Mayo
Parque Verde

Plaza Santa Lucia

National Parks

Despite having many parks in its region, Ciudad del Este lacks the presence of a truly national park. You can find Ñacunday National Park, which is located in the district of Ñacunday, Alto Parana in Paraguay. The park is about 70 km away from Ciudad del Este.

Ñacunday National Park

Beaches

When it is true that Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America that does not come closer to the ocean, there are many lakes and rivers here that offer beautiful beaches all around the country. The beaches you find in Paraguay will not be the ones which you see in other places. You will also be able to enjoy your time basking in the sun and enjoy the natural galore with peace and calm all around.

Landmarks

Itaipú: It is one of the prominent landmarks of Ciudad del Este. The dam is a huge hydroelectric dam on the Parana River between Paraguay and Brazil. It is known for its nighttime light shows and views from the central lookout. The Production Building's command room controls the dam's turbines. Nearby on the Paraguayan side, the Museum of the Guarani Land exhibits the indigenous culture.
Itaipu Museum Guarani Land: It is a small museum built on the Guarani culture and the local wildlife.
Salto del Monday: These are the most impressive waterfalls and one of the landmarks in the city. The height is 45 m and 2 drops which are 120 m wide. You can enjoy a great view from the above, but the elevator to the bottom costs a steep extra.

Salto del Monday

Museums

Museo de la Tierra Guaraní: It is the land of the Guarani People museum, which offers a venue for research, education, conservation and dissemination of the Guarani culture and the environment of the region. There is also a zoo, which preserves the rich fauna found on the Paraguayan side of the Parana River.

Museo el Mensu: This is one of the history museums whose main interest is the house that houses it. It was one of the first constructions in the city and was covered by the jungle. A wooden house prefabricates without a single nail was brought from Encarnación in 1957. It was initially the seat of the town hall and the district and was later converted into the Museum of the History of Ciudad del Este in 2000. The museum is recently restored and displays photos and objects being used in the city's early years. You can also find some of the relics of the Chaco War and indigenous crafts from the region.

Lago de la República: In the Boqueron district, it is a 10 minute walk from shopping centres and traffic james. There is also an artificial lake created in the 1960s by blocking the road to the Amambay River. The lake is surrounded by a pleasant park where the inhabitants come to stretch out and where the cultural activities are sometimes organized.

Turista Róga: It is one of the information centres which complements the international bridge

Museo de la Tierra Guaraní

Eat

The eateries and dining establishments at Ciudad del Este are commonly found inside the multi-level shopping malls and are relatively scarce on the main street of San Blas. As a consequence of considerable immigrant populations, Ciudad del Este has a diverse variety of ethnic food options that one can take advantage of.

You can find a variety of restaurants like the Chinese and Korean. Your best bet is to ask a local to direct you to the nearest restaurant or eatery. You can also find Lebanese food that can be found off the main streets and in many shopping centres that typically serve as good as kebab/shawarma. You can bet to ask a local direct to the nearest restaurant and eatery. The most popular restaurants are those which serve typical Brazilian fare and are easy to find.

Traditional Local Restaurants

You can enjoy fresh meals in the following traditional local restaurants at Ciudad del Este. These are:

Quiero Fruta Paraguay
Restaurant Austria
Gouranga Prasadam Restaurante Vegetariano
Bistro Sax Palace

Vegetarian and Vegan

Vegetarians will require to ask around, but they can find a few vegetarian Chinese restaurants outside the city centre. There is also an Indian vegetarian restaurant named Gourangas located behind the Municipalidad, which is not far from the city centre.

Street Food

You can find cheap hotdogs from street vendors. Many street vendors also sell delicious grilled and cheap Asado (grilled beef) at night on Cap. Miranda, which is north of the main route through the town. A plate of asado with manioc is served hot with salad, bread and a litre of beer.

Drink

Soda, juice, ice-cold, bottled water, alcoholic beverages and mainly beer can be found everywhere. It is not uncommon to find the vendors of all the above within ten meters of each other. The vendors roam with carts everywhere around. Even though finding a good coffee might be a bit tough, you can go to the Coffee House, one of the great local coffee shops with pastries and WiFi.

Tap-water

The tap water in Ciudad del Este is potable. The tap water in the rest of Paraguay is treated safely for drinking. PLAN International has put in many efforts to bring in safe, potable water to communities in the rural areas as well.

Organic Cafés

Organic Cafés like Restaurant Vegano - Vegetariano, Mbujape Sandwich y Café, Cafe Bonjour are available in Ciudad del Este to provide you with organically grown food. There are many more organic food café bakery which is the first step to building business in the organic restaurant segment.

Breweries

It is no longer a secret that the people of Paraguay savour alcoholic drinks. It indicates that Paraguay's nightlife is quite robust, with wine and beer gaining much traction amidst the locals are well for those who come here for vacations. You can also get a drink in various joints, and they are a common custom here. If you do not like the taste of alcohol, you can go for Terere, the National drink and one of the refreshing drinks you will have.

Here are a few of the renowned breweries you can find in town:

Almacen Cervecero Craft & Premium Beer
Cervecería Yguazu
The Brick Beer Bar
Al Capone Beer II
Beer para Creer

Activities

City tour with Buddhist Temple, Ecomuseum and Muslim Mosque: You can enjoy the city tour through downtown and see historical buildings like the first airport, the church, meet the gastronomic avenue and more. You can contemplate the Ecomuseum of Itaipu, the Muslim mosque, one of Brazil's largest mosques.

Foz do Iguacu Tour with Three Borders Landmark and Arab Mosque: The tour takes tourists to the main religious temples of the city of Foz do Iguaçu, ending the meeting of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers and in the framework of the three borders. The Buddhist Temple is located in a privileged high area of the city where you can get a view of the centre of Foz do Iguaçu and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay).

Low-cost city tour Ciudad del Este: You can discover the most unusual places in Ciudad del Este and surprise yourself with Paraguay's beauty, which offers the capital. You can discover the city with squares and spaces designed for the citizens, the magnificent churches, the 3 de Febrero stadium and the largest mosque in South America.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga and retreat are now common in almost every part of the globe, so Ciudad del Este is not left behind in terms of yoga. You can find many yoga retreats in Ciudad del Este, but a few of them are:

Fundacion el Arte de Vivir
Shanti Yoga
Lupe Studio - Academia de Danzas, Pilates
PowerHouse Sport

Accommodation

Accommodation in Ciudad del Este is not a major problem for tourists as it is a wide variety of options. Right from budget hotels to extravagant ones, a traveller can easily find their ideal accommodation of they consider multiple factors like location, tariffs and amenities. A factor can also work in the tourists' favour and one of the cheapest destination to visit in the world.

Green Hotels

There are a number of luxurious hotels in Ciudad del Este, which are spread all around the country, and many of these hotels are developed on sustainable models. However, even if you do not find the Green Hotel in Ciudad del Este, you can live sustainable and environmentally friendly when you travel here. Always ensure that must never waste water, minimize the waste production and switch your lights off whenever not in use. With the help of these sustainable and simple means, you will live in an eco-friendly manner when in Ciudad del Este.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels are prevalent everywhere because they are cheap and low in cost, and here's the list for you:

Hostel Wanderlust
Teko Arte Hostel and Bar
Casa Alta Hostel
A Casa Da Baixada

Apartments

In Ciudad del Este, the concept of green hotels and eco-friendly accommodations has not taken shape wholly. As a tourist, you must not rely on international chains' major hotels and have effective environment-friendly policies in place.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is one of Ciudad del Este's prominent platforms and can easily search for a good host. While there aren't an excessive number of rules and guidelines, you must still take care of things while you are at the hosts' house. There are more than 700 hosts you can find in the city. This is one of the best and feasible ways to stay.

Camping

Camping is well known among the local people of Ciudad del Este, and keeping this in mind that there is a number of choices accessible, the locals set out, especially during the cooler months. It suggested that you can find a group of like-minded individuals and set out with them as they can guide you to scenic hidden spots to pitch a tent, deal with any local issues arising and providing you with an authentic experience. Here are a few camping spots:

Granja Kañy'i km 10
Parque ito
Casa del Lago - Jajapo
El paraíso Escondido

How to Get There

The travellers who are also mean to travel Argentina and Brazil, it is easier for them to get buses which tours to the city from both of these nations while there are also long-distance bus routes from Asuncion and Encarnacion in Paraguay present. There is a truly small airbase situated around twenty miles outside the city, in the suburbs of Minga Guazu and has passenger tracks flying to Asuncion and to Sao Paulo. Ciudad Del Este is globally famous as the best tourist vacation destinations and has many reasons to plan a vacation in this country. You can easily find the budget flights to Ciudad Del Este and give yourself a chance to be in the middle of the world's best attractions. You will definitely be enthralled by its unique charms that go along with your vacation. It is a city like you used to dream of a holiday, and visiting here feels like a dream come true.

Air

The local Guarani International Airport has direct connections to Sao Paulo and Asuncion by TAM, but there are also much more frequent flights from many Brazilian cities.

Guarani International Airport

Bus

The bus terminals are located around the city, and you can find one around 1 km from the south of the city centre. It is a bit hidden behind the large sports stadium on Bernardino Caballero. Buses from Brazil leave regularly and can be found on several of the main streets in Foz do Aquacu. There are frequent buses from Asuncion and Encarnacion in the South and also to many other cities around the country. There are also long-distance buses to other countries like Brazil and Argentina, which are apparently cheaper than across the border.

Train

There is no railway connection to and from Paraguay, and you need to look for other options other than this.

Hitchhiking

If you are crossing Foz fo Iguacu's borders in Brazil by bus, you will not stop getting the passport stamp unless you ask the driver beforehand. Otherwise, you'll need to come back to receive the stamp you could do by walking on the bridge or paying a fine upon leaving Paraguay. This is the reason you can hitchhike and get things done easily. Hitchhiking is quite popular in the country and is considered quite safe.

Others

International border crossing: The border between Ciudad del Este and Foz do Iguazu is open for everyone at around 30 km around the Friendship Bridge. It means that there is no need to stamp passports or even present yourself to border officers if you go to any of these two cities or their surroundings. It includes Ciudad del Este, Itaipu Hydrodam and the Centro Ambiental, Hito de last res fronteras and Saltos del Monday on the Paraguayan side.
Boat: You can go or come from Argentina through a small boat. It runs according to Paraguay's shopping times, so typically from Monday to Saturday from early morning to early afternoon, and costs around G. 10000. You can take a local bus from Matiauda from the city centre to get there.

Moving Around

If you consider the city's stature as the capital of Paraguay, one can safely assume that the city has a host of transportation options to commute locally. This given in the sections below is some of the most common means of transport chosen by the tourists and locals in the town.

Walk

Walking around Ciudad del Este is one of the best ways to explore the city. It is an excellent way to health, but you can explore the city easily and at your own pace if you are on holiday. However, a few parts of the city are not considered safe, so you must be cautious at all times.

Bicycle

Riding a bicycle to explore Ciudad del Este is another way of getting some exercise during the holidays. It is one of the eco-friendly ways which help you shuttle around quickly than taking a stroll.

Electronic Vehicles

It is not easy to get electronic vehicles in Paraguay easily than you think. The city of Ciudad del Este lacks charging points, and the government is still working to bring the electric vehicle system.

Public Bus

There are many local buses available typically charge GS. 2500. It is advisable and common to sit down without paying dues to the number of people who are disembarking and boarding as well as the fast pace of traffic. The assistant of the driver will come by eventually to collect your payment and make changes.

Tram, Train and Subway

The city doesn't have an active tram, train or subway network.

Sustainable Shopping

When you travel to a foreign destination, you must bear in mind that you are responsible for supporting the local manufacturers. The big companies often do not consider the labour that makes souvenirs that are so popular with the tourists. For this reason, you must be committed to shopping sustainably, and in a way, it benefits the people at the bottom of the chain. One of the essential things to remember is that you must always shop from local vendors. This way, you will be able to see the excellent quality, handcrafted products made with love and that too at an affordable rate. Sustainable shopping is one of the basic parts of every eco-friendly traveller. It is basic as you can clearly add to the local economy. You can shop from any neighbourhood store if you wish to take a few steps back and want some composure of genuine craftsmanship and go without dirtying uber companies that are misusing the nearby assets for the benefits and voracity of endurance and sustainability.

Food Markets

If you are an avid traveller and like to explore things around the city, you certainly can't miss that place's food market. You can find the speciality items in the food market, and if you are in Ciudad del Este, then Hidro Vy'a and Yerba Mate San José DISPONIBLE are the two food markets you can't miss.

Flea Markets

If you like flea markets, then the city has a lot of them; below is the list of the few famous ones:

Despensa Dany
Mercado de Abasto Hernandarias
Despensa Rosalba

Second Hand Stores

Ciudad del Este is home to some of the fascinating and remarkable second-hand stores. You must know that most of them deal with the used electronics, clothing, cheap imported goods. Keep in mind that unless you find something of absolute value, do not buy it.

Eco-Fashion

Eco-fashion is not much of a common trend in Ciudad del Este or all of South America. However, you can find the locals following eco-friendly ways of dressing up as their local items are made of traditional cloths and are an epitome of fine craftsmen who have mastered the art over generations, and they use sustainable methods for the same.

Recycling

Recycling in Ciudad del Este is not much efficient and while most types of wastes are recycled, which includes metals, plastics, glass, the amount of waste recycled is not sufficient. Now the government is known to be working tirelessly in informing and educating the locals.

Waste

Waste collection in Ciudad del Este has not been the best as individuals ought to ridicule the rules about waste removal and isolation. Yet, things have been improving, and you can unquestionably anticipate the precise garbage removal on your outing to the city.

Work and Study Abroad

The city is accessible for work, and you can quickly get a job. There are many opportunities available, and you will see many individuals from various nations running here to get the odds accessible.

Exchange Student

Exchange students are much more prevalent due to the rising globalization. The doors are open, and the youths are given opportunities through various government trade programs. The popular colleges and schools majorly draw international students' attention, and it is easy for you to discover many international students around the town.

Au Pair

Au Pair is an idea that is not mainstream in Ciudad del Este, and you can unquestionably search for opportunities at ease. There are postings on many sites, and you can find the one which suits you and offers you the best bid.

Volunteering

Giving back to society is becoming essential in the long run today, so you wish to offer back to society and are energetic about it. You must do it not without using cash and submitting your time for action, and adding a bit to the organizations by volunteering. You can do it by various online social affairs, and you can see the openings and select the one as per your choice for the contribution. You can consider the general population in Ciudad del Este and find many chances to volunteer.