Ciudad del Este: Best Thing To Do In The City

Do you enjoy duty-free shopping? In a picturesque border city near famous attractions like the Iguazu Falls and Itaipú Dam? Then head out to Paraguay’s Ciudad del Este.

Ciudad del Este, founded in 1957, emerged from a tropical forest and evolved into a bustling tax-free shopping hub, drawing Brazilian and Argentinian visitors by day. The city is strategically situated near Argentina and Brazil and offers easy access to neighboring countries.

Ciudad del Este is known for its lush greenery and beauty and is renowned as one of South America’s and the world’s largest free-trade zones. Its tax-free products entice shoppers from Argentina and Brazil due to its proximity to Paraguay’s borders.

With a moderate climate, the average temperature in Ciudad del Este hovers around 62.6°F (17°C). Summers bring warmer temperatures of up to 82.4°F (28°C), while winters may see temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C). When packing for your trip to Ciudad del Este, it’s essential to consider these temperature variations.

This guide will take you on a journey through the wonders of Ciudad del Este, highlighting the unforgettable experiences awaiting travelers in Paraguay’s second most important city.

10 Best Things To Do in Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este is a large city with many activities tourists enjoy and engage in. Lakes, shopping malls, waterfalls, monuments, renowned food places, and green parks exist. 

1. Viewing the Itaipu Dam

Itaipu Dam is a hydroelectric dam covering Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu region and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. Built in 1984, the dam is the third-largest hydroelectric dam in the world. The Itaipu Dam generates 80% of the electricity the entire country of Paraguay needs and 20% of the electricity Brazil requires. 

You can visit the dam and take pictures of the enormous dam’s flowing water, and it will cost you around 146,227 to 219,341 Paraguayan Guarani (20 to 30 US dollars) for the ticket to the Itaipu Dam.

Tours to the Itaipu Dam depart every hour on the hour. Please be aware that they take lunch breaks between 12 noon and 1 p.m.

2. Enjoy the Monday Waterfalls

Monday Waterfalls in Monday municipal park offers a peaceful and less crowded option than the nearby Iguazu Falls. There are three separate falls, each around 45 meters tall and 120 meters wide, making for a stunning natural sight. Explore the 9-hectare park with hiking trails, a camping area, and a restaurant. 

To get a closer view of the falls, you can take the elevator or stairs to the lower lookout point, where you’ll feel the spray and hear the powerful sound of the rushing water.

3. Visit the International Friendship Bridge

During the 1950s, the International Friendship Bridge was built to connect Foz do Iguazu, Brazil, and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. The bridge is built over the Paraná River, giving you a good view of the two cities and the river. 

You can easily travel between the two cities by bus or taxi. Most Brazilians come to Ciudad del Este because of the low-cost/tax-free products, so it can get busy on weekends and holidays as this is the most convenient way in and out for most.

When we crossed the International Friendship Bridge, it was the weekend, meaning there was a lot of traffic. That’s why we opted to go on foot. Just ensure that you get your passports properly stamped before crossing the border.

4. Enjoy the Snow Park

While you can find amusement parks in every country, the snow park in Ciudad del Este is one of a kind. It is located on the last floor of the Shopping Paris mall. The entrance to the park is well-decorated and engaging. You can participate in different park activities, including most people’s favorite, ice skating. 

5. Shopping at Ciudad del Este 

Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, is famous for its shopping scene, boasting numerous malls and stores that draw visitors from around the globe. Downtown Ciudad del Este is particularly popular among Brazilians on the hunt for bargain-priced electronics, clothing, and household goods, which can be up to 80% cheaper than in Brazil. Some must-visit shopping spots in Ciudad del Este include Monalisa, Paris Mall, Nissei, SAX, and Mega Shopping Importados.

6. Visit Tres Fronteras (Tri-Border)

Head to Tres Fronteras in Ciudad del Este to see where the Parana and Iguazu Rivers meet, marking the borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Each country has its own monument and park at this junction, allowing visitors to stand in one spot and see all three countries simultaneously. Additionally, it’s convenient, affordable, and simple to take a day trip from Ciudad del Este to the renowned Iguazu Falls.

7. Relax at Lago de la Republica

Lago de la Republica is an artificial lake in Boquerón, one of the neighborhoods of Ciudad del Este. Take a leisurely walk by the lakeside or simply relax with a book amidst the verdant surroundings. If you’re in the mood for some active downtime, explore the scenic trails by bike or go for an evening stroll or jog. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, nearby bars provide a vibrant ambiance to cap off your day.

8. Have a Slice at Pizzeria Super Cuarto

Aside from having the best enjoyable activities, the city also takes pride in its delicious food. Pizzeria Super Cuarto is a well-known restaurant in Ciudad del Este, popular for its pizzas and sandwiches.

The best part is that the restaurant offers reasonably priced delicious food from $4 to $20. So, if you want a place with good Italian food, try Pizzeria Super Cuatro.

9. Visit Cafe Bonjour

Enjoy a wonderful time at Cafe Bonjour in the Paris Shopping Mall. This delightful café provides a cozy setting and a range of drinks and snacks to enjoy after a day of shopping or exploring. Whether you’re craving a leisurely coffee or a light snack, Cafe Bonjour is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate during your mall visit.

10. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The Paraguayan lands produce most of the yerba mate in South America. A greater portion is consumed locally, while some is exported.

How To Get to and Around Ciudad del Este 

Traveling to Ciudad del Este depends on where you are coming from. Those from countries far from the South American continent will have to visit Ciudad del Este by airplane. If you are in Argentina or Brazil, you can also use the ferries to take you to Ciudad del Este. You can take buses from the city centers if you are in other Paraguayan areas. 

Within the city, you can walk around if your hotel is near the places you want to visit, or you may travel by taxis, buses, or the city trains, which will cost you around 73,000 to 110,000 PYG ($10 to $15). Transportation within the city is never a problem. Just make sure you know exactly where you are headed.

Best Time To Visit Ciudad del Este

The best time to visit Ciudad del Este for warm-weather fun is from late March to mid-June and late July to mid-October. For outdoor activities, it’s best from late March to mid-June, with the top time in the first week of May. You’ll enjoy the beach or pool most from mid-February to mid-April and early November when it’s sunny and warm. 

The rainy season goes from September to April, with October being the wettest and August the driest. January is the hottest month, while July is the coldest. For a trip to Paraguay, it’s great to visit during summer from October to March when it’s warm and rainy.

Best Places To Stay in Ciudad del Este?

Las Ventanas Hotel Boutique (Budget)

Las Ventanas Hotel Boutique has rooms with free Wi-Fi and private balconies, plus a swimming pool and restaurant. You can also park for free here.

Convair Hotel (Mid-range)

Convair Hotel has rooms with flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Some rooms even have views of the city. Plus, each room has a private bathroom with a shower.

Rio Hotel by Bourbon Ciudad Del Este (Luxury)

Rio Hotel has rooms with a gym, free parking just for you, a big porch, and a restaurant. It’s a four-star hotel that gives you food delivery, a front desk that’s open all day and night, and internet for free. There’s also a bar if you want to hang out there.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ciudad del Este

Where Is Ciudad del Este Located? 

Ciudad del Este is 204 mi (328 km) from Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. The city shares a border with Brazil and Argentina. A friendship bridge is built to connect Paraguay with Brazil; you can cross them whenever you want.

How Many Neighborhoods Are There in Ciudad del Este? 

Ciudad del Este is geographically divided into 30 neighborhoods. The city is bisected by National Highway 7, also known as “Dr. Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia,” creating two distinct sections: 9 neighborhoods to the north and 21 neighborhoods to the south. 

What Is Celebrated on the 3rd of February in Ciudad del Este? 

Every year, on the 3rd of February, a festival takes place in Ciudad del Este to celebrate San Blas, Paraguay’s patron saint. The event is like what you might see during a New Year’s celebration, with parades and street dancing.

Conclusion – Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este could be an easy entry point to nearby Iguazu Falls, a site for visiting the Monday Falls, or a host for other wondrous nature-oriented and culturally diverse activities: it’s your pick.

If this city’s main attraction as a duty-free shop-till-you-drop paradise isn’t enough, the fun and exciting things listed above would be more than enough to convince you to add this border city to your travel bucket list.

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