Alto Paraná · Paraguay

Ciudad del Este and Itaipu

The commercial city on the border with Foz do Iguaçu, the Itaipu power plant seen from the Paraguayan side, the Saltos del Monday and the Atlantic Forest reserves of Alto Paraná.

Leste

In the photo: Central Hidroeléctrica Itaipu

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Ciudad del Este lies on the right bank of the Paraná River, linked to Foz do Iguaçu by the Ponte da Amizade. It was founded in 1957, grew with the construction of Itaipu and today is the second largest city in Paraguay and the capital of the Alto Paraná department.

To the north, in Hernandarias, is the Paraguayan side of the Itaipu plant, with visits to the dam, the nighttime illumination show, the Modelo Reducido and the Museo de Itaipu Tierra Guaraní, about the nature and peoples of the region. Nearby, the Reserva Natural Tati Yupi protects more than 2,000 hectares of forest, with trails and streams.

To the south, in Presidente Franco, the Saltos del Monday plunge about 40 meters into a forested canyon, near the meeting of the Monday River with the Paraná. In downtown Ciudad del Este, the Lago de la República has a promenade and an amphitheater, and the Catedral San Blas stands out for a shape that resembles a boat.

Those who cross the bridge go through border control and must carry identification; shoppers should check Receita Federal rules before buying.

This destination brings together 1 city: Ciudad del Este.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Ciudad del Este and Itaipu is

Contornos: Natural Earth (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Ciudad del Este and Itaipu

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu (IGU), in Foz do Iguaçu (Brasil) · 25 km to Ciudad del Este

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional Guaraní (AGT), in Minga Guazú · 30 km to Ciudad del Este

Confirm before booking. From Foz, you cross the Ponte da Amizade by car, bus or taxi, with border control: carry your identification.

Alto Paraná · Ciudad del Este and Itaipu Capital

Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este, capital of Alto Paraná, is on the bank of the Paraná River, facing Foz do Iguaçu and connected by the Ponte da Amizade. Founded in 1957, it is the second largest city in Paraguay and is known for the commerce of the microcenter. It is the base for the Paraguayan side of Itaipu in Hernandarias, for the Saltos del Monday in Presidente Franco, and for the Reserva Natural Tati Yupi, as well as the Lago de la República and the Catedral San Blas in the center.

The local experience

Things to do in Ciudad del Este and Itaipu

Ciudad del Este · Alto Paraná · Hydroelectric plant

Central Hidroeléctrica Itaipu

The binational Itaipu plant seen from the Paraguayan side, in Hernandarias: the dam of almost 8 km, the 20 generators, the guided visits of the Complexo Turístico Itaipu and, on scheduled days, the nighttime illumination show.

Ciudad del Este · Alto Paraná · Museum

Museo de Itaipu Tierra Guaraní

The Itaipu museum in Hernandarias, with an archaeological collection of the Guarani peoples and samples of the fauna, flora and minerals of the Paraná River region before and after the dam.

Ciudad del Este · Alto Paraná · Nature reserve

Reserva Natural Tati Yupi

An Itaipu forest reserve in Hernandarias, with 2,245 hectares of forest, cerrado and fields, streams with small waterfalls, trails and hundreds of bird species.

Ciudad del Este · Alto Paraná · Waterfall

Saltos del Monday

The waterfalls of the Monday River in Presidente Franco, about 40 meters high and 120 meters wide, plunging into a forested canyon near the confluence with the Paraná River, seen from viewpoints in a municipal park.

See 2 more places in Ciudad del Este and Itaipu

Ciudad del Este · Alto Paraná · Park

Lago de la República

The lake in the center of Ciudad del Este, with a promenade, bike path, lawns and an amphitheater, where locals walk and drink tereré in the late afternoon.

Ciudad del Este · Alto Paraná · Church

Catedral San Blas

The cathedral of Ciudad del Este, inaugurated in 1966, designed by Bolivian architect Javier Querejazu and shaped like a boat, dedicated to San Blas, patron saint of Paraguay.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From April to June and from August to October the heat is usually milder for outdoor visits. From December to February it is very hot and humid. The Saltos del Monday usually have more water after rainy periods, which come in showers throughout the year. In winter, from June to August, there are mild days and cool mornings.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

One day for Itaipu and the museum in Hernandarias, and another for the Saltos del Monday, the Lago de la República and downtown. Those staying in Foz do Iguaçu can do each part as a day trip.

Which city to stay in

In Ciudad del Este, neighborhoods near the Lago de la República and the avenue that links the center to Ruta PY02 have quieter hotels than the commercial microcenter next to the bridge, which is empty at night.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Ciudad del Este and Itaipu

Can you visit Itaipu from the Paraguayan side?

Yes. The Complejo Turístico Itaipu in Hernandarias, north of Ciudad del Este, organizes visits to the plant, the nighttime illumination show, the Modelo Reducido and the Museo de Itaipu Tierra Guaraní. Confirm times and reservations before going.

Can Ciudad del Este be combined with Foz do Iguaçu?

Yes. The two cities face each other, linked by the Ponte da Amizade. Many travelers stay in Foz and visit the Paraguayan side during the day.

How to get to the Saltos del Monday?

They are in Presidente Franco, about 10 km from downtown Ciudad del Este by car, taxi or ride-hailing app.

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