Before you go

Your trip to Ciudad del Este.

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

Ciudad del Este – Alto Paraná Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) Foz do Iguaçu (Brasil) · 25 km
Aeropuerto Internacional Guaraní (AGT) Minga Guazú · 30 km
Terminal de Ómnibus de Ciudad del Este 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before purchasing. The airport of Foz do Iguaçu and Aeropuerto Guaraní in Minga Guazú are about 30 km away. The Terminal de Ómnibus receives lines from Asunción and Encarnación.

How many days

Two days: one for Itaipu, the Museo Tierra Guaraní and the Reserva Tati Yupi in Hernandarias, and another for the Saltos del Monday, the Lago de la República and the Catedral San Blas. Those in Foz do Iguaçu can do each part in half a day.

When to go

From April to June and from August to October the heat is usually milder. From December to February it is very hot and humid: leave outdoor visits for the morning. The Saltos del Monday usually have more water after heavy rains. Between June and August, cold appears on some days.

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

Do you need a car?

Tips. Itaipu and Tati Yupi are in Hernandarias, about 15–20 km away, and the Saltos del Monday in Presidente Franco, about 10 km. Without a car, use a taxi, ride-hailing app or an agency tour. In the microcenter near the bridge traffic is slow; it is better to walk.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Ciudad del Este

Morning
Itaipu from the Paraguayan side
Go early to Hernandarias for the visit to the Itaipu plant. Confirm the schedule and reservation beforehand.
Afternoon
Museo Tierra Guaraní and Saltos del Monday
See the Museo de Itaipu Tierra Guaraní and continue south to the Saltos del Monday in Presidente Franco.
Late afternoon
Lago de la República
Walk along the promenade of the Lago de la República and stop by the Catedral San Blas, a few blocks away.
Evening
Itaipu illumination or dinner
On show nights, return to Itaipu for the dam illumination. On other nights, dine in the lake area.

2 days in Ciudad del Este

Day 1

Morning
Itaipu
Visit to the Itaipu plant in Hernandarias, with reservation confirmed.
Afternoon
Museo Tierra Guaraní and Modelo Reducido
Lunch in Hernandarias and a visit to the museum and the Modelo Reducido of the dam.
Late afternoon
Costanera de Hernandarias
Late afternoon on the shore of the lago de Itaipu, at the Costanera de Hernandarias.
Evening
Monumental illumination
On the days it takes place, watch the dam illumination. Check the dates beforehand.

Day 2

Morning
Reserva Natural Tati Yupi
Trails in the Reserva Natural Tati Yupi, in Hernandarias, with forest, streams and birds.
Afternoon
Saltos del Monday
Follow Presidente Franco to the Saltos del Monday and the park's viewpoints.
Late afternoon
Lago de la República and Catedral San Blas
Return to the center for the lakeside promenade and the boat-shaped cathedral.
Evening
Dinner and return to Foz
Dine in the city or cross the bridge back to Foz do Iguaçu if you're staying there.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance between Ciudad del Este and Foz do Iguaçu?

The two cities face each other, separated by the Paraná River and connected by the Ponte da Amizade. From downtown Foz to downtown Ciudad del Este it's about 8 km.

How long does it take to cross the Ponte da Amizade?

It depends on traffic and border control. On busy days the crossing can take a long time; go early and bring photo ID.

What currency is used?

The official currency is the guaraní, and in border commerce the real and the dollar also circulate. Always check the exchange rate before paying.

Back to Ciudad del Este