Hey, welcome to Ciudad del Este! This city is one of those places that grabs you when you’re not looking. It’s not just another border town. It’s alive with people, colors, and a vibe that’s hard to pin down. This city has a heart of its own.
Shopping is the big draw here. Everyone knows that. The downtown streets are packed with stalls, shops, and voices calling out deals. You’ll hear Spanish, Portuguese, a bit of Guaraní, and sometimes Arabic or Chinese in the mix. Places like Shopping Paris or Shopping China have the fancy stuff, air conditioning, and brands you’d recognize. But the real soul of the city is in the markets. You wander through, maybe grab a chipa fresh from a vendor, and feel the energy of people from Brazil, Argentina, and beyond, all hunting for a bargain. It’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s wonderful.
But there’s more to this place than just shopping. Take a short trip to Saltos del Monday. Those waterfalls hit you with their roar before you even see them. Water crashes down over 40 meters, mist rising up, surrounded by green that feels alive. You can walk the trails or take the cable car for a view that’ll stop you in your tracks. It’s not a tough trip, so even if you’re not big on nature, you’ll love it.
Then there’s Itaipú Dam. It’s massive, one of the biggest in the world, and honestly, the tour is better than you’d think. You walk through the plant, stand on huge decks looking out, and learn about how this giant thing powers so much of Paraguay. They talk about energy and nature working together, and it’s kind of inspiring. There are reserves nearby too, if you want to stretch your legs and see more green.
When you need a break, Lago de la República is the spot. It’s where locals go to breathe. People jog, sip tereré under the trees, or just sit and chat. Kids run around, teens skate, and you feel like you’re part of the city’s rhythm, even for a little while. It’s simple, nothing flashy, and that’s what makes it special.
The best part about Ciudad del Este? You’re so close to everything. Walk across the Friendship Bridge, and boom, you’re in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. A bit further, and you’re in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. Three countries in one day? Easy. Even if you don’t cross the border, you’ll taste it in the food. Grab some Brazilian churrasco, a warm sopa paraguaya, or mbeju that’s crispy and perfect. Street food is everywhere. Butifarra, empanadas, whatever you pick, it’s going to be good. Eat at a small comedor with plastic chairs or a nicer place with a view, you can’t go wrong.
At night, the city slows down but doesn’t stop. You might find a bar with live music, maybe some samba or cumbia. Or head to a spot like Dazzler for a drink with a view of the river and city lights. It’s chill but alive.
Ciudad del Este is a mix of everything. It’s busy, it’s calm, it’s real. It’s not trying to impress you, and that’s why it does. Spend a couple of days here. Wander the markets, see the waterfalls, eat until you’re full, and let this place surprise you. It’s not like anywhere else, and you’ll carry it with you when you leave.
