Ciudad del Este is Paraguay’s second-largest city and a major commercial hub located on the country’s eastern edge, right next to the border with Brazil and Argentina. Known for its bustling shopping districts and proximity to Iguazú Falls, it plays a central role in regional trade and tourism. This post will explore the best areas to stay in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.
Founded in 1957 under the name Puerto Flor de Lis and renamed two years later, Ciudad del Este has grown rapidly due to its location on the Triple Frontier. The city is connected to Brazil and Argentina via the Friendship Bridge (Puente de la Amistad) over the Paraná River. With a metropolitan area of nearly 500,000 people, it is the largest urban area in the tri-border region.
While shopping is one of its main draws—with electronics, clothing, and perfumes widely sold in the city center’s shopping galleries—Ciudad del Este is also one of the main gateway towns to the Iguazú Falls. Located less than 10 miles (16 km) from the Argentine and Brazilian borders, it offers easy access to the national park, with frequent transport connections to Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu. Many travelers use the city as a base to explore the falls and surrounding reserves, including the Itaipú Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world, and Saltos del Monday, a scenic waterfall just outside the city. Furthermore, The Parque Acaray and Lake Acaray areas offer green spaces and lakeside restaurants.
Ciudad del Este experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and warm, drier winters. Average daytime temperatures range from 65–95 ºF (18–35 ºC) depending on the season, and the best time to visit is from May to September when rainfall is less frequent.
Guaraní International Airport (AGT), located 16 mi (26 km) west of the city, provides domestic connections to Asunción and limited international flights. Most travelers cross into the city via Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu Airport, which offers more flight options. Ciudad del Este is also accessible by long-distance buses from Asunción and regional cities in Brazil and Argentina.
Public transportation in the city consists mainly of local buses and taxis, though traffic congestion near the city center can cause delays. Many travelers prefer staying in quieter nearby areas or using rideshare services for flexibility.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Ciudad del Este.
What are the best areas to stay in Ciudad del Este?
Ciudad del Este sits on the western bank of the Paraná River, across from Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu. The city spreads out from the Friendship Bridge in a loosely organized grid, with major roads leading to shopping zones, residential areas, and nearby parks.
The best area to stay in Ciudad del Este is the City Center. This bustling district is home to the city’s main shopping arcades, markets, and government buildings. It offers the most accommodation options and is located near the Friendship Bridge, making it ideal for travelers crossing from Brazil. It also provides quick access to major transportation routes and local bus lines heading to regional attractions. Find accommodation in Downtown Ciudad del Este.
Other excellent options when wondering where to stay in Ciudad del Este include Acaray Park, north of the city center, and Foz do Iguaçu, on the Brazilian side of the border.
Keep reading to learn more about these Ciudad del Este districts and find the best areas to stay in the Triple Frontier.
1. Commercial Center (Downtown Ciudad del Este)
The best location for shopping and access to the border
Located near the Friendship Bridge and the banks of the Paraná River, Downtown Ciudad del Este is the city’s commercial core and busiest district.
Downtown Ciudad del Este, or Centro, is the border town’s historical, commercial, and administrative heart. Its layout consists of a chaotic network of streets packed with shopping galleries, street vendors, electronics shops, and department stores. The area is primarily active during the day, with thousands of shoppers from Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina crossing the border to take advantage of lower prices and duty-free goods.
Major attractions here include the Shopping del Este and Shopping Vendome malls, the Mercado de Abasto, and dozens of retail arcades offering everything from electronics and clothing to cosmetics and toys. While not particularly known for cultural landmarks, the area has a few notable sites like the Catedral San Blas, located a few blocks inland from the main shopping avenues.
Due to its commercial nature, nightlife and dining in the center are limited, with most restaurants serving quick meals or catering to day shoppers. For a broader selection of dining and entertainment, nearby neighborhoods such as Area 1 or Barrio Boquerón are better options.
Transportation in and out of Downtown is constant, with frequent bus and taxi services linking it to the rest of the city and the Friendship Bridge. However, the area is known for heavy traffic and pedestrian congestion, so walking is often the fastest way to get around.
Accommodation options range from basic budget hotels to mid-range business accommodations, many of which cater to cross-border shoppers and business travelers. While practical for short stays and shopping-focused trips, the center can feel overwhelming, especially during peak shopping hours and holidays.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Ciudad del Este Centro
Howard Johnson Ciudad del Este
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Howard Johnson Ciudad del Este is set in Downtown Ciudad del Este. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on-site.
2. North Ciudad del Este
A quieter alternative to the busy Downtown District
With quiet residential streets, gated communities, and green spaces, North Ciudad del Este is a good choice for travelers seeking a more relaxed setting.
Located along the northern stretch of Ciudad del Este, this area borders the Acaray River and lies close to the Acaray Reservoir. It offers a peaceful and scenic contrast to the hectic atmosphere of the downtown district.
Key landmarks in the area include the Paraná Country Club, a private facility featuring golf courses, tennis courts, and recreational amenities, and the Itaipu Tierra Guaraní Museum, which explores the culture of the region’s indigenous communities. Further north, the Itaipu Dam—one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world—is accessible for guided tours and panoramic views.
Though not a retail hub, this part of the city has several local restaurants and cafés, especially near the residential zones and hotels. The Acaray River and reservoir are excellent for outdoor activities and nature appreciation.
Public transportation is limited in this area, making taxis or rideshare apps the most convenient option. Lodging consists mostly of mid-range and upscale hotels, some with river views or easy access to local parks and nature trails. North Ciudad del Este is a solid pick for those prioritizing comfort, quiet, and easy access to the region’s natural landmarks.
Our hand-picked accommodations in North Ciudad del Este
3. Foz do Iguaçu
An excellent location on the Brazilian side of the border
Foz do Iguaçu is an ideal location for those looking for international connectivity and access to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
Although located across the border in Brazil, Foz do Iguaçu is often considered by travelers exploring Ciudad del Este and the surrounding region due to its more extensive infrastructure, international airport, and access to the world-famous Iguaçu Falls. The city lies across the Friendship Bridge, and crossing the border is straightforward for most nationalities.
Foz do Iguaçu offers a broader range of hotels, restaurants, and services, making it a convenient base for day trips into Ciudad del Este or onward travel to Argentina. Attractions on the Brazilian side include the Iguaçu National Park, the Bird Park (Parque das Aves), and the Brazilian side of the Itaipu Dam. Its well-developed tourist infrastructure and frequent transport connections make Foz a practical option for travelers combining destinations in the Triple Frontier.
Learn more about the best areas to stay in in Foz do Iguaçu.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Foz do Iguaçu
Hotel Rouver
Hotel Rouver in Foz do Iguacu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk, mini-bar, and TV, ensuring a pleasant stay.
4. Puerto Iguazú
The closest location to Iguazu Falls
Located in Argentina, Puerto Iguazú is a good option near one of South America’s most famous natural landmarks.
Located in Argentina, about 9.3 mi (15 km) southeast of Ciudad del Este and directly south of Foz do Iguaçu, Puerto Iguazú is part of the tri-border region and a popular base for visiting Iguazú National Park. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and a small-town feel that contrasts with the busier urban centers nearby.
Its main draw is its proximity to the Argentine side of the Iguazú Falls, which offers more extensive walking trails and panoramic viewpoints than the Brazilian side. Other attractions include the Hito Tres Fronteras, where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet, and the La Aripuca eco-park, which highlights Guaraní culture and environmental themes.
To reach Puerto Iguazú from Ciudad del Este, travelers must first cross into Brazil via the Friendship Bridge to Foz do Iguaçu, then head south across the Tancredo Neves International Bridge into Argentina. The entire journey takes around 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and border formalities.
Puerto Iguazú offers a variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to mid-range guesthouses, along with restaurants serving regional Argentine cuisine. The town is compact and walkable, with regular transport connections to the falls and border crossings.
Learn more about the best areas to stay in Puerto Iguazú.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Puerto Iguazú
Z Hotel Boutique
Z Hotel Boutique in Puerto Iguazú offers aparthotel-style rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Each unit includes a kitchenette, balcony, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
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