5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ciudad Del Este [2024]
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Saltos del Monday near Ciudad del Este
Welcome to Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay’s second largest city and one of its most vibrant. Known for its busy markets, tax-free shopping, cultural diversity and underrated natural attractions, this underrated gem sits on the border of Brazil and Argentina and offers a unique experience to travellers who venture beyond the beaten path.
From its lively shopping malls to its waterfalls, these are 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ciudad Del Este.
1. Shop ‘Til You Drop
Shopping Paris, one of Ciudad del Este’s most famous shopping malls.
Shopping is what Ciudad Del Este is most known for. It’s a tax-free haven and attracts locals from its neighbours, Brazil and Argentina, into shopping in Paraguay for the day as its much less expensive.
The most well known shopping centres are Nissei and Shopping Paris, with Nissei offering everything you could ever want in technology, and Shopping Paris giving shoppers an elevated all-in-one experience that includes everything from clothing, homeware and electronics. Shopping China, which can be found in Shopping Paris, is a one-stop-shop department store where you can shop to your heart’s content.
As you can see, the items at Ciudad del Este are cheaper than most other South American countries.
Head on over to SAX for a luxury shopping experience or take to the streets of Mercado de Ciudad Del Este to find the best bargains in the continent.
2. It’s an Easy Day Trip from Iguazu Falls
Us after successfully crossing the border from Foz do Iguacu!
Visiting the magnificent Iguazu Falls? If you’re staying over at either the Brazilian city of Foz du Iguacu or the Argentinian town of Puerto Iguazu, visiting Ciudad del Este is a breeze. The Paraguayan gateway into the city is just a few minutes’ drive and the customs process is not complicated.
So why not explore a new country while visiting one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders?
3. It’s Off The Beaten Track
Asher at Monday Falls, Paraguay
Ciudad Del Este is not currently on the tourism radar, and quite frankly, the whole country of Paraguay is underrated. We didn’t see many other tourists on our visit, and we liked it that way.
Visiting Ciudad Del Este means exploring a hidden gem that not many other travellers have seen, meaning you’ll have a unique experience all to your own.
4. Impressive Nature
Ciudad del Este’s surrounding nature was impressive.
Not many people know this, but Ciudad Del Este acts as a gateway to some really remarkable natural attractions. Everyone has heard of Iguazu Falls, but what about Monday Falls, or otherwise known as Saltos del Monday? Located in the neighbouring city of Presidente Franco, Paraguay’s own towering falls are almost as marvellous Iguazu (a close second, to be honest) and blew me away.
One of the differences between Monday Falls and Iguazu Falls is at the Paraguayan waterfall, visitors can have the chance to get up real close to the falls and experience the strength of stream all to themselves – as the crowds there are no where near as full as in Iguazu.
Ralph at Monday Falls
When you’re done visiting Saltos del Monday, walk over to nearby Parque Aventura Monday, an adventure park that lets you zipline, hike, raft and more. The park also offers an awesome view of Monday Falls from afar.
Look at that rainbow!
Another Ciudad del Este gem you should check out is the Represa Hidroelectrica Itapu Biacional, where you can check out the Paraguayan side of the impressive Itaipu Dam.
5. Experience The Friendly Melting Pot of Paraguay
Bustling Ciudad del Este City
Because of Ciudad Del Este’s location next to Argentina and Brazil, the people of the city are super diverse. Everyone here comes from a different place, and has their own unique story. In fact, our Uber driver had a mother from Argentina, a father from Brazil, and a wife from Germany!
I didn’t know too much about Paraguay in general before visiting, but what I do know now is that Paraguayans are some of the sweetest people ever. Because they hardly see tourists in Ciudad del Este, they greeted me with such big genuine smiles and kindness.
Ralph in front of Shopping del Este, one of Ciudad del Este’s malls.
In 2020, the InterNations Expat Inside ranked the top 5 friendliest countries in South America, and Paraguay was ranked #1! So my impressions definitely checked out with the statistics.
Tours in Ciudad del Este
Check out these tours of Ciudad Del Este
From Foz do Iguacu in Brazil, I embarked on this Private Tour of Monday Falls, Ciudad Del Este and Shopping, which ticks off all the major attractions in the city. The guide takes you through from Brazil and past the Paraguayan border crossing and back for a hassle-free experience, which made it super easy to do this day trip. You can also get picked up from your hotel in Puerto Iguazu for this tour.
If you just want to do a shopping tour of Ciudad del Este from Foz do Iguacu, this specific tour will do just that – although you won’t get to see Monday Falls.
Where to stay in Ciudad del Este
As Ciudad del Este is still an up-and-coming holiday destination, there aren’t too many choices for where to stay in the city. But we’ve handpicked these hotels for you, based on your budget.
Budget: Liebling Hotel
The Liebling looks like a pretty fancy for Latin American standards, but is actually one of the cheapest places you can stay in within the city centre. Clean, spacious and affordable - you really can’t go wrong here.
You can take a closer a look at Liebling Hotel by clicking here.
Mid-Range: Howard Johnson Ciudad del Este
The Howard Johnson Ciudad del Este is a well-known 4-star hotel right in the heart of town, and has facilities such a fitness centre and rooftop pool. Perfect for families and business travellers.
You can take a closer look at Howard Johnson Ciudad del Este by clicking here.
Luxury: Bisinii Boutique Hotel
Ciudad del Este’s most luxurious hotel is decked out in golden accents and is punctuated by a beautiful swimming pool area. The Bisinii Boutique Hotel is for those who want to stay at a premium hotel for half the price.
You can take a closer look at Bisinii Boutique Hotel by clicking here.
Final Thoughts on Ciudad Del Este
What are our final thoughts on visiting Ciudad del Este?
From shopping delights, natural wonders and the warm hospitality of its people - don't miss the opportunity to discover the vibrant spirit and hidden treasures of Ciudad Del Este. We hope you’ve convinced you to explore the charm of Paraguay's eastern gem through these 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ciudad Del Este.
Planning on visiting Ciudad del Este? Have any questions for us? Let us know in the comments below!
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