Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina have one of the busiest trinational regions in Latin America full of entertainment. If you're looking for what to do in the triple border, we have tips for you!
For those who want to come to Foz do Iguaçu and take advantage of getting to know neighboring countries, check out this list that Tarobá Hotel has prepared with incredible tours!
- A little about the Triple Frontier
- What to do in the Triple Border?
- Foz do Iguaçu – Brazil
- Puerto Iguazú – Argentina
- Ciudad del Este – Paraguay
- Conclusion
A little about the Triple Frontier
Before we talk about what to do in the triple border, if it's your first time here or you don't know it very well yet, it's worth mentioning some interesting facts about the region.
To begin with, it is one of the border areas that receives the most attention in Latin America, for economic, political and environmental reasons.
The cities of Foz do Iguaçu – Brazil, Ciudad del Este – Paraguay and Puerto Iguazú – Argentina, together have approximately 700 thousand inhabitants.
And it receives thousands of visitors from all over the world annually, interested in Shopping and Leisure Tourism.
Ciudad del Este has a prominent commercial center that makes the city the second most important in Paraguay.
Along with Brazil, the Paraguayan city shares the management of Itaipu Binacional, one of the main energy generators in the region and one of the most visited tourist attractions.
Since we are talking about tourist attractions, we cannot forget one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, located between Foz and Puerto Iguazú, the biggest attraction in the region.
Among many other natural, historical and cultural riches. Now that you know a little about our border, check out what you can do here!
What to do in the Triple Border?
Foz do Iguaçu – Brazil
Let's start talking about tours in Foz do Iguaçu, the gateway for Brazilian tourists to the trinational region.
1. Iguaçu National Park and Iguaçu Falls
The Iguaçu Falls is a mandatory stop for everyone who comes to Foz do Iguaçu.
Elected one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, the Iguaçu Falls have around 275 waterfalls and were discovered by Alvãr Nuñes Cabeza de Vaca in 1542.
They are located within the Iguaçu National Park which is one of the main parks in the preservation of the Atlantic Forest, named a world heritage site by UNESCO.
The park's address is Avenida das Cataratas, s/n. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 16pm.
2. Bird Park
Practically next to the Iguaçu National Park, before arriving at its visitor center, you can see the Bird Park, which today is the city's 2nd main attraction.
The tourist spot has a beautiful proposal for preserving Atlantic Forest species, but in particular, it mainly preserves birds.
In the park, in addition to learning about the beautiful birds and closely following their routine, you will see more than 130 species and more than 1300 birds.
The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:30 am to 16:30 pm and is located at Avenida das Cataratas, 12450, next to the National Park.
3. Three Borders Landmark
The landmark is an important obelisk built more than a hundred years ago, it represents the union between the three countries, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
But today, you can see much more than the obelisk. Its location at the junction of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers provides one of the most beautiful views of the city.
The landscape of the place is formed with the view of the 3 countries on the border, which stand out with the glow of the sunset.
The place has a complete structure to serve visitors, with places to rest, a food court, a playground and cultural presentations.
To visit it, just go to Rua Marco das Três Fronteiras, s/n – Jardim El Dorado, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
From Tuesday to Sunday (including holidays) from 14pm to 21pm.
4. Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant
Generating energy together with Paraguay, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant is the second largest electricity plant in the world!
Losing in size to China's Three Gorges Power Plant, however it remains the largest in energy generation.
The hydroelectric plant also opens its doors for people from all over the world to discover all its grandeur and projects, from a more panoramic or more technical tour.
To meet her, her address is Av. Tancredo Neves, 6.731 – Foz do Iguaçu – Paraná. Service:
- Itaipu Panorâmica: Departure every 30 minutes. Every day, from 08:30 am to 16 pm.
- Itaipu Special: Every day, at 09am and 14pm. Limited spaces and times.
- Itaipu Iluminada: Fridays and Saturdays, at 19pm.
- Itaipu Biological Refúgio: From Wednesday to Monday, in 3 times – 09:30 am, 10:30 am and 15:30 pm.
5. Dreams Park Show
The Dreams Park Show debuted in the city in 2013 with the largest Wax Museum in Latin America.
Today the Theme Park It already has 6 attractions, namely: Dinosaur Valley, Dino Adventure, Dreams Ice Bar, Dreams Motor Show, Wonders of the World and the Wax Museum.
It's a fantasy world with alternatives for the whole family.
Address: Av. das Cataratas, 8100 – Vila Yolanda, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Opening hours:
- Wax Museum: Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 21pm. From Friday to Sunday from 09am to 22pm;
- Valley of the Dinosaurs: Monday to Thursday, from 9:30 am to 19 pm. From Friday to Sunday, from 09:30 am to 20 pm;
- Dreams Icebar: Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 21:20pm. Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 22pm;
- Dreams Motor Show: Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 22pm. Friday to Sunday from 10am to 23pm.
Puerto Iguazú – Argentina
The time has come for you to discover all the charm of the small Argentine city of Puerto Iguazú.
6. Iguazú National Park
We already talked about the park on the Brazilian side, but we didn't tell you that visiting the Argentinian side is unmissable and totally worth it.
Unlike the Brazilian park, the National Park Iguazu There are 3 circuits that give you a much closer view of the falls, including a view from the top of Garganta do Diabo.
You have access to each circuit by train and to see the entire park it is a full day tour.
Another difference is the full moon tour, offered only on the Argentine side and which takes place during this lunar phase at night.
The park is located at Ruta 101 Km 142, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina and is open from Monday to Sunday, from 08am to 17pm (Argentine time).
7. Hito Tres Fronteras
Another attraction of the Triple Border that allows you to see all 3 countries is the landmark on the Argentine side.
It's a free but very pleasant tour, where visitors have access to a viewpoint to admire a beautiful view, a crafts fair and rest areas.
To visit it, its address is Avenida Rio Iguazú y Avenida Tres Fronteras, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. The place is open 24 hours.
8. La Feiriña
This is a fair well known for selling 100% Argentine products, with several options of sales, where you can find cheeses, sausages, olive oil, dulce de leche, stuffed olives, alfajores and other local products.
The space also includes some bars that serve delicious Argentine empanadas! Worth a try!
Its location is on Av. Brasil, Puerto Iguazú/Argentina. Opening hours from Monday to Sunday (including holidays) from 10am to 14pm; 16h at 23h.
9. Casino Iguazu
Located just 300 meters from the Duty free shop, close to customs, the casino was considered one of Puerto Iguazú's main attractions.
Casino Iguazú has several leisure options, starting with the Games Room, with electronic roulette, slots, poker tables, black jack, among others.
Inside a luxurious hotel, the place also offers bars, shows and the Madero Tango Iguazú, where a wonderful Tango show takes place.
Location: Ruta Nacional 12 km 1640, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina. Opening hours: Every day from 10am to 4am.
10. Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins
Leaving a little from Puerto Iguazú and visiting the nearby cities, there are 2 tours, not far from the Border, which are quite interesting.
The 1st is the Wanda Mines, 60 km from the border between Brazil and Argentina. It is the main amethyst mining company in the country, where visitors can learn about the entire process of extracting and cutting the precious stone.
Finally, our last tip in Argentina are the Ruins of San Ignácio Miní, 252 km from Puerto Iguazú customs.
It is one of the main archaeological sites of the Jesuit missions in the region, which began in 1632 and was considered a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1984.
There are tours departing from Foz do Iguaçu that visit these two attractions on the same day. To find out more, click here!
Ciudad del Este – Paraguay
The time has come to discover Ciudad del Este beyond shopping. Discover all its charms on these tours.
11. Hito Tres Fronteras – Py
Finally we moved on to the Paraguayan part of Marco, which was recently renovated and, like the other 2 that we have already seen, has a pleasant open-air structure.
The obelisk is the only one with a quadrangular shape, different from the other two triangular obelisks, its shape symbolizes a sign of protest, in relation to the Triple Alliance war that took place in the region and led to half of the Paraguayans dying.
The historic spot was renovated and organized to better welcome visitors, who can take the opportunity to enjoy the region's natural beauty.
Address: Presidente Franco, Paraguay. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (including holidays) from 10am to 22pm*.
12. Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant
The other part of the Itaipu Plant, which is located in Paraguay, uses part of the electricity production to supply its country.
On the Paraguayan side, there are also tours of the plant, however, it is a very different experience compared to the Brazilian side!
The tours available in Paraguay are:
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Station;
- Reduced model (plant model);
- Tatí Yupí Natural Reserve;
- Mbaracayú Biological Refuge;
- Monumental Lighting;
- Itaipu Tierra Guarani Museum;
- Costanera Itaipu (coast to Lake Itaipu).
However, these tours are a little further away from Ciudad del Este, being more precisely in the city of Hernandarias in Paraguay.
13. Parque Salto Monday
Although it is not widely publicized, it is known for being the Paraguay Falls, a set of waterfalls called Saltos Monday, a Guarani name that means “water that rolls”.
The falls are located within a park, which has its infrastructure with trails, adventure sports, restaurants, and accommodation chalets.
Therefore, it is a great place to spend the day outdoors, whether with family or friends!
It is open to the public every day, from 7am to 17pm (Paraguay time).
14. Hotel Casino Acaray
Just like in Argentina, in Paraguay the attractions that also attract the attention of tourists are the casinos.
The Hotel Casino Aguaraý is one of the best known and offers various types of entertainment, with around 250 machines, including:
- Roulette tables;
- blackjack;
- Mini-baccarat-poker;
- Texas Hold'em Poker, among others.
Acaray is open every day, from 16pm to midnight. Located on Calle 00 de Septiembre y Luis María Argaña, Cd. del Este 11, Paraguay.
15. Shopping in Paraguay
Lastly, we have to talk about tourism shopping in Paraguay, especially in Ciudad del Este, which is the city's main economic activity and its biggest attraction.
Its businesses are home to large duty-free shops and international brand stores, which end up being very attractive due to the low taxes in the country.
Tourists from all over come in search of Electronic, perfumes, clothing, cosmetics and drinks.
You reach Ciudad del Este's shops as soon as you cross the Friendship Bridge, being the first area that tourists encounter when entering the city.
Stores generally open from 07am to 16pm, and a few stores open on Sunday from 08am to 12pm (Brazilian time).
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Conclusion
Did you see how many options there are when you ask what to do in the Triple Border?
These are just some of the tours in the region, there are many other incredible experiences that can be had here.
We recommend that you visit the website of Iguassu Combo, our partner here in the city that offers the best tours throughout the trinational region.
And when you come here, count on Tarobá Hotel, which with its amenities and privileged location in the center of Foz, is your best choice for accommodation in Terra das Cataratas.
For more tips like this, keep reading our blog or check out our social media!
To the next!
