Paraguay · 2026 itinerary
Ciudad del Este 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Ciudad del Este: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A simple mid-20th century Catholic cathedral with a modern facade and stained-glass windows. Quiet interior with wooden pews and a small cross. Free to enter, no dress code enforced.
🕐 Daily 07:00-12:00, 15:00-19:00
Free entry💡 Mass is at 19:00 on weekdays – nice chance to hear Guarani hymns. Photography allowed discreetly.
Hotels near Iglesia Catedral San Blas →A public plaza with a roundabout fountain, benches, and a monument honouring immigrants. Good for people-watching and cheap snacks from nearby stalls. Clean but basic.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 Best at sunset when the fountain is lit. Avoid sitting on the grass after rain – muddy patches.
Hotels near Plaza de los Inmigrantes →Vó Bertila · ££
Churrascaria Patussi Grill · ££
Deeper Into Ciudad del Este
A small museum showcasing Guarani culture, Jesuit missions history, and local archaeology. Exhibits include ceramics, textiles, and old photographs. Run by a non-profit – donations welcome.
🕐 Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00 (confirm)
💡 Call ahead (+595 61 573 012) to confirm they're open – hours are erratic. Guided tour available in Spanish.
A modest botanical garden with a small zoo featuring local animals like jaguars and monkeys. The grounds are good for a quiet stroll but the zoo is ageing. Free entrance for pedestrians; cheap parking
🕐 Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00
💡 Visit early morning to see animals active. Avoid weekends when it's packed with families.
City Beer
Sushi Hokkai
Final Favourites & Departure
A 45-metre waterfall on the Monday River, surrounded by forest. You can walk to the base via a steep path or view from the top near the restaurant area. Best af
💡 Bring sturdy shoes for the trail down – gets slippery. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
Beduíno's
Restaurante Tirol
Getting Around Ciudad del Este
Book a remise (private hire) direct at the airport booth inside arrivals – it's fixed price and safer than negotiating on the street. Pay in guarani; don't let them switch to dollars at a poor rate.
Use the official taxi rank outside the terminal, not touts in the concourse. Confirm price before you sit – they often quote in dollars, so say 'cuántos guaraníes'.
Get off at the second stop after the big 'Shopping Jesu' sign, directly opposite the hotel. Have exact change – drivers don't give change and take only cash.
Sit on the left side for best views of the Paraná River near Itaipu. Buses have air-con but bring a jumper – they freeze you. Buy ticket at counter on arrival floor, no need to prebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Ciudad del Este?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Iglesia Catedral San Blas and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Ciudad del Este?
See our full best time to visit Ciudad del Este guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Tia Nancy, Hotel "LILI", Hotel Amanecer. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.