Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este is likely to be the youngest town and it's one of 10 top cities in Paraguay that preserves a history of nearly 50 years long. Although, it is the second most developed and populated city in the country, which nowadays is the administrative center of Alta-Parana Department. It will be interesting to know that, in addition to its peculiar English translation of “Eastern City”, it is also a part of Triple Frontera area, where three South-American countries “clash”: Argentina, Brazil and, of course, Paraguay. When it was just founded on Parana River in 1957, its initial name was Puerto-Flor-de-Lis; later it obtained a title after Alfredo Stroessner, but after he was overturned in 1989 city’s current name was announced.

Two Iguassu sites of top 10 atractions in Paraguay are located not far from Ciudad del Este, which can not but appeal to tourists’ attention: Iguassu falls and Itaipu dam. The first one consists of 275 separate falls, which you cannot disagree are fascinating and gorgeous to look at. Its view is perfect inspiration for painters, photographers and artists. Itaipu is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, covering the area of 1350 square km and providing 25% of energy supply to Brazil and 90% to Paraguay. These two places are crucial attractions, located on the closest area to Ciudad del Este.

But there are some sad facts related to the city functioning. Having a status of free zone (porto franco), there are some assumptions that Ciudad del Este is a huge point of contraband, which might be justified by a huge range of trade items (foods and products), which are imported here without any obstacles, especially on border with Brazil. That is why sometimes this city is likely to remind of large ant hill or ordinary market, densely populated by both locals and tourists.

Among other peculiar places to visit one should pay attention to Museo de la Tierra Guaraní (The Museum of Guarani Land), which demonstrates the 10 thousand years lifetime of Guarani people, who inhabited the territory of Ciudad del Este. Moreover, the history of Parana area is also represented by specific exhibition items, which is obvious to its close location. 

National Park Cerro-Cora is also situated not far from Ciudad del Este, comprising one more attraction of this city (free actually!). The goal of this conservation is to preserve a natural environment of South-American savanna and arid tropic forest. Besides, specific animal and plant species to see, travelers might discover the tracks of pre-Columbian cultures and of other tribes, lived on this land for a long period of time and established their own traditions. One more thing to add about this national park is that this is a place, where famous Paraguayan leader and statesman died here: it was Francisco Solano Lopez, who was killed in Cerro-Cora during the War of the Triple Alliance in 1870. 

Arrangement of tourist trip to Ciudad del Este might provide tourists with unforgettable impressions, as it can be referred to as a mix of natural, industrial and cultural places one must see during a visit. Being the second largest tourist spot in Paraguay, it totally approves itself and, by the way, it is unlikely someone will get out without any souvenir from famous markets of Ciudad del Este.