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Ciudad del Este, travellling Paraguay

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Ciudad del Este is Paraguay's second largest town on the border with Brazil and Argentina. Basicly it is still is not much more than a village. It's main attraction is the enormous tax free market. Every day some 30.000 people cross the Friendship Bridge from Iguazu (Brazil) to buy taxfree and make a profit at home. The other attraction is it's proximity to the famous Cataratas de Iguazu (Iguazu waterfall), which are best viewed from the Argentinian side. From Ciudad del Este it's very cheap to take a bus to Asuncion, the capital. Although Asuncion is nothing special the trip there is worth a visit. I was lucky enough to fly into Chaco, the wild an deserted part, bordering on Bolivia, by private plane, visiting a friend who has a hacienda there.

Favourite spots:
The tax free market in Ciudad del Este Las Cataratas de Iguazu (Iguazu waterfall)

What's really great:
The Waterfall and the huge butterflies near it. Small tradesmen hauling an unbelievable amount of toilet rolls on their bikes. The typical South American pace of life.

Sights:
The Iguazu waterfall. The Friendship Bridge with ten thousands crossing it dayly.

Accommodations:
I stayed at a house of friend, so I don't know much about accomodations. I think there is (was) one hotel in Ciudad del Este. More in Iguazu (Brazil) and some good ones in Asuncion.

Nightlife:
In Iguazu

Hangouts:
Hardly any

Restaurants:
In Iguazu there are very good churrascerias, roasted meat restaurants. In Ciudad del Este ask for surubi a river fish served in many ways. I particularly liked it cordon bleu-style.

Other recommendations:
The vastness and forlorness of Chaco.

Published on Sunday July 28th, 2002 by lonewolf

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