Paraguay - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 702

CROSSING TO BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA
The Puente de la Amistad (Ponte da Amizade in Portuguese, or Friendship Bridge), across
the Río Paraná, marks the border with the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu . Immigration
formalities take place at either end of the bridge. This is Paraguay's busiest border crossing,
and there are frequently huge queues in either direction (if crossing by bus, try to go as early
as possible). A local bus runs from the bus terminal along Av Gral. Bernardino Caballero,
Pioneros del Este, then to the Ruta Internacional to the terminal in “Foz”, as it's known locally
(every 15min; duration depends on bridge tra c; Gs8000). Often crossing on foot is quicker,
but be sure to obtain all necessary entrance and exit stamps; you need them even if you are
just visiting the waterfalls. Tra c police do not help matters by putting pressure on buses to
speed up their crossing, occasionally directing them away from the customs checkpoint.
The company Río Uruguay runs buses daily between CDE and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina
(every 30min-1hr, 7am-6pm, duration depends on bridge tra c; Gs10,000 or AR$10). It starts
from the Terminal, but you can catch it anywhere along Av Gral. Bernardino Caballero, or on
the Ruta Internacional. You'll have to get stamps before the bridge to leave Paraguay, and
again at the Argentine border, some 20min later. You do not need to get stamps to go in and
out of Brazil if you do not plan to get off the bus before Argentina. Even if the buses tell you
they will not wait, be sure that your paperwork is in order; another bus will come along.

un-cool Paraguay. There's a dancefloor with mirror-ball,
stage and live music (with small entrance fee), and the
food has names like the “Steak 'n' Shake” while cocktails
are named after movies. Worth booking a table if you
want to go for the music. Tues-Sat 6pm-late.
Gouranga Av Pampliega, at Eusebio Ayala, behind the
Municipalidad complex. An Indian vegetarian restaurant
with bargain set lunches (Gs20,000) including veggie
takes on Paraguayan classics and inventive fresh juices.
Daily 7.30am-2.30pm.
Miu Miu Boquerón, at Av Jara. A decent Chinese in a little
row of oriental restaurants, with a great range of food
(including plenty for vegetarians) and good-value set
menus. All US$5-15 (menu in dollars).
Patu's Bar Av Bernardino Caballero 480 W patusbar.com.
Lively open-air bar-restaurant overlooking the parks, with
a large list of cocktails to accompany pizza, steaks and
salads. Cocktail and burger Gs40,000.
Tia Lily Carlos Antonio López, at Oscar Rivas. A great place
to sample exactly the kind of typical - and cheap -
Paraguayan food that can be hard to find elsewhere,
like Caldo de Surubí (fish stew) and Chipa Guazú (an eggy
corn bread). This also serves as a relaxed bar in the evening,
when tables spring up on the street. Mains Gs20,000.
Daily 6am-11pm, closes 4pm Sun.

all dealers are honest. The maze of shops and stalls on
either side of the Ruta Internacional is where the bulk
of the bargains are, though the area also attracts petty
thieves - do not carry valuables with you. 8

DIRECTORY
Banks and exchange On Av Jara there are multiple
options.
Car rental Various options at the airport, or Localiza
( T 021 683 892) on Av San Blas (Ruta Internacional) Km4.
Hospital Fundación Tesai on Av Caballero behind the bus
terminal.
Internet Hotel Venecia (see p.705) has computers for
Gs5000/hr.
Laundry At least three laundries along E.R. Fernandez
two blocks north of the Ruta Internacional.
Post o ce Alejo Garcia and Centro Democrático (Mon-
Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-noon).

AROUND CIUDAD DEL ESTE
The main reasons for staying in CDE are
to visit Iguazú Falls - both the Brazilian
(see p.353) and Argentine (see p.88)
sides are an easy day-trip from here -
and the Itaipú Dam , the second-largest
dam in the world (but still the largest
producer of hydroelectric power),
and an extraordinary engineering feat.
The Itaipú Dam company also oversees
the management of eight small nature
reserves, but if you have time, head
straight for the Reserva Bosque
Mbaracayú (see box, p.691).

SHOPPING
Not for nothing is CDE known as the “Supermarket of South
America”, and just about everything you can think of can
be purchased here at prices well below market rates.
Electronics, alcohol and perfumes provide the best deals,
but beware of substandard goods and do not be afraid to
haggle - it is expected. Compare prices before completing
any transaction and ask for the product to be tested; not