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There are very few places in the world where you can have breakfast in one country, lunch in another and watch the sunset in a third. Foz do Iguaçu is one of them.
The tour follows the order that makes the most of each place's opening hours. You start in Paraguay in the morning, because most shops in Ciudad del Este close by mid-afternoon. After lunch you cross into Argentina, where Puerto Iguazú stays lively until late. The day ends back in Brazil at the Triple Frontier Landmark.
That is the basic plan, but it is your day. Some people want more time shopping, others prefer a long lunch on the Argentine side. We adjust the route to suit you.
On average the full tour takes eight to ten hours, depending on time spent shopping and on queues at the border crossings.
We leave your hotel early and cross the Friendship Bridge into Ciudad del Este, one of the busiest shopping cities in South America. Electronics, perfumes, sports goods and drinks are among the most popular buys.
Your purchases stay in the car while the tour continues, so you are not carrying bags around in the heat. If you are not interested in shopping, the morning can simply be a quick look at the city and a photo for your country count, which leaves more time for Argentina.
Keep the receipts for everything you buy. Brazilian customs applies a duty-free allowance to travellers re-entering Brazil by land, and anything above it must be declared. More details on our Ciudad del Este shopping trip page.
Back on the Brazilian side, we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge to Puerto Iguazú. It is a small, charming town known for its market, the feirinha, where people buy Argentine wine, cheese, salami, alfajores and dulce de leche.
A must-see stop is the Hito Tres Fronteras, the Argentine border marker, with views across the rivers to Brazil and Paraguay. It is the same meeting of rivers you will see later from the Brazilian side.
Lunch or an afternoon coffee in Puerto Iguazú is often the highlight of the day. Argentine steaks, empanadas and wine are hard to resist.
In the late afternoon we drive back to Foz do Iguaçu and head to the Triple Frontier Landmark. If we arrive in time for sunset, you will see the same river junction you saw from Argentina, this time with an orange sky.
If you still have energy, the evening cultural show at the landmark usually starts around 7:30 pm. If you would rather rest, the driver takes you straight back to your hotel with all of the day's shopping.
Bring your passport. You will go through immigration control when entering Paraguay and Argentina and when coming back into Brazil. Visa rules depend on your nationality and are different for each of the three countries, so check the requirements for Paraguay and Argentina as well as Brazil before your trip.
Keep the entry slip or stamp you receive when you arrive in Brazil. You may be asked for it when you return from Argentina or Paraguay.
Waiting times at the bridges vary with the day and time. Early mornings are usually quick, while holidays and the high season can be busier. The driver watches the traffic and changes the order of the day if one of the bridges is congested.
Want to include the Iguazu Falls as well? We recommend a separate day: the falls need two to three hours on the Brazilian side and four to six on the Argentine side.
Reviews from travellers who have ridden with us are on our Google profile. Take a look before you book.
See our Google reviewsYes. Ciudad del Este, Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu are very close to each other. The full tour takes eight to ten hours, including the border crossings.
A valid passport, plus any visa required for your nationality in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Check the rules for each country before travelling.
We do not recommend it. The falls deserve their own day, especially if you want to see the Argentine side.
Paraguay in the morning, because shops close in the afternoon, Argentina after lunch and Brazil at sunset.
It does, but most shops in Ciudad del Este are closed on Sundays. If shopping matters to you, choose Monday to Saturday.
Up to four passengers in a sedan or SUV, and up to seven in our 7-seat vehicle. The price is per car.
Foz do Iguaçu · 24/7 · Fixed price agreed before your trip