Ciudad del Este is a city in the Alto Paraná department of Paraguay, in the south of South America. It sits on the border with Brazil and Argentina, and it is often called CDE. It was also once known as Puerto Presidente Stroessner, a name you may still see on older maps and references.
The city is a major commercial centre, and that shapes the visit. Its streets are busy with shops and traders, and it is best known for shopping and for its duty-free commerce. Visitors who enjoy markets, browsing and the bustle of a working border city will find plenty to explore here.
What to see and do
- Shopping: The city's reputation rests largely on its retail trade, so a stroll through its commercial districts is the most typical way to spend time here.
- The Itaipu Dam: One of the city's best-known features is the Itaipu Dam, a major hydroelectric project on the Paraná River that is close enough to make a day trip part of a visit.
- The border area: Because the city meets Brazil and Argentina, a visit naturally brings a sense of the three countries meeting in one region.
Planning your visit
Ciudad del Este suits travellers who want a commercial, border-town experience rather than a quiet historic town. Plan around the shopping and the dam, and allow time to take in the lively atmosphere of the streets. Check current details for any trip, as conditions and arrangements can change.
