Ciudad del Este is a busy border city, so extra care helps. The crowded market area sees petty theft, so keep valuables secure, avoid flashing cash or electronics and stay alert. Daytime visits to shops and attractions are generally fine. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially after dark, and arrange reliable transportation.
The central shopping district is busy and crowded, with uneven sidewalks, curbs and heavy foot traffic that make strollers and wheelchairs challenging. Major attractions such as the Itaipu Dam offer better accessibility and parking. Lago de la Republica has calmer paths for a relaxed walk. Comfortable shoes and a careful pace are recommended.
Tipping in Paraguay is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving around 10% for good service is customary if a charge is not already included. Small tips for drivers, hotel staff and guides are welcome. At casual eateries and markets, rounding up or leaving spare change is perfectly fine.
Tour the colossal Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric plants, with day and lit-up evening visits. Cool off at the Saltos del Monday waterfalls, browse the city's huge shopping markets and relax at Lago de la Republica. Just across the border lie the spectacular Iguazu Falls.
Paraguay's currency is the guarani (PYG). In Ciudad del Este, a major shopping hub, U.S. dollars, Brazilian reais and Argentine pesos are also widely accepted, especially in malls and markets. Cards work at larger stores, but cash is best for small vendors. Compare prices, as exchange rates vary between shops and money changers.
Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and Guarani, an Indigenous language spoken by most of the population. You will often hear both mixed together in daily life. In Ciudad del Este, Portuguese is also common due to the Brazilian border. Knowing basic Spanish phrases will help you greatly while shopping and dining.
Sample chipa, a chewy cheese bread, and sopa paraguaya, a savory cornbread despite its name. Try mbeju, a starchy flatbread, and hearty grilled asado. Cool down with terere, ice-cold yerba mate that is a national ritual. In Ciudad del Este, you will also find tasty Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma, a testament to the city's Syrian and Lebanese communities
The milder months from March to May and September to November are most comfortable, with smaller crowds. Summers from December to February are hot and humid, and busy with holiday shoppers. The drier season also brings clearer views at the waterfalls. Weekdays and early mornings are calmer than weekends at the markets.
