Archive for the ‘Paraguay’ Category

Ciudad del Este

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Ciudad del Este which is Spanish for “City of the East” is the capital of the Alto Paraná department of Paraguay situated at the Rio Paraná. The city is a popular tourist destination for Brazilians and Argentinians. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 320 thousand people.

The eastern situated city Ciudad del Este lies about 200 miles from it’s capital Asuncion on the border with Brazil. It’s a relatively young city founded just 4 decades ago yet its today’s leading commercial center due to the importance of import and export over the only bridge between Paraguay and Brazil. The city is mostly commercial with several shopping areas and sightseeing’s. Nearby attractions include the Iguazu Falls situated on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the falls are considered one of the world’s greatest wonders. Over 250 water falls which are spread in a tropical environment.

North of the city lies the largest power dam in the world, named Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Dam which has a total length of 5 miles and a height of 740 ft. It’s 14 gigantic spillways forming each an individual artificial waterfall generate an 12,600,000 kilowatts of clean energy. This dam and unique sight can’t be missed while your stay in Ciudad del Este.

If you are from the United States, you will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay. Your visa will allow you to stay for up to 90 days in the country. It will take two to three days for your visa to be processed. You also need to present a return ticket as proof of your plan to return to your country.

Asuncion

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Asuncion is a city with secrets. The capital city of Paraguay showcases sophistication through its modern buildings and upscale establishments. Despite the fact that the city’s poverty is evident through Rio Paraguay, Asuncion offers plenty of tourist treats and interesting places to visit. Friendly guides can tour you around the sparkly clean malls and night clubs of Asuncion. The charming city of Asuncion is home to almost six million people according to the latest measurement.

The city of Asuncion is brimming with old world charm that continues to attract plenty of tourists from around the world. Some of the places and sites worth visiting is Casa Viola, an example of early colonial architecture, and the Gran Hotel Paraguay, which boasts lush tropical gardens and a unique collection of artworks and furnishings. The Catedral Metropolitana is a historic cathedral known for its religious artworks.

Asuncion’s nearest airport is 20 km away — the Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi. You can go to and from the airport by bus. The country’s only airline is the Transportes Aéreos Mercosur. As for domestic flights, you can only fly from Asuncion to Ciudad del Este and vice-versa. By water, you can also travel through Rio Paraguay and even as far as Brazil. Temperature in Asuncion ranges from 73 degree Fahrenheit to 91 degree Celsius. However, it has experienced the sweltering hot temperature of 104 degree Fahrenheit and the relatively cold temperature of 50 degree Fahrenheit.

If you are from the United States, you will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay. Your visa will allow you to stay for up to 90 days in the country. It will take two to three days for your visa to be processed. You also need to present a return ticket as proof of your plan to return to your country.