Archive for the ‘Ciudad del Este’ 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.