Walking Across the Border from Brazil to Paraguay
Introduction
Crossing an international border on foot is always an adventure, but walking from Brazil to Paraguay across the Friendship Bridge is an experience like no other.
As someone who has done this walk multiple times now, I can safely say that it’s not just about getting from one country to another—it’s about feeling the energy of the border, seeing the stark contrast between two nations, and immersing yourself in the vibrant chaos that is Ciudad del Este.
Whether you’re a traveller looking for a unique border crossing experience, a shopper on the hunt for duty-free bargains, or just curious about this famous bridge, walking across the Ponte da Amizade (Friendship Bridge in Portuguese) is a must-do experience when in Ciudad del Este, or in Foz do Iguaçu.
I have included a walking tour video of Ciudad del Este below, so you can know what to expect form the city and border core (near the border). I will say that Ciudad del Este is not the cleaner or nicer city in Paraguay, and many foreigners much prefer Asuncion to Ciudad del Este, and for good reason.
Take a watch below and let me know in the comments below what you think.
The Walk from Brazil to Paraguay
Before setting off on your mini-adventure, it’s good to know what you can expect on your walk to another country. The Friendship Bridge connects Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, to Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, spanning the Paraná River for about 600 meters.
It’s one of the busiest border crossings in South America, with thousands of people, motorbikes, and cars passing through daily, however you don’t actually need an ID card (Paraguayan cedula) or a passport to cross, and no one will ask you for these documents if you are crossing on foot.
If you are staying less than 24 hours, or staying 15 km within the border radius, there is no need for a stamp or showing of documents at this border crossing. Although if you are planning to stay longer, there are designated migration areas on each side of the border to get your passport stamped.
Walking Across the Friendship Bridge
Taking those first few steps onto the Friendship Bridge is an experience in and of itself, regardless of which side you are stepping into.
The bridge is alive with movement most hours of the waking day—locals rushing back and forth, motorcycles weaving between car lanes, and vendors selling everything from bottled water to electronics – it’s certainly something to take in as a foreigner visiting the city.
As you walk across the bridge, you will see the contrast between the organized, modern city of Foz do Iguaçu and the chaotic city of Ciudad del Este. It is a stark difference between the two cities, and having visited both, I can certainly say that Foz is much calmer of a city than Ciudad del Este, with certainty.
The walk across the 600-meter bridge is fairly quick, taking around 10 to 15 minutes at a normal pace. However, I took my time and stopping to admire the view of the Paraná River below, which marks the natural border between Brazil and Paraguay. There’s a mid-point on the bridge where you can stand with one foot in Brazil and the other in Paraguay… a great photo op.
One thing to note is the lack of shade on the bridge, so if you’re crossing during the afternoon, the sun can be intense. There is an overhang on the bridge, but it isn’t very helpful depending on where the sun is positioned.
What I find interesting about this particular border crossing is that the Brazilian side of the border is very noticeably different from the Paraguayan side… cross the Brazilian border and you will find that there are dozens of coconuts for sale on the streets, and small restaurants right on the edge of the border crossing… in Paraguay, all you find is shopping and electronic shops. No coconuts in sight.
Exploring Ciudad del Este After Crossing
Once you step off the bridge into Ciudad del Este, you find yourself in one of the most famous shopping hubs in South America. The amount of shops, street vendors, and shopping malls is overwhelming at first. It’s no exaggeration when people say you can buy almost anything here—electronics, clothing, perfumes, watches, and even designer items at discounted prices.
One of the first places you can visit (and one of the closest large malls to the border) is Shopping Paris mall, a modern shopping center with duty-free stores and international brands. Unlike the open-air street markets, Shopping Paris is more organized, air-conditioned, and has set prices, making it a good place to browse if you don’t want to deal with negotiating.
For those looking for a local experience, the Mercado Municipal and nearby street vendors offer everything from fresh fruit to Paraguayan crafts. Haggling is common, so I tried my hand at negotiating prices. Of course, its best if you speak the local language to get the best deals.
Another great part of visiting Ciudad del Este is the food scene. I stopped at a small local restaurant to have some chipa, a cheesy Paraguayan bread and one of my favourite local dishes, along with a tereré, Paraguay’s famous cold yerba mate drink.
If you’re looking for something heartier, traditional Paraguayan dishes like sopa paraguaya (a dense cornbread) or milanesa (breaded meat) are delicious and affordable, and can be found throughout the city.
I am quite familiar with Ciudad del Este, however I still recommend to keep a watchful eye on your belongings, on both sides of the border.
Near the Paraguayan side of the border, there is a nearby favela, the San Rafael favela, and quite a bit of homelessness nearby the border crossing. Keep an eye on where you are going and your things in this area, and in the downtown core in general.
Border Tip: If you have a lot of shopping bags, be prepared for random inspections. Brazilian customs officials often stop people to check for undeclared electronics or luxury goods exceeding the duty-free limit ($500 USD per person).
I have seen a few travelers pulled aside for carrying multiple laptops and (fake) designer handbags. Since I typically only have small souvenir items and some Paraguayan snacks during my crossings, I usually get through without issues.
Is Walking from Brazil to Paraguay Worth It? My Final Thoughts
The walk from Brazil to Paraguay over the Friendship Bridge is one of the most unique and exciting border experiences, and one many foreigners look forward to when they first visit this border city.
It’s not just about crossing from one country to another—it’s about witnessing firsthand the contrast between the two sides, experiencing the fast-paced living that is Ciudad del Este, and enjoying the convenience of a cross-border shopping spree (P.S. many Brazilians like to hop over the border to Paraguay to do shopping, as sales taxes are quite high in Brazil, and are only set at 10% in Paraguay).
If you’re considering making the journey for a day, here are my final recommendations:
✅ Go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds. It gets extremely hot in this region in the summer (from October-May).
✅ Bring cash (preferably in US dollars or Brazilian reais) for the best exchange rates.
✅ Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas—Ciudad del Este is generally safe, but pickpocketing can happen.
✅ Try local food! Paraguayan chipa and tereré are must-tries for any first time traveler.
✅ Don’t be worried about showing your passport or cedula when crossing, especially if you didn’t make many purchases
For me, after living in Paraguay for so long, this walk was not just a border crossing—its a cultural experience that shows the interconnectedness of South America.
Whether you’re visiting as a tourist, crossing for a residency process, or simply curious about Paraguay, walking the border from Brazil to Paraguay is an adventure everyone visiting this region needs to experience.
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FAQ: Walk from Brazil to Paraguay
Do I need a visa to cross from Brazil to Paraguay on foot?
For most nationalities, no visa is required for short visits to Paraguay. However, some countries do require a visa, so it’s best to check Paraguay’s official visa requirements before crossing. If you’re a Brazilian or a Mercosur resident, you don’t need a visa.
Do I need to go through immigration when walking across the Friendship Bridge?
It depends. Many day-trippers from Brazil enter Paraguay without going through immigration, as the border is quite relaxed. However, if you plan to stay longer than a few hours, you should get your passport stamped at Paraguayan immigration to avoid any issues later. When returning to Brazil, foreigners may need to check back in at Brazilian immigration.
Is the walk from Brazil to Paraguay safe?
Yes, the Friendship Bridge is generally safe for pedestrians during daylight hours. However, it can get crowded, and there are occasional pickpockets in Ciudad del Este near the shopping districts. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid flashing valuables, and stick to well-lit areas and use Uber if returning late.
How long does it take to walk from Brazil to Paraguay?
The bridge itself is about 600 meters (0.37 miles) long, so walking across takes around 10-15 minutes. If there is heavy pedestrian traffic, it may take a bit longer, which there can be in daytime hours.
What is the best time of day to cross?
Mornings (before 10 AM) are ideal for crossing, as the weather is cooler and crowds are smaller. Late afternoons can be busier, especially with people returning to Brazil after shopping.
What currency is accepted in Ciudad del Este?
You can use Brazilian reais (BRL), US dollars (USD), and Paraguayan guaraníes (PYG) in most stores. Many vendors even list prices in all three currencies. However, using USD or guaraníes usually gives you the best exchange rate.
Can I use my credit card in Paraguay?
Yes, most larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards, but some smaller shops, street vendors, and general taxis only take cash. It’s a good idea to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, and I recommend using Bolt and Uber instead of taxis on both sides of the border.
Is there a time zone difference between Brazil and Paraguay?
Paraguay is one hour behind Brazil (Brasilia Time) except during Paraguay’s daylight saving time, when the time difference disappears.
Can I bring food and drinks back to Brazil?
Small quantities of packaged food and drinks are fine. However, Brazilian customs may restrict certain products like fresh meat, dairy, or large amounts of alcohol. If in doubt, check the current import regulations before crossing back.
