Friendship Bridge

The arch bridge connecting Paraguay and Brazil across the Paraná River

The Puente de la Amistad — Friendship Bridge — is the sole crossing between Ciudad del Este and Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, and it is one of the most heavily trafficked border crossings in South America. The arch bridge spans 552 metres over the Paraná River and carries the Brazilian BR-277 highway on one side and Paraguay's Ruta 7 on the other.

On weekday mornings the bridge is a spectacle in its own right: thousands of Brazilians — known as sacoleiros (bag people) — cross on foot, loaded with purchases from Ciudad del Este's tax-free markets, before turning around to clear Brazilian customs back in Foz. The crossing involves two separate border posts; if you are not a Brazilian or Paraguayan citizen, make sure both immigration stamps your passport. The walk takes about 20 minutes in good conditions; taxis will take you across for a small fee.

things to do sight
A story
On busy shopping days, so many Brazilian shoppers cross the Friendship Bridge carrying purchases back to Foz do Iguaçu that the bridge becomes almost impassable on foot. The Paraguayan government has periodically proposed tolls, duty-free quotas, and other measures to regulate the flow — none has stopped the daily procession of laden shoppers.