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.