If you’re planning your first South American vacation then the tri-border between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil might be just what you’re looking for! From the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, to passing by the best duty free in the world, to a surprising bar made of ice, the area has plenty on offer for tourists.
It’s an incredibly rare thing to be able to enjoy the opportunity of visiting three countries in one day (although we’d strongly recommend spending at least two or three days in each destination), so we’ve gathered a few of the most incredible and memorable experiences you can have. Check out our list of the eight most must do things while visiting the Triple Frontier:
1. Admiring the Iguazu Falls
Pixabay
Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Iguazu Falls is definitely one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, and a mandatory stop for travelers in the Triple Frontier. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, it consists of a sequence of 257 individual waterfalls. The largest one – 82m high, 150m wide and 700m long – has the peculiar name of Devil’s Throat, and is the highlight of these majestic waterfalls.
2. Visiting the Iguazu National Park
With 100,000 hectares of protected areas and forests, the Iguazu National Park – around the Iguazu Falls – is a natural heritage site and protects a rich biodiversity. Over 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds and 70 different species mammals have been registered in the area. Depending on the time of the day and the movement of tourists, you might see agoutis, toucans, monkeys and coatis groups on your way while walking the trails.
3. Stopping at the Bird Park
Flickr/Miguel Silva Rodrigues
Just 300 meters away from the entrance of the Iguazu National Park, in Brazil, is the Bird Park, where you can have direct contact with more than 1,000 birds of 150 different species. It is a unique and unforgettable experience in which you will find amazing birds from the four corners of Brazil and all over the world, many of them endangered. The site also has a butterfly garden and three immersion vivariums, where you can come in and stay amongst of toucans, ibises, macaws, jays and mockingbirds.
4. Passing by the Buddhist Temple
Flickr/Rodrigo Soldon
Built in 1996 in the upper part of Foz do Iguaçu, this temple is known for the tranquil gardens that are home to 120 oriental statues, such as the image of Buddha which is seven meters tall. From the balcony of the main building, built in an area covering more than 2,000 m², visitors have a panoramic view of the Parana River, the Friendship Bridge and Foz do Iguassu.
5. Playing at the casinos in Argentina and Paraguay
Triple Frontier provides visitors with the glamour and excitement of slots, card games and roulette. While gambling in Brazil is only possible online, the casinos located in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) are ripe for exploring. Don’t be fooled into thinking that gambling is all you can do in these establishments either. The casinos in both cities are famed for their concerts, boxing matches, art exhibitions and theatre shows that are hosted throughout the year. Even if you don’t fancy trying your hand at blackjack or poker, these attractions alone more than warrant a visit!
6. Shopping in Ciudad del Este
Flickr/David Ludugério
Those who enjoy shopping cannot visit the Triple Frontier and fail to visit Ciudad del Este, the home of bargains in the region. An important tip for those who go there for the first time: make a list of things that you think you might want to buy and select stores beforehand. Shopping on the streets is dangerous, choose only large stores and pay no attention to people who address you on the street.
7. More shopping in the Duty Free
Also, save a bit of money to spend in the Duty Free in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina. Elected twice as being the best duty free in the world, it’s located between the customs of Brazil and Argentina. There are 5,000 m² of department-style stores with electronics, clothing, perfumes, drinks, chocolates, toys, and more. The variety is huge and the prices are good too.
8. Drinking at the Ice Bar Iguazú
Ice Bar Iguazú
Among the places that offer a unique experience in the Triple Frontier, the Ice Bar Iguazú is definitely one of them. It sits at the entrance of Puerto Iguazú and everything in it (glasses, walls, counter and decorations) are made of ice. The maximum time to stay there is 30 minutes seeing that the temperature inside the room is -10ºC. The place is pretty cool and worth visiting!
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