In this guide
For a day or night out in Pedro Juan Caballero, start at Laguna Punta Porá in the late afternoon, walk across Avenida Internacional into Ponta Porã, Brazil, and choose between shopping at Shopping China, the frontier history house museum or, at the weekend, a trip to Cerro Corá National Park or the Chacurrú adventure park. Here are the places, where they are and how to combine them.
Walks in town: the lagoon and the avenue
Laguna Punta Porá. The city's symbol: a lagoon of about 18,850 m² ringed by lapacho and quebracho trees, with a path around it. Local legend says anyone who walks the full loop will stay in Pedro Juan for good (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). It is the place for a sunset walk and tereré with friends.
Avenida Internacional Doctor Francia. This avenue is the border itself: Pedro Juan Caballero on one side, Ponta Porã on the other, with no river or bridge in between. Walking it is the classic outing. If you will travel further into Brazil or carry large purchases back into Paraguay, check migration and customs rules first.
Plazas. The municipality has 16 landscaped plazas, including Plaza Pedro Juan Caballero, Ernesto Winkler and Leonardo Franco, good for a break with kids or afternoon tereré.
Culture: museum and gallery
Casa Museo de la Historia de la Frontera. On Mariscal López at José de Jesús Martínez, about 100 metres from Avenida Internacional. It is historian Sacha Aníbal Cardona's collection of objects, books, photos and documents about the city and the Paraguayan War. Última Hora (opens in a new tab) (2016) reported free entry.
Julio César Álvarez Sosa art gallery. At Natalicio Talavera 604 and Aquidabán, two blocks from the lagoon. It shows Paraguayan and international artists and Álvarez's own work, much of it made from recycled materials. In 2016 it opened daily, 8:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00.
Both are near the lagoon, so you can walk all three in one afternoon.
Shopping and nightlife
Shopping China. One of the city's emblematic shopping spots, according to Infonegocios (opens in a new tab), and popular with Brazilian shoppers. It fills up on Brazilian public holidays, so avoid those dates if you want to browse calmly.
Planet Outlet. The city's other landmark store, according to Infonegocios (opens in a new tab) (2024). Black Friday and the cross-border "Navidad Sin Fronteras" campaign bring extra activity on both sides.
Casino Amambay. The casino at the Amambay Hotel Casino is listed among the border's attractions, the night out for anyone after a game. Bring ID.
Over the line in Ponta Porã
Parque Estadual dos Ervais. Ponta Porã's main urban park and one of the largest in inland Mato Grosso do Sul. A good morning walk.
Museu da Erva-Mate. Tells the story of the yerba mate trade in Mato Grosso do Sul, which ties both cities together.
Exporã. Ponta Porã's annual farm fair at the Parque de Exposições Alcindo Pereira. The 49th edition, in August 2026, drew more than 50,000 visitors (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). If you are going in August, check the dates.
Out of town: Cerro Corá and Chacurrú
Cerro Corá National Park. About 35 to 40 km from the city on Route PY05. A historical trail starts at the visitor centre, which has a museum, and passes the spot where Marshal Francisco Solano López died and his grave. For a longer hike there is a 7 km trail to Cerro Muralla, plus a camping area on the Aquidabán River. Start early and carry water, especially in summer.
Chacurrú. A 25-hectare eco-adventure park in Colonia Fortuna Guazú, 15 km from the centre, with a 130 m zip line, climbing, suspension bridges and rappelling down a 30 m waterfall. It has camping and lodging; check rates before you go.
A weekend plan and getting there
- Saturday: Cerro Corá in the morning, the house museum and gallery in the afternoon, sunset at Laguna Punta Porá.
- Sunday: Parque dos Ervais or Chacurrú in the morning, shopping along Avenida Internacional after lunch.
Pedro Juan Caballero is 452 km from Asunción. Buses from Asunción's main terminal via Routes PY09 and PY05 take about 9 hours. Route PY05 also links the city with Concepción, and PY17 with Salto del Guairá.
FAQ
What is there to do in Pedro Juan Caballero?
Walk Laguna Punta Porá at sunset, stroll Avenida Internacional into Ponta Porã, visit the frontier history house museum and the Álvarez Sosa gallery, and take a trip to Cerro Corá National Park or Chacurrú.
How far is Cerro Corá from Pedro Juan Caballero?
About 35 to 40 km on Route PY05. It has a historical trail with a museum, a 7 km trail to Cerro Muralla and camping by the Aquidabán River.
Can you walk across to Ponta Porã?
Yes, Avenida Internacional is the border line and you can cross on foot. Check migration and customs rules if you will travel further into Brazil or carry large purchases.
How long does it take from Asunción?
It is 452 km; buses from Asunción's main terminal take about 9 hours.
