In this guide
To choose a travel agency in Ciudad del Este, first look it up in Senatur's Registur and check that it is listed as operating; then ask two agencies to quote the same trip in writing. Here an agency earns its fee on flights, packages, group trips and excursions with transfers to the Brazilian or Argentine side. For Itaipú dam, though, you don't need one: the visit is free and you book it directly.
How do I know an agency is licensed?
Senatur, Paraguay's tourism ministry, lists registered agencies at registur.gov.py with their status: operating or permanently closed. If in doubt, call (021) 441 530, extension 117 (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Search by trading name and by legal company name; they don't always match.
- In February 2026 Senatur warned about five firms selling packages on social media without being registered, at very low prices (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
- Don't book tours with people who approach you as you cross the Friendship Bridge. In 2024 Senatur itself complained about taxi and moto-taxi drivers, leaflet distributors and self-styled "shopping guides" waiting for tourists at the border zone (La Nación, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Go to an office with an address that issues invoices.
What can you sort out without an agency?
- Itaipú: dam tours leave from the Visitor Reception Centre in Hernandarias. They are free for tourists, but you must book by phone on (061) 599-8040, by email at cturistico@itaipu.gov.py or through the Ib-tur app (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). They close on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- Buses to Asunción and other cities: buy directly at the Ciudad del Este bus terminal, about 1.5 km south of the centre near Avenida Bernardino Caballero (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). The ride to Asunción takes 5 to 6 hours (Rome2rio (opens in a new tab)).
- Passports and visas: the agency quotes the trip, but documents are your job (see below).
If the tour crosses into Brazil or Argentina
Many agencies in the city sell trips to Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazú. Before paying:
- Ask which bridge the bus uses and at what time. The rules for tour buses between the Friendship Bridge and the new Integration Bridge changed several times in 2026: in January tour buses were moved to the Integration Bridge at night (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)), and the joint Brazil-Paraguay commission announced another scheme from 3 August (Prensa Mercosur, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). A serious agency will tell you the route and departure time.
- Documents: Paraguayans can enter Brazil and Argentina with their national ID card, as long as it was issued less than 10 years ago (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Other nationalities should check their own entry rules before booking.
- Entrance fees: ask whether park and attraction tickets are included and in which currency they are paid.
What should the quote say?
Ask both agencies for the same trip (dates, number of people, departure from Ciudad del Este) and get in writing:
- What is and isn't included: tickets, luggage, transfers, hotel, meals, excursions and travel assistance.
- Total price including taxes and how to pay, as Article 15 of Law 1334/98 (opens in a new tab) requires.
- Instalments: cash price, interest rate, number of payments and total (Sedeco via ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Cancellation: what is refunded, and when, if you or the operator cancels.
- Peak dates: if you need a hotel in the city for Black Friday CDE (19 to 22 November 2026), book early: hotel occupancy can reach 95-100% on peak days (Prensa Mercosur, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
How to pay and where to complain
Get an invoice for the deposit and for every payment (Sedeco via ABC Color (opens in a new tab)) and pay by transfer or card when you can, since they leave a record. Keep vouchers and chats until you are home. If the agency doesn't deliver, complain in writing first; then go to Sedeco, the consumer agency, which takes complaints by web form and on the free line 0800 11 88 99 (Hoy, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). In the city, the municipal consumer protection office helped tourists recover their money with police and prosecutors in 2026 (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
If you are staying around, see our guide to things to do in Ciudad del Este.
FAQ
How do I check a travel agency in Ciudad del Este?
Look it up on registur.gov.py, Senatur's register, by trading name and legal name. It should be listed as operating; you can also call (021) 441 530, extension 117.
Do I need an agency to visit Itaipú dam?
No. Tours leave from the Visitor Reception Centre in Hernandarias, are free and are booked by phone on (061) 599-8040, by email or through the Ib-tur app.
Which bridge do tour buses to Foz do Iguaçu use?
It depends on the scheme in force: the rules for tour buses between the Friendship and Integration bridges changed several times in 2026. Ask the agency for the route and time in writing.
Can Paraguayans visit Foz do Iguaçu with just an ID card?
Yes. Paraguayans enter Brazil and Argentina with a national ID card issued less than 10 years ago.
