Getting There

By Plane -- Aeropuerto Guaraní (airport code CDE; no phone) is 30km (19 miles) west of town. TAM, Curupayty 195 (tel. 064/420-843), operates a daily service between Sao Paolo and Asunción

By Bus -- The Terminal, Chaco Boreal and Capitan del Puerto (tel. 061/510-421) is on the southern outskirts of the city, beside a large soccer stadium. There are buses connecting in Asunción (4 1/2 hr.) and Encarnación (3 hr.), costing $8 and $5. Local buses leave for Foz de Iguaçu every 15 minutes. Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (tel. 061/510-095; www.nsa.com.py) operates a reliable service.

Getting Around

All the action takes place around the Microcentro and to the east towards Puente de la Amistad, the Friendship Bridge. It is often best to go everywhere on foot, as traffic is often at a standstill.

Border Crossing

The 500m-long (1,640-ft.) "Friendship Bridge" can be at times very informal, and chaotic -- watch out for pickpockets, especially on Wednesdays and Sundays, which are the busiest days. Rush hour can be incredibly slow and it is often quicker to walk over the bridge than to take a bus or taxi. Pedestrians from Brazil walk on the northern side with goods-laden consumers exiting on the other side. If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen you might be tempted to risk crossing without a visa, but be warned. If you're caught, it can mean the temporary confiscation of your passport until you pay a "fine." Local buses do not stop at the Customs offices, which are at either end of the bridge. You'll find a somewhat shabby but friendly and helpful tourist office (no phone) in the Paraguayan Customs building.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.