Friends, picture boarding a comfortable coach in Paraguay’s capital and, within hours, stepping into the spray of roaring cascades. The route from Asunción to Iguazu Falls blends vibrant urban culture, hidden waterfalls, and seamless border crossings.

This guide lays out each leg—bus travel, market detours, river ferries, and park entries—so you can move confidently from Paraguayan streets to Argentina’s most spectacular natural wonder.

Bus Departure

Begin at Asunción’s NSA Bays station, where modern coaches with reclining seats and onboard Wi‑Fi depart daily at 7 am and 1 pm. Tickets booked via Busbud start at $25 one‑way, covering the 350 km drive to Ciudad del Este in about six to seven hours. Expect air‑conditioning, charging ports, and rest stops every two hours, providing snack purchases ($2–3 empanadas) and restroom breaks to stretch legs.

Asunción Stopover

If time allows, linger 24 hours in Asunción before departure. Budget stays like La Misión Hotel offer double rooms from $40/night near historic neighborhoods. Morning visits to Plaza de la Democracia and El Cabildo museum (entry $2) reveal architecture and local handicrafts. Evenings invite roadside parrillas serving grilled meats and mandioca for $8, immersing you in Paraguay’s warm hospitality before the onward journey.

Ciudad Del Este

Upon arrival, Ciudad del Este’s duty‑free markets dazzle with electronics and jewelry, but for culture, head to Saltos del Monday (entry $6), a thundering waterfall 20 km outside town. Local minibuses ($1.50) shuttle visitors through subtropical forest to viewing platforms. A two‑hour visit here offers mist‑cloaked trails and roadside fruit stalls selling fresh pineapples for $1 each—an energizing preparation for your next border crossing.

River Ferry

Skip Brazilian traffic by boarding a ferry from Puerto Itá in Ciudad del Este. Departures run every hour between 9 am–5 pm, with round‑trip tickets costing about $2. The 10‑minute crossing glides across the Paraná River, transferring you directly into Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. Keep your passport handy—immigration is swift, taking no more than 15 minutes at each booth.

Puerto Iguazú Arrival

Stepping onto Argentine soil, the town of Puerto Iguazú welcomes you with café‑lined streets and artisan shops. Budget hostels such as Hostel Bambu offer dorm beds from $15/night, while mid‑range options like Hotel América start at $60/night. Grab a tortilla at a local puestito (street stall) for $3 before arranging transport to the falls.

Falls Transport

From the town center, municipal bus #120 ($0.50) runs every 30 minutes to the Iguazú National Park entrance from 8 am–6 pm. Alternatively, taxis charge around $15 one‑way. Arrive by 9 am to beat the crowds and midday heat—temperatures often soar above 30 °C. Remember to carry refillable water bottles and sun hats for comfort during your park exploration.

Park Entry

Iguazú National Park’s Argentine side charges $8 for foreign adults. Tickets include access to Cataratas Trail, Garganta del Diablo boardwalk, and the small train linking sectors. Plan for at least six hours to cover Upper and Lower Circuit walks—both reveal mist‑driven rainbows and plunging views close enough to feel the falls’ power.

Brazilian View

For a panoramic perspective, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. A single‑entry visa for Paraguayans costs $40, or many nationalities enter visa‑free. The Brazilian park entry runs $10, granting access to the panoramic lookout that frames 275 cascades in a single sweep. Afternoon visits here are less crowded and catch the falls in golden light—a photographer’s dream.

Local Flavors

Don’t miss Argentine‑style pizza for $5 per slice, or Brazilian pastel filled with cheese for $2. Cafés in Puerto Iguazú serve mate tea and dulce de leche treats for under $3. These roadside bites offer authentic tastes and budget‑friendly breaks between waterfall treks.

Additional Gems

Extend your adventure with a boat ride under the falls on the Gran Aventura tour ($60) or visit the Hito Tres Fronteras viewpoint, where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet at the rivers’ confluence. Bus #101 to the landmark costs $0.50, making this triangular panorama an effortless side trip.

Conclusion

From Asunción’s plazas to Iguazú’s roaring cascades, this route blends comfort and culture with one of the world’s natural marvels. With bus fares around $25, hostels from $15, and park entries under $10, budget‑wise travelers can experience unforgettable scenery and local flavors. Ready to cross borders and chase your waterfall dreams? Pack your passport, plan your transfer, and let Paraguay ignite your path to Iguazú’s thunderous beauty!