Attractions Nearby Foz do Iguacu, Day Trips and Excursions

(Foz do Iguacu, Paraná, Brazil)

Foz do Iguacu is conveniently close to a number of outlying attractions, not only in the state of Paraná but across the border in Paraguay and Argentina, often being within close proximity to the famous Iguacu Falls and popular with holiday makers looking for possible excursions.

Especially close to Foz do Iguacu and located in Paraná is the city of Medianeira, the municipality of Santa Terezinha de Itaipu and the town of Sao Miguel do Iguacu. Each of these destinations come with their own set of attractions and are highly suitable for day trips.

General Information

Many locals from Foz do Iguacu work in the neighbouring city of Ciudad del Este (City of the East), which is located some 17 km / 11 miles to the west and within Paraguay. Ciudad del Este is easy to reach, being connected by the Ponte da Amizade (Friendship Bridge). Attractions in Ciudad del Este are far from historic, since this border city was only founded as recently as 1957, although you will find some exceptional duty free shopping, which is amongst the best that South America has to offer.

The Ponte da Fraternidade (Fraternity Bridge) is another important bridge, since it links Foz do Iguacu with its neighbouring Argentinean city of Puerto Iguazu. Located just 7 km / 4 miles to the south and around 18 km / 11 miles from the Iguacu Falls, Puerto Iguazu comes with a healthy tourism industry. The best attractions here include the Guira Oga Bird Centre, the Luis Honorio Rolon Municipal Nature Park, the Mbororé Museum and the Museum of Images of the Jungle, while close by, the Wanda Mines may be of interest to gem collectors.

Excursions along the Black Well Trail (Trilha do Poco Preto) are popular from Foz do Iguacu and specialist guides arrange a variety of tours. These start with a boat trip on the Rio Iguacu (Iguazu River), followed by a jungle hike or 4WD trip, and a spot of kayaking.

Hernandarias is another popular day trip destination in Paraguay, being around 25 km / 16 miles to the north of Foz do Iguacu and packed with attractions. Visitors will find plenty of things to choose between, such as the Itaipu Zoo, the Municipal Theatre, the Museum of the Earth Guarani, the Museum of Natural History and the architectural complex known as 'Walk Spain'.

Further afield and sited within the state of Paraná are the cities of Cascavel and Toledo, both of which lie approximately 150 km / 93 miles away and to the north-east. Cascavel is an important university city with a lively nightlife, while in Toledo, the festivals are the biggest attraction. The celebrations are often related to Toledo's farming and agricultural scene and include both the Festa Nacional do Porco no Rolete (Pork Roasting Festival) and the Festa do Frango (Chicken Festival).