Allexbcn · CC BY-SA 4.0Pedro Juan Caballero
A dry border with Brazil: a single avenue separates two countries, three languages and plenty of shop windows.
What it is
In Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay and Brazil meet with no river or bridge in between: a single avenue separates the city from its Brazilian twin, Ponta Porã. You cross on foot and hear Spanish, Guarani and Portuguese on the same block. It's the north's shopping capital, with big malls such as Shopping China and Shopping Dubai, the latter spread over four floors with more than a hundred stores and a cinema. Perched on the Amambay range, it's cooler than the rest of the north. Laguna Punta Porã, the city's emblem, invites a sunset stroll, and it's the ideal base for Cerro Corá.
What to see and do
- Crossing the international line into Ponta Porã on foot
- Shopping at Shopping China and Shopping Dubai
- A sunset walk around Laguna Punta Porã
- A day trip to Cerro Corá National Park (≈ 40 km)
Did you know…?
It's called 'the Terrace of Paraguay' for its location high on the Amambay range.
Its name honors Pedro Juan Caballero, one of the leaders of the May 1811 independence revolution.
In winter, early mornings can hover around 1 °C, as in much of Amambay.
History
It was officially established on December 1, 1899, when a police station was created by presidential decree, under the name Punta Porã; in 1901 it took the name of Captain Pedro Juan Caballero, a hero of the 1811 independence movement. Laguna Punta Porã supplied water to the original settlement. The district has 127,437 inhabitants (2022 census).
Tips
- Walking around the urban border strip requires no paperwork, but if you continue your trip inside Brazil or Paraguay you must get your entry stamped at immigration.
- Guaraníes, Brazilian reais and US dollars all circulate in shops: compare exchange rates before paying.
- Stick to the shopping districts during the day and ask at your hotel which areas to avoid at night.
- If you're buying goods to take into Brazil, check the current duty-free allowance set by the Receita Federal (Brazilian customs).
The big malls open every day; Shopping Dubai stays open until 22:00 Friday through Sunday. Check before you go.
Best time: Year-round. From May to August it gets cold thanks to the altitude (lows can hover around 1 °C); in summer it's milder than Concepción. The city's anniversary is celebrated on December 1.
What to try
- Border cooking: Brazilian churrasco and Paraguayan asado
- Chipa and tereré the Paraguayan way, coffee the Brazilian way
Activities
Where to stay
Festivals and events here
Amambay Expo
The north’s biggest agricultural fair, in the border city of Pedro Juan Caballero, right next to Ponta Porã.
ExpoPedro Juan Caballero, Amambay27JunNuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro · Pedro Juan Caballero
A huge procession over an artistic carpet made by the city's students and organizations, and a main Mass in this border city with Brazil.
Patron saintPedro Juan Caballero, AmambayFeaturedNearby
Cerro Corá · Amambay
Parque Nacional Cerro Corá
Where the Great War ended: hills, forest and the stream where Marshal López fell.
Capitán Bado · Amambay
Capitán Bado y sus saltos
Some thirty waterfalls hidden in the Amambay range, right on the dry border with Brazil.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 10 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.