Pedro Juan Caballero
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Pedro Juan Caballero is a border town in Northern Paraneña region of Paraguay. It is across the road from Ponta Porã in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Understand
The two towns are divided by an avenue, with free transit between both sides of the border. You need to spontaneously present yourself for immigration formalities, and the Paraguayan and Brazilian sides are in different buildings - both on walking distance from PJC center. There are reports the Brazilian side is only open from 09:00-16:00. If you have an early bus, considering doing the border formalities the day before.
Get in
- From/to Asunción, buses run regularly between 05:00-23:00, 8 hr, GS.90,000.
- From/to Concepción, likewise between 05:00-16:00, 4 hr, GS.35,000.
All these buses go by Ypy Yau, which can be a convenient transfer point.
Buy
The town is a shopping destination for Brazilian citizens due to its offer of cheaper imported goods. If you need to resupply on camera or camp gear, what can be found in Paraguay is much cheaper than in Brazil.
Sleep
The border is open, you can sleep in any side of the border regardless of immigration formalities. But do get your stamps before onward travel.
Go next
- Concepción – boat trips along the Paraguay river
- Ciudad del Este – the gateway to the Iguaçu Falls. Straight bus services daily from Pedro Juan Caballero terminal, 6 hr.
- Bonito – river snorkeling in Brazil. Straight bus service Mon-Sat 6am, 6 hr, departing from the Ponta Porã bus station. Do your border formalities the day before.
- Campo Grande – major nearby city. Either cross into Ponta Porã and catch one of the many daily services, or take the 8am direct service from Pedro Juan Caballero terminal (advantage: walking distance from city center). In any case, do your border formalities before boarding.