Balsa Iguazu: crossing to Paraguay
The Iguazú Raft is the most direct way to cross from Puerto Iguazú to Paraguay without passing through Brazil, arriving at the port of Presidente Franco, a few kilometers from Ciudad del Este.
It is a practical alternative to the traditional crossing through Foz do Iguaçu and the Friendship Bridge.
Visit details
If you are looking for how to go to Paraguay from Puerto Iguazú, this is one of the most used options to cross directly, avoiding passing through Brazil.
How to cross to Paraguay from Puerto Iguazú
There are two main ways to cross from Puerto Iguazú to Paraguay, to go from shopping to Ciudad del Este .
The best known is to cross into Brazil via the Tancredo Neves Bridge and then continue to Paraguay via the Friendship Bridge.
The other option, increasingly used, is the Balsa Iguazú , which allows you to cross directly to Presidente Franco without passing through Foz do Iguaçu.
👉 Quick summary: if you want to cross to Paraguay from Puerto Iguazú without passing through Brazil, you can use the Iguazú Raft. It is paid on the spot, does not require a reservation and has immigration controls like any international crossing.
What is the Iguazú Raft?
The Balsa Iguazú is an international crossing service that connects the port city of Puerto Iguazú, in Argentina, with the port city of Presidente Franco, in Paraguay .
It is important to clarify that is not an excursion or a tourist tour . Its main function is to serve as an alternative connection for those who need to cross into Paraguay, especially for those looking to reach the shopping area in the center of Ciudad del Este without taking the usual route through Brazil.
Many people use it precisely because it allows them to avoid the best-known circuit: leaving Puerto Iguazú towards Foz do Iguaçu via the Tancredo Neves Bridge and then continuing from Brazil towards Paraguay via the Friendship Bridge.
Why do many people use it?
A practical option for those looking for a direct connection to Paraguay without going through Foz or the usual route to Ciudad del Este.
direct crossing
It allows you to go from Puerto Iguazú to Presidente Franco without having to first enter Brazil.
Alternative to the usual circuit
Many people choose it to avoid the journey through Foz do Iguaçu and crossing the Friendship Bridge.
Near Ciudad del Este
Once in Presidente Franco, Ciudad del Este is approximately 7 kilometers away.
Iguazú Raft Gallery
Important before you go
No prior reservation required
- Raft does not reserve .
- The service is paid directly at the location.
- The operation depends on the operation of the crossing and the level of the rivers.
Immigration and customs requirements
- The crossing has customs and immigration personnel.
- The requirements are the same as crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge.
- It is necessary to have the corresponding documentation to leave Argentina and enter Paraguay.
Important: this page is informative about the crossing. The raft service is paid directly at the port and does not function as a tourist excursion.
How the crossing works in each direction
The crossing works in both directions, but it is important to understand that the operation is carried out from each country.
From the Argentine port to Paraguay, the service is operated by a raft on the Argentine side, corresponding to Balsa Iguazú SRL , and payment is made in Argentina.
In the opposite direction, from the port of Presidente Franco towards Puerto Iguazú, the crossing is carried out with the operation on the Paraguayan side, paying for the service in Paraguay.
In both cases, the operation is similar: you pay on the spot and the corresponding immigration and customs controls are carried out before boarding.
Useful service information
Days of operation
From Monday to Saturday. The raft does not operate on Sundays.
Crossing duration
The journey takes approximately 20 minutes from departure.
Service payment
Payment is made directly at the port when using the service.
Condition of service
The crossing is subject to the level of the rivers and the daily operations of the service.
Indicative schedules
| Monday to Friday from Argentina | 08:15, 09:15, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00 y 17:00 |
| Monday to Friday from Paraguay | 08:40, 09:40, 11:00, 12:20, 14:00, 15:30 y 16:30 |
| Saturdays and holidays from Argentina | 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:30 y 16:30 |
| Saturdays and holidays from Paraguay | 09:20, 10:50, 12:20, 14:00 y 16:00 |
Important information: it is advisable to reconfirm schedules directly at the port before traveling, as the service may be affected by operational issues or the level of the rivers.
Indicative rates
Car + driver
$ 18.000 pesos.
Companion
$ 5.000 pesos per person.
Motorcycles
$ 12.000 pesos with driver included.
Without car or motorcycle
$ 6.000 pesos per person.
Important: these values are indicative and must be confirmed on site when using the service.
A useful crossing to combine with private transfer
Although the raft is paid for directly at the port and does not require a reservation, many people choose to combine this crossing with a chauffeured transfer service to go to the shopping area and return more comfortably.
Consult transfer with driverWhere does the Iguazú Raft leave?
Departure is from the port area of Puerto Iguazú, at Av. Victoria Aguirre 1 .
From there the corresponding control is carried out and then the crossing to the port of Presidente Franco, Paraguay.
On the following map you can see the departure location at Puerto Iguazú:
Frequently asked questions
Is the Iguazú Raft an excursion or a walk?
No. It is an international crossing service between Puerto Iguazú and Presidente Franco, Paraguay.
Can you reserve in advance?
No. The service is paid directly at the port at the time of use.
Is there customs and immigration?
Yes. The crossing has immigration and customs controls, just like other international crossings in the area.
What documentation do I need?
The documentation depends on your nationality and immigration status, but the requirements are the same as crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge.
How long does the crossing take?
Once the raft leaves, the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Where do you get to in Paraguay?
The raft arrives at the port of Presidente Franco, from where Ciudad del Este is approximately 7 kilometers away.
Who operates the crossing from Argentina?
From the Argentine port to Paraguay, the operation corresponds to Balsa Iguazú SRL and the payment is made in Argentina.
And how does the return from Paraguay work?
From the port of Presidente Franco to Puerto Iguazú, the service is taken from the Paraguayan side and is paid for in Paraguay, with the corresponding operation for that country.
Is it the most direct way to go to Paraguay from Iguazú?
Yes. The raft allows you to cross directly to Paraguay without having to go through Brazil, being one of the most direct options from Puerto Iguazú.
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