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Ponta PorA?
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Despite the distinctly unthrilling towns that have gone before,
PONTA PORA?
itself is an attractive little settlement, right on the Paraguayan border up in the Maracaju hills. The
Avenida Internacional
divides the settlement in two - on one side of the street you're in Brazil, on the other in the Paraguayan town of
Pedro Juan Caballero
. On the Paraguayan side you can polka the night away, gamble your money till dawn or, like most people there, just buy a load of imported goods at the duty-free shops. There's a strange blend of language and character, and even a unique
mestizo
cuisine, making it an interesting place to spend a day or two. Ponta PorA? also has a tradition as a distribution centre for
matA©
herb - made into a tea-like drink containing caffeine.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from, though most budget travellers tend to go for the Alvorada (under $10) or Dos Viajantes (under $10), over the road from the train station, both of which are cheap and friendly. The Internacional, Av. Internacional 2604 (tel 067/431-1243; $20-35), is a mid-range hotel with regular hot water, while for a plusher stay it's hard to beat the Pousada do Bosque, just outside Ponta PorA? at Av. Presidente Vargas 1151 (tel 067/431-1181, fax 431-1741; $50-70), with its welcoming swimming pool. Other reasonable options include Porta do Sol Palace Hotel, Rua Paraguai 2688 (tel 067/431-3341, fax 431-1193; $10-20), and Frontier Palace, Av. Brasil 1119 (tel 067/431-2825; $20-35).
Crossing the border
is a simple procedure for most non-Brazilians. An exit stamp must be obtained from the PolAcia Federal at Rua Mal. Floriano 1483 (tel 067/431-1428) on the Brazilian side, then it's a matter of walking four or five blocks down Rua Guia Lopes to the Paraguayan customs and control. If you need a visa for Paraguay you can get this from the consulate on Avenida Internacional on the Brazilian side. If you're pushed for time, catch a cab from the bus station to complete exit and entry formalities; the fare is about $10, including waiting time. Once in Paraguay, there's a reasonably good road direct to ConcepciA?n, a major source of imports and contraband for Brazilians; daily buses make the five- or six-hour trip in good weather. It's another five hours from there to AsunciA?n; there's also a direct service (8-10hr) from the bus station in Pedro Juan Caballero. There's no problem
changing money
at decent rates on Avenida Internacional, but it's impossible to change travellers' cheques on Sundays and holidays. Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Brazil,
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