Pedro Juan Caballero

Pedro Juan Caballero, the capital of the Amambay Department, is one of Paraguay's most significant commercial hubs, located directly on the border with Brazil. Founded on December 1, 1899, it was named after a key figure in the country's struggle for independence. The city is famous for its 'dry border' with the Brazilian city of Ponta Porã; the two are separated only by a wide international avenue, allowing for seamless travel and a unique cross-border lifestyle. Situated on the Amambay plateau at an altitude of approximately 670 meters (2,200 feet), the city enjoys a cooler climate than most of the country. Its economy is largely driven by international trade, acting as a massive duty-free zone that attracts millions of Brazilian shoppers every year to its sprawling malls and department stores. Beyond retail, the region is a major producer of grains and livestock, supported by fertile volcanic soils. Just 40 kilometers from the city lies the Cerro Corá National Park, the site where the Paraguayan War ended in 1870 with the death of Marshal Francisco Solano López. The park is a sacred historical site for Paraguayans and also features ancient rock art and unique geological formations. The city's population is a cosmopolitan blend of Paraguayan and Brazilian cultures, often communicating in 'Portuñol,' a linguistic hybrid of Spanish and Portuguese. Pedro Juan Caballero has also emerged as a major educational center in South America, particularly for medical studies, hosting thousands of international students. Despite the complexities of its border location, the city remains a spirited, wealthy, and fast-growing urban center that plays a crucial role in the economic integration of the Southern Cone region.

Nearby cities

Capitán Bado

Surrounded by deep forests and the Amambay Mountains, the city borders directly on Coronel Sapucaia in Brazil.

Bella Vista Norte

Located on the Apa River, which forms the natural border with Brazil, the city lives from forestry and border culture.

Yby Yaú

As a crucial junction between the northern departments and Brazil, wholesale and retail trade dominate here.

Nature

Ojos de Mar Lake

A small, extremely clear lake in the Amambay region with a blue color.

More places

Cerro Guazú

A large, forested mountain in the Amambay department with rich flora and fauna.

Cerro Corá National Park

The park offers a hilly landscape with historical sites from the War of the Triple Alliance.

Cerro Corá

A prominent hill formation in northern Paraguay, known for its natural beauty and historical significance.

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Amambay Hills

An extensive mountain range in the northeast, known for its characteristic sandstone plateaus.

Amambay Mountains

A mountain range in northeastern Paraguay marking the border with Brazil.

Cerro Memby

A prominent mountain in the Concepción region that stands out clearly from the flat surroundings.