Shopping in Puerto Iguazu

For tourists exploring the Puerto Iguazu region, the landmarks mostly visited are the renowned Iguacu Falls, the hydroelectric powers Itaipu Dam and the "Triple Frontier", at the confluence of the three countries, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Recently, another attraction has been added to this prestigious list - the Puerto Iguazu duty-free shopping area, located on a huge expanse of land, nearly an acre, next to the Tancredo Neves International Bridge and ahead of the Argentinean customs area.

For those looking to explore a bit more in the city itself, you will find a good range of shops in downtown Puerto Iguazu.

Our Puerto Iguazu Shopping Guide tells you all about the local shopping scene in Puerto Iguazu. Be sure to enjoy a local meal at one of the many Puerto Iguazu Restaurants after your shopping escapades. For more general shopping information, check out our Argentina Shopping Guide.

Puerto Iguazu Shopping Guide

Puerto Iguazu Duty-Free Shopping

Apart from its innovative architectural style, which is a huge draw among tourists visiting the place everyday, it's the overall shopping experience at affordable prices which attracts thousands of people. There is a stream of people from across the borders in Brazil and Argentina, who come to shop at this duty-free shopping area each day. Here you will find a variety of things like chocolates, fine liquor, jewellery, rare handicrafts, eletronic goods as well as shops selling interesting souvenirs.

Foz do Iguassu

The shopping experience at Foz do Iguassu is different when compared to the shopping centres found in Iguazu. These are specially promoted as being places where tourists can shop for souvenirs, clothes and shoes at reasonable rates. In fact Foz do Iguassu, is a shopper's paradise as customers will find all types of authentic and traditional goods here. Some well known centres here are the Visitor's Centre of the National Park, Coart, Recanto Tres Marcos, Artesanato Tres Fronteiras, Rendeira and the Facas Pazzini among others.

Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay, is a Mecca of sorts for illegally imported goods - expensive watches, gold jewellery, alcohol, expensive perfumes, and electronic gadgets - and all sold at a lower price and tax-free for purchases up to US$500).

Itaipu Dam

At the Itaipu Dam area there is a small shop selling knick-knacks like hats, coffee mugs, T-shirts, toys and even miniature motorbikes for tourists. Most of the items on sale here are handmade and are expensive.

Handmade crafts and wooden animals

Local handicrafts, especially those made by the Guarani Indians are available in the Misiones province. These include, rare woodcarvings representing forest animals like toucans and lizards, which are painted using natural colours sourced from a variety of plants. Other interesting items on sale here, include indigenous folk music instruments, hand woven textiles, and the 'mate' tea. Interestingly this is also a place where tourists can enjoy some traditional folk music by the Guarani locals.

Leather goods

Puerto Iguazu is also an excellent destination for buying fine leather goods. There are some good shops on Plaza Pueblo, which are located on the Avenida Victoria Aguirre 262, avenue. It is important to remember that Iguacu Falls is expensive when compared to other places in Argentina; but reasonable in comparison to international shopping destinations like the US or UK.

Shopping at the Iguazu National Park

If you are visiting the famous Iguazu National Park and wish to shop for typical and authentic Iguazu souvenirs, there is an official shop within the precincts of the park. This shop sells various items like T-shirts, stuffed animals and refrigerator magnets etc. Misiones Creativa, a shop near the main entrance to the park is a good place for gifts and knick-knacks. Prices are reasonable in these shops and similar to prices charged by street vendors. A good thing about these shops is that customers can pay through VISA or MasterCard. Take a look at vendors on the pathways outside the park for interesting items like hand-woven bags, bow and arrow sets and jewellery.