Surely you’ve heard of the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World on the border between Argentina and Brazil. But did you know that just a short drive away, there is an iconic landmark where you can see not 2 but 3 countries simultaneously?
Here’s everything you need to know about this very popular and unique attraction to visit if you’re in this region (to go with the many amazing other ones our Brazilian colleague Indira has already shared).
Three Borders Landmark
In South America, there is a triple frontier where the Iguazú and Paraná rivers converge. It’s an incredible place where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet, known as the Three Borders Landmark.
The Three Borders Landmark is located near the cities of Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil).
At each border, there is an obelisk representing its country with the colors of its flag. These 3 structures were constructed in 1903, so 111 years ago!
If you look closely from the viewpoint of each obelisk, you can see the other 2 in the distance, although the breathtaking landscape remains the main attraction.
I visited the Three Borders Landmark in Foz do Iguaçu, on the Brazilian side, known as the Marco das Três Fronteiras and I highly recommend it.
It’s a major attraction in Foz do Iguaçu, a city located in the state of Paraná in the south of Brazil.
The main attraction in this area remains the stunning Iguazú Falls, always included among the best waterfalls in the world and also part of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
But Marco das Três Fronteiras also attracts tons of visitors, because well, it’s not every day you get to see 3 countries at once. Tens of thousands of visitors make their way to this landmark every year.
If you’re heading to Foz do Iguaçu to check the world-famous falls off your bucket list, the Three Borders Landmark should definitely be your next stop!
View at the Marco das Três Fronteiras in Foz do Iguaçu
Behind the tricolor monument, the panoramic view is absolutely stunning.
You can admire the T-shaped convergence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, and across the water, you’ll see a piece of land from Argentina and Paraguay, while you stand in Brazil.
On the far right of the viewpoint, you can’t miss the impressive Friendship Bridge connecting Brazil to Paraguay. If you’re planning to visit the Three Borders Landmark in Ciudad del Este, you’ll need to cross it and go through customs.
There is also a bridge between Argentina and Brazil named the Fraternity Bridge (or Tancredo Neves Bridge), but it’s not as visible from Marco das Três Fronteiras as the Friendship Bridge.
Take a picture next to the signpost before you grab yourself something to eat.
Dance show at Marco das Três Fronteiras in Foz do Iguaçu
Besides eating, drinking, and enjoying the stunning views, there is not much to do at Marco das Três Fronteiras during the day, so you don’t have to arrive as soon as it opens.
However, don’t leave before sunset, as this is when the dance show begins! It’s the icing on the cake that truly makes your visit to Marco das Três Fronteiras memorable.
The show takes place around the obelisk. I recommend saving your seat early because it gets crowded!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy pretty costumes and traditional performances from the 3 nations, including Argentine tango, Paraguayan bottle dance, as well as Brazilian capoeira and samba.
As the show unfolds, a narrator tells the story of the landmark and explains the relationship between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. However, he speaks mostly in Portuguese.
Overall, Marco das Três Fronteiras is undeniably quite touristy but the views and the show make it a unique experience.
Food at Marco das Três Fronteiras in Foz do Iguaçu
To eat, you can try culinary delights from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay either at the food court or at Cabeza de Vaca, the only restaurant at Marco das Três Fronteiras.
Cabeza de Vaca‘s Instagram page showcases meaty specialties from all 3 countries, such as Argentine ribeye, Brazilian picanha steak, and Paraguayan pork.
I was not impressed by the fast-food options available at the food court. However, I liked the colorful boozy cocktails representing the flags of each country!
Logistics of visiting Marco das Três Fronteiras in Foz do Iguaçu
The Marco das Três Fronteiras landmark is open every day except Monday, from 1:30 PM to 9 PM. The fee for foreign visitors is R$49 (C$34) per person.
Your ticket gives you access to the site and it includes the fabulous outdoor dance show that starts at 6:30 PM until closure.
How to get to Marco das Três Fronteiras
If you’re in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you will need to take a domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU).
Andrew, Flytrippers’ co-founder, will have an incredible real-life example of a tip he used for cheap domestic flights in Brazil as the next part of the feature on the tricks he used for his many flights last fall.
It’s totally worth making your way to this part of Brazil, as you will also have the chance to experience the mesmerizing Iguazú Falls!
Marco das Três Fronteiras is about 6 km from the city center of Foz do Iguaçu, and it’s about a 40-minute drive if you’re coming directly from the falls.
You can use Uber to get around Foz do Iguaçu as it’s pretty affordable, even if it’s not the cheapest option.
If you’re coming from Argentina or Paraguay, you can cross the border by bus or ferry, but consider the time it will take to go through customs.
You can also walk on the Friendship Bridge if you’re coming from Paraguay, or cross the Fraternity Bridge if you are coming from Argentina.
Where to stay near Marco das Três Fronteiras
Here are a few accommodation examples:
- Tetris Container Hostel
- Hotel Foz de Iguaçu
- Hotel Iguassu Inn
- Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort
- Grand Carimã Resort & Convention Center
- My Mabu
Always use Trivago to compare hotel prices and Hostelworld to find hostels.
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Summary
The Three Borders Landmark in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, allows you to see 3 countries at once. It’s certainly not as impressive as the Iguazú Falls nearby, but it’s worth a quick detour to have something else unique to experience in the area!
What would you like to know about the Three Borders Landmark in South America? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Three Borders (photo credit: Marco 3 Fronteiras | Official Instagram)
