A trip to the province of Misiones is always centered around the activities at Iguazu National Park. However, in Puerto Iguazu, there's another unique phenomenon just a few kilometers from the city center. The Three Borders Landmark is the exact point where the Iguazu and Paraná rivers meet , marking the simultaneous territorial boundary of the Paraguay-Argentina-Brazil tri-border area . Visiting this monument is a must for those looking to complement their itinerary with attractions within the city.
This guide details everything you need to know to reach the Three Borders Landmark and learn about its interesting features. You'll find information about the distance from downtown Puerto Iguazú to the Three Borders Landmark , pedestrian access routes along the riverfront, and excursion options in Iguazú to observe the confluence of the tri-border area in Misiones.
You'll also find options for complementary tours, such as visits to the Brazilian side and nighttime excursions . And if you want to arrive at the home of the Falls with everything organized, check out our Iguazu travel packages with transfers, activities, and accommodation included .
What is the Iguazu Falls triple border and where is it located?
The Three Borders Landmark is not an authorized border crossing from one country to another , but rather a commemorative monument and panoramic viewpoint. It was inaugurated in 1903 and consists of an obelisk painted with the colors of the Argentine flag.
Looking across the rivers, identical obelisks can be seen on the neighboring shores. One is painted green and yellow in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and another red, white, and blue in Presidente Franco (Paraguay).
The distance from the center of Puerto Iguazú to the Three Borders Landmark is 2 kilometers if the Bus Terminal located on Avenida Córdoba is used as a reference point. This proximity facilitates access in multiple ways:
On foot: You can walk there in about 25 minutes from the center, via Avenida Tres Fronteras or along the river on Avenida Eduardo Arrabal .
By car or public transport: The journey by taxi or private car service takes less than 10 minutes. In addition, city bus lines have stops just meters from the entrance.
The new waterfront of Puerto Iguazú
The most attractive pedestrian route to reach the landmark is along Avenida Eduardo Arrabal , known as the Costanera. This paved road runs alongside the Iguazu River in its final stretch before it flows into the Paraná River. Along the way, there are benches, LED lighting, and tiered viewpoints . Walking along the Costanera at sunset is a safe and free activity, ideal for acclimatizing to the heat and humidity of the Misiones rainforest before arriving at the monument.
What to do in Iguazu and Tres Fronteras: excursions and gastronomy
The area around the landmark has been remodeled in recent years to become a recreational complex. A dancing water fountain was installed in the main square, which at night projects three-dimensional holographic images onto a water curtain , recounting Guarani legends and the history of the region. The show lasts approximately 15 minutes and is repeated at pre-set times after sunset.
Around the obelisk, there's an artisan market where the Mbya Guaraní communities offer basketry and carvings made from native wood . The site also has souvenir shops and public restrooms.
There's also a riverside dining option: thegastronomic experience at the Three Borders Landmark . This plan includes reservations at restaurants located just steps from the viewpoint , where you can savor dishes that fuse the cuisines of the three countries . Surubí al pacú, Brazilian feijoada, and Paraguayan soup are some of the menu classics, best enjoyed at a table with panoramic views of the river confluence.
Navigation and river excursions on the border
Viewing the landmark from the Argentinian shore is only part of the experience. To truly appreciate the size of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers, the best option is to book a catamaran tour or a cruise in Iguazú .
The Iguazu River Navigation Tour The tour departs from the local port aboard a catamaran with live music and an onboard bar. During this approximately two-hour journey, the vessel sails along the Iguazu River until it reaches the exact point where its waters merge with the Paraná River .
The boat travels to the center of the confluence, allowing passengers to see the three obelisks from the water . The tour continues downstream on the Paraná River to view the International Friendship Bridge , which connects Brazil and Paraguay.
Crossing borders: excursions to the Brazilian side of the Falls
Crossing the border into Brazil is an essential addition to any trip to Puerto Iguazú. While the Argentinian side of the Falls allows you to walk over the water via walkways, the Brazilian side offers the best panoramic view of the waterfall system .
There's an easy way to cross the international border without dealing with customs or relying on public transport: the guided tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, including transfers . This half-day package departs from your hotel in Puerto Iguazu and covers the crossing via the Tancredo Neves Bridge and entry to Iguazu National Park. Inside the park, the guide leads the 1.2-kilometer hike to the main viewpoint overlooking the Devil's Throat.
One way to explore Foz do Iguaçu more thoroughly is to combinethe Bird Park with the Brazilian side of the falls . This itinerary begins with a visit to the Bird Park, a 16-hectare wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center . Here, you can walk through immersive nurseries and interact with toucans, macaws, and more than 120 other species of birds from the Atlantic Forest.
A unique experience: the Falls at night
If you've planned your trip for full moon nights, there's an unmissable nighttime experience on the Argentinian side to complement your daytime visit to the Three Borders Landmark. The Full Moon at the Falls: Nighttime Guided Tour is available only five nights a month , so booking well in advance is essential due to limited availability.
The tour begins at the Iguazu National Park Central Station, where you board the Jungle Ecological Train in complete darkness , illuminated only by the moonlight. Upon arriving at the Garganta Station, you walk in silence along the metal walkways over the river to reach the main balcony. Observing the flow of the Devil's Throat under the moonlight and listening to the roar of the water in the stillness of the night jungle is an unparalleled experience.