Yes – I used AI to generate the Cover Image – because I didn’t take any good ones. 🙂

Everywhere I read about Iguazu Falls had one piece of advice: cross the bridge to Paraguay, get the passport stamp, and check off another country. Normally, I’d argue you need to spend at least a few hours somewhere—experience something, eat a meal—before saying you’ve “been” there. But lately, I’ve realized that in some cases, it’s okay to just check the box.

That’s exactly what I did in Paraguay.

The scene? Chaos. Bumper-to-bumper cars. People bumping into each other everywhere. It was packed, and for a reason—this is the place people come to cross the border and buy cheap electronics. I’m talking air conditioners, drones, cell phones, computers, cameras… you name it. For reasons I can’t explain (maybe tax breaks?), everything here is cheaper, so folks cross the bridge and stock up on whatever they need.

For me, it was an exercise in patience. This “little” stop added about two hours to my day thanks to insane traffic and long border lines. First, to get back into Brazil, and then to Argentina so I could finally return to my hotel.

I know there are beautiful parts of Paraguay worth exploring, but this border-town chaos was enough for me. Box checked. Passport stamped. Moving on.

Read the full trip: South America & Antarctica in Six Weeks →