Paraguay is a landlocked country located in the heart of South America, bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Given its lack of direct access to the sea, Paraguay relies on river ports and inland terminals for transportation and trade:
- River Ports: Paraguay has river ports along the Paraguay River and the Paraná River, which serve as vital hubs for domestic transportation and international trade. Major river ports include:
- Asunción Port: Located in the capital city of Asunción, this river port is the largest and busiest in Paraguay, handling a variety of cargo including containers, bulk commodities, and agricultural products.
- Villeta Port: Situated near Asunción, Villeta Port is another important river port, specializing in the export of agricultural goods and minerals.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Paraguay play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods within the country and to neighboring regions. These terminals are often located near major cities and transportation hubs. Examples include:
- Mariscal Estigarribia Dry Port: Located in the city of Mariscal Estigarribia, this dry port serves as an important inland terminal for the handling of containerized cargo, connecting Paraguay to international markets via neighboring countries.
- Ciudad del Este Inland Terminal: Situated near the border with Brazil, this inland terminal facilitates trade and transportation between Paraguay and Brazil, particularly for goods imported through the nearby Friendship Bridge.
- Border Crossings: Paraguay has several border crossings with neighboring countries, facilitating land-based trade and transportation. Major border crossings include:
- Friendship Bridge: This border crossing links Paraguay with Brazil, connecting the cities of Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). It is a significant trade route between the two countries, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
- Clorinda-Puerto Falcón: Located on the border with Argentina, this crossing facilitates trade and travel between Paraguay and Argentina, particularly for goods transported by road.
List of Largest Ports Near to Paraguay
| Port Name | Country | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Buenos Aires | Argentina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 800 |
| Port of Rosario | Argentina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 700 |
| Port of Montevideo | Uruguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 600 |
| Port of San Lorenzo | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Port of Asunción | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 400 |
| Port of Villeta | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Port of Pilar | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 250 |
| Port of Concepción | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Port of Formosa | Argentina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 180 |
| Port of Encarnación | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Salto | Uruguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Port of Santa Fe | Argentina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Resistencia | Argentina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Posadas | Argentina | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Puerto Unión | Paraguay | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 60 |
Major Ports Serving Paraguay
1. Port of Asunción
The Port of Asunción is the main port in Paraguay, located on the Paraguay River in the capital city. It is the country’s largest port for cargo handling, primarily exporting agricultural products like soybeans, grains, and meat. The port handles both bulk and containerized cargo and is a key gateway for trade with Argentina, Brazil, and other international markets. Its facilities include a dock area for barges and large vessels, and it is essential for the country’s economic growth.
City Location: Asunción, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.2637° S
Longitude: 57.5759° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| San Lorenzo | 14 | Route 2 |
| Lambaré | 11 | Route 2 |
| Villa Elisa | 17 | Route 2 |
| Ñemby | 16 | Route 2 |
| Ciudad del Este | 330 | Ruta 7 |
| Encarnación | 370 | Ruta 6 |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | 420 | Ruta 5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- San Lorenzo Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Lambaré Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Ciudad del Este Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)
2. Port of Villeta
Located along the Paraguay River, the Port of Villeta serves as a critical entry point for bulk cargo, especially petroleum and chemicals. It is situated about 30 kilometers south of Asunción and provides access to ships and barges that can reach the Atlantic Ocean via Argentina’s Paraná River. Villeta is a growing port, expanding its capacity for bulk commodity exports, making it a key player in Paraguay’s export infrastructure.
City Location: Villeta, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.7997° S
Longitude: 57.3247° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Asunción | 30 | Route 2 |
| San Bernardino | 40 | Route 2 |
| Lambaré | 50 | Route 2 |
| Paraguarí | 100 | Route 1 |
| Areguá | 50 | Route 2 |
| Pilar | 320 | Ruta 9 |
| Encarnación | 340 | Ruta 6 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Villeta Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- San Bernardino Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Lambaré Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)
3. Port of Encarnación
Located on the Paraná River, the Port of Encarnación is vital for Paraguay’s southern trade with Argentina and Brazil. This port handles a significant portion of Paraguay’s exports, including agricultural products, construction materials, and manufactured goods. Encarnación’s proximity to Argentina makes it a strategic location for cross-border trade, with road and rail links to the Argentine and Brazilian markets.
City Location: Encarnación, Paraguay
Latitude: 27.3706° S
Longitude: 55.8709° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Posadas (Argentina) | 15 | International Bridge |
| Villa Hayes | 80 | Ruta 6 |
| Ciudad del Este | 300 | Ruta 7 |
| Itapúa | 30 | Ruta 1 |
| San José | 50 | Ruta 6 |
| Filadelfia | 180 | Ruta 9 |
| Santa Rita | 150 | Ruta 6 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Posadas Railway Station (Argentina)
- Ciudad del Este Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Villa Hayes Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Itapúa Railway Station (Paraguay)
4. Port of Pilar
The Port of Pilar is situated along the Paraguay River in the western part of Paraguay. It handles exports and imports, especially related to agriculture and livestock. The port’s proximity to Argentina is a key feature, as it facilitates transshipment between Paraguay and Argentina. Pilar’s location also provides access to smaller river vessels and barges, making it a significant inland port.
City Location: Pilar, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.9586° S
Longitude: 58.2836° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Asunción | 220 | Ruta 5 |
| Villa Hayes | 130 | Ruta 9 |
| José Falcón | 90 | Ruta 9 |
| San Ignacio | 250 | Ruta 10 |
| San Estanislao | 180 | Ruta 10 |
| Capitán Bado | 150 | Ruta 10 |
| Carmen del Paraná | 90 | Ruta 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Pilar Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Villa Hayes Railway Station (Paraguay)
- San Ignacio Railway Station (Paraguay)
- José Falcón Railway Station (Paraguay)
5. Port of Ciudad del Este
Located on the Paraná River, the Port of Ciudad del Este plays an essential role in cross-border trade between Paraguay and Brazil. This port handles a wide variety of cargo, particularly electronics, textiles, and other manufactured goods, which are often re-exported to Brazil. The port’s location makes it a critical point for goods moving from Paraguay to the Brazilian market and vice versa.
City Location: Ciudad del Este, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.5046° S
Longitude: 54.6110° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) | 10 | International Bridge |
| Asunción | 330 | Ruta 7 |
| Encarnación | 300 | Ruta 6 |
| Puerto Presidente Franco | 5 | Ruta 7 |
| Alto Paraná | 60 | Ruta 7 |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | 380 | Ruta 5 |
| Hernandarias | 10 | Ruta 7 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ciudad del Este Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Foz do Iguaçu Railway Station (Brazil)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Pedro Juan Caballero Railway Station (Paraguay)
6. Port of Concepción
Located on the Paraguay River in the northern part of the country, Concepción serves as an essential port for the transportation of bulk agricultural products, such as soybeans and corn. The port also handles timber exports, which are important to the regional economy. Concepción’s strategic location on the river allows for efficient access to nearby international markets, including Brazil and Argentina.
City Location: Concepción, Paraguay
Latitude: 23.4667° S
Longitude: 58.4530° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Asunción | 500 | Ruta 3 |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | 440 | Ruta 5 |
| Puerto Falcón | 140 | Ruta 3 |
| José Falcón | 100 | Ruta 10 |
| San Estanislao | 180 | Ruta 3 |
| San Ignacio | 240 | Ruta 3 |
| Ybycuí | 250 | Ruta 3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Concepción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Pedro Juan Caballero Railway Station (Paraguay)
- San Estanislao Railway Station (Paraguay)
- José Falcón Railway Station (Paraguay)
7. Port of Presidente Franco
Presidente Franco is a key port located near Ciudad del Este, right on the Paraná River. The port is crucial for facilitating cross-border trade between Paraguay and Brazil, particularly for electronics, chemicals, and other industrial products. The port’s infrastructure supports international trade and serves as an important link for goods moving through the region.
City Location: Presidente Franco, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.4942° S
Longitude: 54.6491° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad del Este | 5 | Ruta 7 |
| Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) | 10 | International Bridge |
| Asunción | 330 | Ruta 7 |
| Encarnación | 300 | Ruta 6 |
| Alto Paraná | 60 | Ruta 7 |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | 380 | Ruta 5 |
| Hernandarias | 10 | Ruta 7 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Presidente Franco Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Ciudad del Este Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Foz do Iguaçu Railway Station (Brazil)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)
8. Port of Ypacaraí
Ypacaraí is located on the Ypacaraí River, close to the capital Asunción. It primarily handles agricultural exports such as rice, cotton, and soybeans. The port also plays a role in facilitating the shipment of timber and other local products. Ypacaraí serves as a regional port for local trade and is an important part of the supply chain for goods moving to and from the capital.
City Location: Ypacaraí, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.3375° S
Longitude: 57.3732° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Asunción | 40 | Ruta 2 |
| San Bernardino | 50 | Ruta 2 |
| Areguá | 25 | Ruta 2 |
| Lambaré | 35 | Ruta 2 |
| Encarnación | 300 | Ruta 6 |
| Ciudad del Este | 340 | Ruta 7 |
| Itauguá | 60 | Ruta 2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ypacaraí Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Areguá Railway Station (Paraguay)
- San Bernardino Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Lambaré Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
9. Port of Minga Guazú
Minga Guazú is a port town located near Ciudad del Este. It is a significant trade point due to its proximity to the Brazilian border. The port handles bulk goods such as agricultural products, chemicals, and electronics. It is particularly important for trade with Brazil and supports the flow of goods into and out of Paraguay through the Paraná River.
City Location: Minga Guazú, Paraguay
Latitude: 25.5167° S
Longitude: 54.6333° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad del Este | 15 | Ruta 7 |
| Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) | 20 | International Bridge |
| Asunción | 350 | Ruta 7 |
| Encarnación | 280 | Ruta 6 |
| Alto Paraná | 70 | Ruta 7 |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | 400 | Ruta 5 |
| Hernandarias | 15 | Ruta 7 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Minga Guazú Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Ciudad del Este Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Foz do Iguaçu Railway Station (Brazil)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)
10. Port of Pedro Juan Caballero
Pedro Juan Caballero is located near the Brazilian border and is essential for trade with Brazil. The port primarily handles bulk goods, including agricultural products such as soybeans, cotton, and corn. It serves as a key transit point for goods moving between Paraguay and Brazil, leveraging the strategic location along the Paraná River.
City Location: Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay
Latitude: 23.1825° S
Longitude: 55.9831° W
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad del Este | 350 | Ruta 5 |
| Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) | 150 | International Bridge |
| Asunción | 400 | Ruta 5 |
| Encarnación | 450 | Ruta 6 |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | 0 | Ruta 5 |
| Villa Hayes | 380 | Ruta 9 |
| Hernandarias | 350 | Ruta 7 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Pedro Juan Caballero Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Ciudad del Este Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Foz do Iguaçu Railway Station (Brazil)
- Asunción Railway Station (Paraguay)
- Encarnación Railway Station (Paraguay)