The border between Argentina and Paraguay is traced by three major South American rivers: the Pilcomayo, Paraguay, and Paraná. This aquatic frontier has fostered close, and sometimes tense, ties between the two nations, particularly through a shared history that includes the Jesuit missions that once flourished in the region and the devastating War of the Triple Alliance. Today, you will find a handful of key crossings connecting the two countries. The most significant and visually impressive is the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge, a striking cable-stayed bridge that links the city of Posadas in Argentina with Encarnación in Paraguay.
This crossing is unique as it accommodates not only a busy flow of vehicles but also a regular international train service, offering a quick and scenic way to hop between the two city centers. Other important crossings connect the city of Clorinda in Argentina with the Paraguayan capital, Asunción, via the San Ignacio de Loyola International Bridge. For a more local experience, several smaller ferry services operate at various points, such as the one between Pilcomayo (Argentina) and Ita Enramada (Paraguay). These crossings are vital for the regional economy, with many people crossing daily for work or to take advantage of price differences.