Clorinda is where the main road from northern Argentina meets Paraguay just outside Asunción. The town lies in Formosa province and is joined to Puerto Falcón, on the Paraguayan side, by the San Ignacio de Loyola international bridge over the Pilcomayo river. The Paraguayan capital is a short drive beyond. Opening hours and entry rules at the crossing are not fixed and should be confirmed before every trip.
What this crossing is used for
- Road trips to Asunción from Formosa, Resistencia, Corrientes and other Argentine cities.
- Passengers who fly into or out of Asunción and finish the journey by land.
- Families with relatives on both sides.
- Everyday shopping and errands by people who live nearby.
- Freight, which shares the crossing with cars.
Clorinda is reached on Ruta Nacional 11, an Argentine national highway.
What happens at the border
The order is the same as at any land crossing. First comes exit control from Argentina. Then you cross the bridge. Last is entry to Paraguay, with immigration and customs. Each person shows their own document and the driver presents the vehicle papers. At some crossings both countries work in one building, at others in separate posts. Ask how it is organised at the moment, because this changes.
Why the wait varies
The queue depends on the day, the hour and the time of year. It tends to be longer on public holidays and long weekends, in summer and around Christmas and New Year, when many families travel between the two countries. Trucks and roadworks at the crossing play a part as well. No hour guarantees a quick passage. The sensible approach is to leave with time in hand, above all if a flight is waiting on the other side.
Documents in general terms
Every traveller needs their own valid travel document in good condition. Which document is accepted, and whether anything has to be arranged in advance, depends on nationality. With children, check the authorisations for minors. If you take your own car, its papers and insurance are your responsibility.
Confirm the rules in force with the national migration authority of Argentina and of Paraguay, or with a Paraguayan consulate. Our guide to documents to enter Paraguay sums up what to ask.
Ways to make the trip
- Long-distance bus. Some services link Argentine cities with Asunción through this crossing. All passengers get off for the controls.
- Your own car. Flexible, with the paperwork down to you.
- Taxi to the bridge and other transport on the Paraguayan side. You carry your luggage across yourself.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your group, with stops on request along the way. Whether the route is available, and on what conditions, is confirmed at booking. We do not promise a crossing time. See transfers to Paraguay.