The ferry between Presidente Franco, in Alto Paraná, and Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, is expected to begin transporting taxis, vans and other tourist vehicles carrying passengers next week. The change was formalized Tuesday with the signing of the Cooperation Agreement for Receptive Tourism and the Circulation of Tourist Vehicles.
The agreement was signed by the municipalities of Presidente Franco and Puerto Iguazú and by the ferry companies Blasa Iguazú SRL and Intercom SACI. The rule allows tourist vehicles duly authorized in their respective countries to make excursions and visits to attractions in the neighboring municipality while carrying passengers from the vehicle’s country of origin.
Until now, the crossing had not been authorized for transporting passengers in tourist vehicles. The agreement states that the two cities form part of a region of tourism, cultural, economic and strategic importance, marked by proximity, border integration and exchanges between the communities. It also classifies the destinations as complementary within the Triple Frontier region between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.
The initiative was presented as a way to expand receptive tourism, generate economic development and jobs, and strengthen ties between tourism service providers in the two countries. The operation, however, will continue to depend on immigration and customs requirements and on authorization from the competent national authorities; the municipalities and companies are responsible for local cooperation and service implementation.
Roque Godoy Jara, mayor of Presidente Franco and a member of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), said the agreement would help promote the city as a tourist destination. In a statement obtained by ABC Color, he said it was “a new modality” and a procedure “without legal obstacles” that would give companies more freedom to offer itineraries combining attractions in Presidente Franco and Puerto Iguazú.
Puerto Iguazú Mayor Claudio Raúl Filippa stressed that the connection should not be viewed solely from a commercial perspective. He advocated expediting, invigorating and managing the initiative jointly with the national authorities of both countries. He also described Presidente Franco as “a gold mine,” with places of great potential, and said tourism is among the main sources of income in many countries.
Oliver Urunaga, a representative of Intercom SACI, said visitors from around the world seek out the region. He said the ferry crossing is an adventure for tourists, as well as being quick and safe, and can help avoid lines at the international bridges. The route also makes it possible to create itineraries that include returning through Brazil, via the Tancredo Neves Bridge to Foz do Iguaçu and then via the Friendship Bridge to Ciudad del Este.
The ferry operates from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with departures every hour, and the crossing takes 10 to 15 minutes. The stated fare is 70,000 Paraguayan guaraníes per person with a vehicle, plus 20,000 guaraníes per accompanying passenger. Pedestrians and cyclists pay 20,000 guaraníes, while motorcycles pay 40,000 guaraníes.