Presidente Franco District, district and city in Alto Paraná, Paraguay
Presidente Franco is a city and district in Paraguay's Alto Paraná Department and the oldest settlement in that region. It sits where the Paraná River and the Monday River meet, two major waterways that create impressive waterfalls, including the Saltos del Monday that drop over 45 meters (150 feet).
The city was founded on October 13, 1929 by Vicente Matiauda and initially grew as a port for timber and mate trade. By the 1970s, it developed into an important trade and transportation center in the region.
The city is known as 'City of the Three Borders' because it sits where Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina meet at the rivers. This location shapes daily life here, and many people cross the water regularly to visit neighboring countries.
The city is about 341 kilometers (212 miles) from Asunción by car and only about 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of Ciudad del Este on paved roads. Many visitors explore both places together since the short distance makes this practical, and proximity to the waterfalls allows for day trips.
The city functions partly as a residential area for workers commuting to nearby Ciudad del Este, as many locals prefer its quieter pace while working elsewhere. This role gives it a different character from larger neighboring cities and allows visitors to experience a more relaxed rhythm of life.
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