Ponta Porã

Ponta Porã is a border municipality in southwestern Mato Grosso do Sul that shares its edge with Paraguay. The town spreads across hilly terrain with wide avenues, residential neighborhoods, and commercial zones that flow seamlessly into the neighboring Paraguayan city.

The settlement began in 1862 as a military colony and grew into an important trading post at the border. In 1913, the place was officially raised to municipality status, with Ponciano de Matos Pereira becoming the first mayor.

The town sits directly next to Pedro Juan Caballero, so Brazilian Portuguese and Paraguayan Spanish mix in everyday conversation on the streets. Many shops accept both currencies, making daily shopping easier for residents and visitors from both sides.

The streets run parallel and perpendicular to the border, making it easy to navigate between the two countries. Visitors should carry a valid passport if they plan to spend extended time on the Paraguayan side.

Some streets are used by pedestrians and cars from both countries without formal border posts in between. In some sections, the international boundary runs through the middle of residential blocks, so neighbors live on either side of the line.

Location: Mato Grosso do Sul

Inception: 1892

Elevation above the sea: 687 m

Shares border with: Aral Moreira, Antônio João, Bela Vista, Dourados, Guia Lopes da Laguna, Jardim, Laguna Carapã, Maracaju

Website: http://pontapora.ms.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -22.53583,-55.72583

Latest update: December 12, 2025 13:31