Alto Paraná: Waterfalls, Nature and Culture

The Salto Ñacunday waterfall in Parque Nacional Ñacunday is 43 meters high and 70 meters wide. The park is in the Ñacunday District in the Alto Paraná Department. Waterfalls, trails through native forests, cultural sites and local festivals give the region a variety of highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Waterfalls and Outdoor Trails

The Saltos del río Monday are also in Alto Paraná, in the Presidente Franco District, near the mouth of the río Monday where it meets the río Paraná. The waterfall is more than 40 meters high and has three main cascades as well as several smaller ones. Trails in the area wind through native forests, where you can observe local flora and fauna. This lets you combine views of the waterfalls with an experience in the forest.

Arborism and zip-lining are available at the Saltos del Monday, offering views over the river and of the waterfall. These activities offer a different focus from the hiking trails. Check with the operator for current availability before your trip.

Moisés Bertoni: History and Collection

The Monumento Científico Moisés Bertoni in Presidente Franco connects a specific place with Bertoni’s history and scientific work. In 1895, Moisés Bertoni discovered the site of what later became the Guillermo Tell colony. The colony was later named Puerto Bertoni; today, the Monumento Científico Moisés Bertoni is located there. Bertoni developed a life’s work there related to nature, science and agriculture. His scientific contributions include the discovery of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, also known as stevia or Ka’a he’e.

The museum at the Monumento has ten rooms. Its exhibits include personal belongings, book manuscripts and letters, as well as part of Bertoni’s library, which contains 7,000 volumes. There is also a reconstruction of his laboratory and his graphic work. A visit focuses on his personal story, research and collection.

At the Monumento Científico Moisés Bertoni, you can take guided interpretive walks to explore the local flora and fauna; camping is also possible. Public access is subject to partial authorization. Therefore, confirm current access arrangements in advance if you are planning a visit, a walk or a camping trip.

Parks and Visit Planning

In Hernandarias, Playa Tacuru Pucu is located in the Costanera area. The public beach is part of Parque Tacuru Pucu. The park has sports courts for soccer, volleyball and beach tennis, playgrounds, a 2,100-meter cycling path, walkways and outdoor fitness equipment. This offers a range of ways to get active outdoors. Playa Tacuru Pucu is open to the public; nevertheless, check current operating conditions before visiting.

Advance reservations are required to access Refugio Biológico Tati Yupi. On the day of your visit, collect your authorization at the Centro de Recepción de Visitas de ITAIPU – Paraguay and present an ID. Groups must also submit a participant list. Confirm current entry and access requirements before your trip, and plan to collect your authorization on the day of your visit.

Festivals and Regional Insights

The Fiesta de la Cosecha is celebrated annually in Los Cedrales. It includes a communal lunch with Asado a la estaca, during which residents give thanks to the Virgen Aparecida. In Naranjal, the traditional Fiesta de la Costilla takes place in July. It brings together Paraguayans, Brazilians and their descendants who live and work in the city. One celebration centers on sharing a meal and giving religious thanks, while the other brings these communities together. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the dates and public access arrangements in advance.

ITAIPU’s regional visitor offering in Alto Paraná includes the hydroelectric power plant, the Museo de ITAIPU Tierra Guaraní and the Refugio Biológico Tati Yupi. At the Museo ITAIPU – Tierra Guaraní, educational exhibits and interpretive materials explain the connections between the Paraná, Indigenous peoples and human development. The natural and cultural richness of the area is also highlighted. The Itaipú tourist complex includes museums, educational areas and interactive exhibits about the engineering of the dam, electricity generation and related environmental projects. In this way, technical and environmental topics complement the region’s natural and cultural sites. Check ITAIPU’s current visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hernandarias, Doctor Juan León Mallorquín District, Presidente Franco, Minga Guazú, Guairá, Central, Itapúa, Lambare.

For the overview of the wider region: Paraguay.