Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainSaltos del Guairá (Sete Quedas), cataratas sumergidas
They were the largest waterfalls by flow on the Paraná River: 18 cataracts in seven groups that the Itaipú reservoir covered in 1982.
What it is
The Guairá Falls (Sete Quedas in Portuguese) were a set of 18 cataracts grouped into seven series, on the border between Paraguay and Brazil. The river, about 380 m wide upstream, was squeezed to roughly 60 m in a gorge: that funnel, with a total height of about 114 m and a largest single drop of about 40 m, produced a roar that could be heard from 30 km away. Flow figures vary by source, but place them among the largest in the world.
They ceased to exist in 1982, when the reservoir of the Itaipú dam filled. Some geological traces remain: during extreme drawdowns of the lake (for example 2000–2001 and 2012–2013) parts of the rocks and of one of the falls showed above water.
How to visit
The falls can no longer be seen: they lie under the Itaipú reservoir. You can locate the area from the city of Salto del Guairá, on the reservoir shore.
Related place
Salto del Guairá · Canindeyú
Salto del Guairá
Capital of Canindeyú and of northern border shopping, with the memory of the waterfalls lost in 1982.
Nearby
Salto del Guairá · Canindeyú
Costanera y playa de Salto del Guairá
A waterfront of over 3 km and 30 ha on Itaipú lake, with a beach, bike lane, playground and water sports.
Salto del Guairá · Canindeyú
Refugio Biológico de Mbaracayú (Itaipú)
An Itaipú refuge on the lakeshore, with the La Esperanza trail (970 m), an interpretation centre, a pier and a bird lookout.
Salto del Guairá · Canindeyú
Salto del Guairá
Capital of Canindeyú and of northern border shopping, with the memory of the waterfalls lost in 1982.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.