Alberdi, la «Venecia paraguaya», y la playa Punta Arena

Town

A port on the Paraguay River facing Formosa, with a family beach and the Ypoá wetlands as backdrop.

144 km≈ 2 h 15 from Asunción

Half a day to 1 dayDuration

DirectionsSee on map

What it is

Alberdi is about 144 km from Asunción, on the Paraguay River and facing the Argentine city of Formosa. It is the second most populous district in Ñeembucú after Pilar and lives with water at its door: its great floods earned it the nickname "Heroic Paraguayan Venice". Punta Arena beach is a family-friendly river spot for cooling off and spending the day. From the port, a public river service links the town with Formosa, giving the place a border flavour. All around stretch the Ypoá wetlands, ecologically rich, with wild birds in their marshes. It is an easy getaway from the capital that combines river, wetlands and a town with its own identity, the home of Paraguayan cultural figures such as the poet Carlos Federico Abente and composer Demetrio Ortiz.

What to see and do

Punta Arena beach
Walk around the port and river crossings to Formosa
Ypoá wetlands and birdwatching
Sunsets over the Paraguay River

Did you know…?

Its anniversary is marked with official and school events and a music festival.

The "Venice" nickname alludes to the Paraguay River floods, which forced many residents to emigrate.

History

The town was formerly called Villa Franca Nueva and was renamed in honour of Argentine writer Juan Bautista Alberdi, who spoke up for Paraguay during the Triple Alliance War. Its foundation is celebrated on 29 August 1931. For many years it was a hub of trade with Formosa.

Tips

If you plan to cross to Formosa, carry travel documents and check border procedures.
During floods some roads and beaches go under water: check before you go.

Beach free to enter. Check opening hours before you go.

Best time: Autumn through spring; summer heat is intense.