Cerrito: Itá Punta, laguna Sirena e Isla Pombero
Ñeembucú's "summer town": white-sand beaches on the Paraná, a lagoon and an island 15 minutes away by boat.
What it is
Cerrito sits on the right bank of the Paraná, opposite Yahapé (Argentina), and takes its name from the only rise in the area: the little hill of Itá Punta, with a view over the river. It is considered the department's summer town and receives thousands of visitors in season. The most sought-after outing is Laguna Sirena, with three kilometres of coarse sand and clear water, from where boats make the roughly 15-minute trip to Isla Pombero: a white-sand bank with beaches and cool water in the Paraná. On the town's shore there are also traditional swings and a hammock at Itá Punta. Getting here is a journey: by dirt roads from San Ignacio (about 120 km) or by Avenida Arary from Ayolas (95 km), and the last 15 km leave the main road. It is a destination for river lovers, anglers and anyone after a slow pace.
What to see and do
- Laguna Sirena: coarse sand and clear water
- Isla Pombero: beach 15 minutes by boat
- Itá Punta viewpoint over the Paraná
- Sport fishing in the river
- 1 January patronal feast with clay lamps
Did you know…?
A bust of dictator Alfredo Stroessner once stood on the hilltop; lightning destroyed it shortly before the 1989 coup.
It is the hometown of goalkeeper Justo Villar, a key figure of the national team at the 2010 World Cup.
History
The district was created on 4 May 1939. The area sits on former indigenous settlements: numerous pre-Columbian funerary urns have been found. The patronal feast is held on 1 January for the Niño Jesús Salvador, with clay lamps and candles around the church.
Tips
- The trip is long and part of the road is dirt: avoid it in rain and check access conditions.
- Boats to the island can be arranged at the local port with area boatmen; agree on the price before leaving.
- Bring cash and water: services are limited off-season.
- According to Wikipedia, via routes 1 and 4 it is about 478 km; the branch from San Ignacio (km 225) adds about 120 km of dirt road, and from Ayolas it is about 95 km along a road parallel to the Paraná, the one used when it rains.
Beaches and waterfront free to enter. Check opening hours before you go.
Best time: December to February, with lower water and wide beaches.
Activities
Festivals and events here
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 4 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.