Monumento Científico Moisés Bertoni (Puerto Bertoni)
The forest where Swiss scientist Moisés Bertoni lived and worked, on the banks of the Paraná; now partially open.
What it is
Some 199 hectares of forest on a bend of the Paraná River shelter the house, laboratory and printing press where Swiss naturalist Moisés Bertoni studied the plants, climate and culture of the Guaraní. Many of the plants here were introduced by him through his exchanges with scientists abroad, and Mbya Guaraní communities live in the area. After years of closure, the park partially reopened in 2025 for walks with park rangers, but the house-museum remained closed and the access road is unpaved and in poor condition.
What to see and do
- A forest walk with park rangers
- Views of the Paraná from old Puerto Bertoni
- Learn about the scientist's life and his passion for Guaraní culture
- Watch Atlantic Forest birds
Did you know…?
Bertoni was the first to describe ka'a he'ẽ scientifically: the plant the world now knows as stevia.
His children bore names such as Guillermo Tell (William Tell), Carlos Linneo (Carl Linnaeus) and Aristóteles.
His rainfall calendar is still consulted by farmers almost a century after his death.
History
Bertoni was born in Lottigna, Switzerland, in 1857, arrived in South America in 1884 and in 1891 founded the Guillermo Tell colony on the banks of the Paraná, today Puerto Bertoni, where from 1901 he printed his works under the Ex Sylvis ("from the forest") imprint. He died in Foz do Iguaçu in 1929. The site has been protected since 1955; it closed in 2020 and is now managed by MADES, Paraguay's environment ministry.
Tips
- Confirm beforehand whether the house-museum has reopened: in 2025 only the trails were open.
- MADES fees (2025): adults ₲20,000; guided tour ₲50,000; parking extra.
- The road is unpaved: avoid it after heavy rain and opt for a high-clearance vehicle.
Partially reopened since January 2025 (trails); the house-museum was closed according to the latest reports (July 2025). Check before you go.
Best time: Dry days in autumn or winter, when the dirt road is passable. Avoid the days after heavy rain.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Reviro Festival
A reviro cook-off: the humble flour dish of the eastern yerba mate plantations, made by neighborhood committees.
FoodPresidente Franco, Alto ParanáOctOctober 1: Jopara against Karai Octubre and the Jopara Festival
A pot of jopara to ward off hard times: beans, corn and shared abundance on the first day of October.
FoodPresidente Franco (y todo el país), Alto Paraná13MayNuestra Señora de Fátima · Presidente Franco
Patron saintPresidente Franco, Alto ParanáNearby
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 5 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.