Rodney Damián · CC BY-SA 3.0Represa de Yacyretá, Isla Yacyretá y Refugio Atinguy
One of the continent's great hydroelectric dams, with guided tours, a wildlife refuge and an island reserve.
What it is
Shared with Argentina, this binational dam closes off the Paraná between Ayolas and Ituzaingó with kilometers of embankments and a 20-turbine power station. The Yacyretá Binational Entity (EBY) offers tours of the power station and the Aña Cuá branch works, as well as the Akuti Po'i trail in the Isla Yacyretá Nature Reserve and visits to the Atinguy Wildlife Refuge, where you can see animals rescued from the reservoir area. The history and environment museum displays archaeological finds and the story of the project.
What to see and do
- A guided tour of the power station and the Aña Cuá branch
- The Atinguy Wildlife Refuge
- The Akuti Po'i trail in the Isla Yacyretá Nature Reserve
- The EBY History and Environment Museum
Did you know…?
It has a fish-transfer system so that migratory species can travel upriver.
The name Yacyretá comes from the Guaraní Jasy Retã: 'land of the moon'.
History
The treaty between Paraguay and Argentina was signed on 3 December 1973; construction began in 1983 and the first turbine came online in 1994. With 3,200 MW of installed capacity, it supplies a significant share of Argentina's electricity demand. Its cost overruns became so notorious that Argentine president Carlos Menem called it a 'monument to corruption'.
Tips
- Power station tours at 8:00, 10:00 and 13:00; Atinguy at 8:00, 9:00, 10:30 and 13:00; Isla Yacyretá at 8:30 with 24 hours' notice (check before you go).
- Bring your ID card, Argentine DNI or passport (birth certificate for minors); wear comfortable clothes and shoes; no alcoholic drinks.
- Book at the Ayolas Visitor Reception Center: 0987 210 001 / 072 222 276, crv.ayo@eby.gov.py.
Open to the public 7:00-15:00; tours by prior booking (check cost and availability).
Best time: Year-round, in the morning, Monday to Friday.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Ayolas Catch-and-Release Dorado and Mixed-Species Fishing Tournament
Teams from Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil compete for dorado on the Paraná, releasing every fish they catch.
SportAyolas, MisionesSepFestival del Arary
Folk music, ballets and a rodeo on the Paraná shore, with free entry, for Ayolas' anniversary.
FestivalAyolas, Misiones19MarSan José · Ayolas
Procession from the Plaza del Pescador and Mass on the Juan de Ayolas plaza, followed by a communal lunch.
Patron saintAyolas, MisionesGuided visits
Entidad Binacional Yacyretá (EBY)
Visita a la Central Yacyretá y al Brazo Aña Cuá
A guided tour of the hydroelectric plant and the Aña Cuá arm powerhouse, coordinated from the Visitor Reception Center in Ayolas.
Entidad Binacional Yacyretá (EBY)
Sendero Akuti Po'i, Reserva Natural Isla Yacyretá
A guided outing on the Akuti Po'i trail in the Isla Yacyretá nature reserve; it must be requested 24 hours ahead.
Entidad Binacional Yacyretá (EBY)
Refugio Faunístico Atinguy (Yacyretá)
A guided visit to a wildlife refuge kept by the EBY since 1982, about 18 km from Ayolas.
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 7 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.