Reserva Biológica Itabó (Itaipú)
A large Itaipú reserve with self-guided trails, 45 mammal species and 310 bird species, including all five Paraguayan toucans.
What it is
Itabó is one of the protected wild areas around the Itaipú reservoir, created by resolution of the executive board on 27 June 1984. It is in the Mbaracayú district (Alto Paraná), some 74 to 80 km north of Hernandarias depending on the source, and is reached via trunk roads 1 and 2. The area varies by document: Wikipedia gives 13,747 hectares (9,297 dry land and 4,450 flooded) in one article and 15,208 in another, and a 2018 press report with Itaipú data gives 17,879. It has tall forest with lapacho, cedar, incense trees and tree ferns. It is credited with 45 mammal species, including puma and tapir, 310 bird species and 22 reptile species. It offers information services, guides and interpretive trails; the main trail is 1,490 metres long and highlights a tajy tuni tree some 40 metres tall.
What to see and do
- 1,490-metre main trail
- Tall forest with lapachos and cedars
- 45 mammal species and 310 bird species
Did you know…?
All five Paraguayan toucan species are recorded.
It borders the General Díaz colony to the north and the Pikyry colony to the east.
History
It is part of the system of reserves and refuges that Itaipú Binacional created in the 1980s around the reservoir.
Tips
- Ask Itaipú about visiting conditions and whether you need to announce yourself in advance: it is an institutionally managed reserve.
- Bring repellent, water and binoculars.
Check hours and visiting conditions before you go.
Best time: April to October; avoid heavy-rain days.
Activities
Nearby
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Reserva Natural Tatí Yupí
Itaipú's forest closest to the dam: horse-drawn carts, bikes, a giant peroba tree and birds everywhere.
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Costanera y Playa Tacurú Pucú
A waterfront with a 2,100 m bike path, playgrounds and a 450 m beach on Itaipú lake, managed with the municipality.
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Hernandarias
The city of energy: dams, a beach on the Itaipú reservoir and a Way of the Cross lit by candles.
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Museo Histórico Tacurú Pucú
A museum aiming to preserve Alto Paraná's cultural and historical heritage, housed in the Chaco War Veterans Union building.
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Central Hidroeléctrica Itaipú
One of the world's largest hydroelectric plants, free and guided: colossal engineering on the Paraná River.
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Modelo Reducido de la Represa de Itaipú
A 1:100-scale physical model of the Itaipú dam, with the reservoir and the Acaray, Yguazú and Monday rivers, at the Visitor Reception Centre.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 4 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.