Cverascuderi · CC BY-SA 4.0Reserva Natural Tatí Yupí
Itaipú's forest closest to the dam: horse-drawn carts, bikes, a giant peroba tree and birds everywhere.
What it is
About 3 km north of Hernandarias, this Itaipú reserve protects Atlantic Forest, streams and picnic areas near the reservoir. You drive in with your own vehicle and then explore on foot, by bike or aboard carrozas and cachapés (traditional ox- and horse-drawn carts), a very Paraguayan way to get around. There are trails such as the Palmital and a quiet contemplation area next to a peroba tree more than 30 meters tall, a finalist in the 2025 Giants of the Earth (Colosos de la Tierra) contest. It's a peaceful outing for families, hikers and birdwatchers, just minutes from the power plant.
What to see and do
- Ride a horse-drawn carroza or cachapé along the internal roads
- Cycle the forest trails
- Visit the giant peroba tree from the Palmital Trail
- Picnic and go birdwatching
Did you know…?
The peroba is listed as endangered globally by the IUCN; a stone barrier was built around the Tatí Yupí tree to protect its roots.
In January 2026 a modern weather-monitoring station was installed in the reserve.
History
It is one of the protected areas Itaipú created in 1984 to safeguard the reservoir and the wildlife of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, along with the Limoy and Itabó reserves and the Mbaracayú Biological Refuge. It protects some 3,866 hectares and forms part of the core zone of the Itaipú Biosphere Reserve.
Tips
- Book and pick up your permit on the same day at Itaipú's Visitor Reception Center, with ID (and a list of participants if you're in a group).
- Access is by private vehicle only, and visits depend on the weather.
- Bring water and insect repellent.
According to SENATUR: Monday to Friday 7:00–16:00; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 7:00–12:00. Free. Itaipú announced different hours for some 2026 holidays: check before you go.
Best time: Autumn and spring, or summer mornings. Avoid rainy days, when visits are canceled.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Guided visits
Itaipú Binacional (Complejo Turístico Itaipu)
Visita a la Reserva Natural Tatí Yupí
An Itaipú reserve beside the reservoir with carriage, sulky or bike rides, picnic areas and a dock; free entry with a prior pass.
Nearby
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.
Hernandarias · Alto Paraná
Tekotopa Centro Ambiental (Sendero del Jaguareté y Museo de Itaipu Tierra Guaraní)
Jaguars, tapirs and harpy eagles of the Atlantic Forest, plus Itaipú's great museum of nature and Guaraní culture.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 7 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.