Nicolas Caballero · CC BY-SA 4.0Salto Piraretã
A hidden waterfall in the Piraretã farming community, with a stream, family campgrounds and fresh forest air.
What it is
In the Piraretã community east of Piribebuy, the Represa Cue stream drops in a waterfall framed by forest and rock. It's a more rustic outing than Chololó: you get there on a local road and walk a short stretch to the falls. Family-run campgrounds by the stream have thatched shelters (quinchos) and restrooms, ideal for a day of tereré (Paraguay's iced herbal tea) and barbecue, or for sleeping under the stars far from the highway noise.
What to see and do
- The waterfall and its pools
- Family campgrounds with thatched shelters by the stream
- A short walk through riverside forest
Did you know…?
Piraretã means 'land of fish' in Guaraní.
It's one of Piribebuy's three emblematic swimming spots, along with Chololó and the spring-fed municipal pool.
History
The Piraretã community belongs to Piribebuy, the town that became Paraguay's provisional capital in December 1868 and withstood the Allied attack of August 12, 1869. Its Guaraní name joins pira (fish) and tetã/retã (country): 'land of fish'. Together with Chololó and the municipal pool, it makes up the district's trio of classic swimming spots.
Tips
- A young woman drowned here in 2023: stay out of deep areas and never swim alone.
- The final approach is on a dirt road; it can get tricky after rain.
- Bring insect repellent, water and cash: services are basic.
Access through private campgrounds that charge a fee — check before you go.
Best time: Spring and summer for swimming; in autumn and winter, cool hikes and fewer people.
Activities
Festivals and events here
National Festival of the 60-Stripe Poncho Para’i
Music, crafts and local pride centered on the sixty-stripe poncho, handwoven in Piribebuy.
FestivalPiribebuy, CordilleraSep→ NovSugarcane Spirit Route (Piribebuy)
A day among sugar mills and distilleries of Paraguayan caña, with tastings and the story of the national spirit.
FoodPiribebuy, Cordillera3FebSan Blas · Piribebuy
Mass, a procession and festivals with Paraguayan and international artists in this heroic city of the War of the Triple Alliance.
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.