Cverascuderi · CC BY-SA 4.0Saltos del Monday (Cataratas del Monday)
Three main drops of about 40 meters amid Atlantic Forest, just minutes from the bustle of Ciudad del Este.
What it is
The Monday River tumbles off a basalt shelf in three main falls of about 40 meters, plus several smaller ones, shortly before it flows into the Paraná. You can feel the spray and hear the roar from far away. There are two ways to experience it: the falls park, with viewpoints, a terrace restaurant and a panoramic elevator that drops about 40 meters; and, across the river, an adventure park with trails, a raft crossing over a lagoon, a 275-meter zip line, canyoning, a treetop ropes course and rafting.
What to see and do
- Ride the panoramic elevator down to see the falls from below
- Have lunch facing the falls on the park restaurant's terrace
- Zip line, canyoning and treetop ropes course at the adventure park
- Raft about 6.5 km down the Monday River
- Photograph the mist in the morning light
Did you know…?
The meaning of "Monday" is debated: the popular version is "water that steals"; other readings of the Guaraní suggest "water that hums" or "water that sounds".
The 275-meter zip line ends about 80 meters from the falls.
In 2017 a map based on online traveler reviews named it Paraguay's most popular attraction.
History
The site was a stop on the Tape Avirú, the ancient Guaraní trail that crossed the region. The panoramic elevator opened on November 1, 2015, and in 2018 the Tape Avirú amphitheater, seating about 800 people, was added. In 2024 the name "Monday Falls" (Cataratas del Monday) was officially promoted, although "Saltos del Monday" remains the more common name, even at SENATUR.
Tips
- These are two separate parks with separate admission, and adventure activities cost extra (check current fees).
- Wear closed shoes with good grip: walkways and rocks get slippery. Don't swim near the falls.
- From Foz do Iguaçu you cross via the Friendship Bridge: allow time for border formalities.
Daily, approx. 8:00–17:00 (in summer the municipal park may stay open later). Paid admission; activities extra. Check before you go.
Best time: After several days of rain the flow is at its most impressive (with more spray and wetter trails); in dry spells the falls thin out. Early morning brings the best light and fewer people. In summer, avoid midday.
What to try
- Lunch with a view of the falls at the park restaurant
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 9 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.