Routes · 3 days
Water and Energy: Itaipú, Monday, and Ñacunday
Three days in the Alto Paraná region, based in Ciudad del Este. Itaipú, one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world, offers free guided tours, alongside the Tekotopa environmental center and its jaguars. Next, the Monday Falls, the Three Borders Landmark, and Lago de la República. On the last day, head down the Paraná coast to the Moisés Bertoni rainforest reserve and Ñacunday Falls, a 40-meter curtain of water deep in the forest.
Itaipú and the Tekotopa forest
≈ 68 km
First thing in the morning, head to the Itaipú Hydroelectric Plant: a free, guided visit, booked in advance. Lunch in Hernandarias and an afternoon at Tekotopa, Itaipú's environmental center: a jaguar trail, tapirs, harpy eagles, and a museum on Guaraní land and culture (closed Tuesdays). If you've still got energy, there's a beach on the reservoir in Hernandarias. About 70 km for the day.
Overnight: Ciudad del Este: Dazzler by Wyndham, Gran Nobile Hotel, or Hummingbird Hostel. Hernandarias: Las Ventanas Hotel Boutique (upscale).
The Monday Falls, Three Borders, and Lago de la República
≈ 42 km
Morning at the Monday Falls, with better light and fewer crowds early on: viewpoints, trails, and, for the bold, a zip line or rappelling (extra charge). Lunch in Presidente Franco and sunset at the Three Borders Landmark, facing Brazil and Argentina. Wrap up with a walk around Lago de la República, Ciudad del Este's green lung. About 40 km.
Overnight: Ciudad del Este: Dazzler by Wyndham, Gran Nobile Hotel, or Hummingbird Hostel.
Moisés Bertoni and Ñacunday Falls
≈ 181 km
Head south early along the Paraná coast. The Moisés Bertoni Scientific Monument, the rainforest where the Swiss naturalist once lived, has partial access: check before you go. Continue to Ñacunday National Park, with its 40-meter-high, 70-meter-wide waterfall (entry recommended before 3:30pm). Return to Ciudad del Este in the late afternoon. About 180 km, with some unpaved stretches.
Overnight: Ciudad del Este: Dazzler by Wyndham or Gran Nobile Hotel. Rural alternative: Hotel Campestre Estancia Laura (Santa Fe del Paraná).
Tips
- Book Itaipú and Tekotopa several days in advance; Tekotopa is closed on Tuesdays and suspends visits when it rains.
- After heavy rain, Itaipú may open its spillway: ask on the day, as it's a spectacle worth catching.
- After heavy rain, the dirt road to Ñacunday and Bertoni can become difficult: check road conditions first.
- From Ñacunday, you can continue on to Encarnación (about 240 km) and link up with the Jesuit Route.