More and more people are choosing nature tourism to relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes that only a natural environment can offer. This is what happens in the department of Alto Paraná, Paraguay, renowned for its imposing rivers, lakes, and waterfalls surrounded by vast forests.
This place offers a unique environmental heritage, as well as numerous options that combine adventure, conservation, and direct contact with biodiversity, captivating tourists.
Among the options to enjoy nature tourism are beaches, lodges, and themed cabins, among others, that will enhance the experience.
Alto Paraná, an ideal place for nature tourism in Paraguay. Photo: MarketData.
Nature Tourism in Alto Paraná: What to Do
There is no doubt that this natural paradise can enchant both adults and children, with different tours and activities available for the whole family, such as:
- Jaguareté Trail
This option is ideal for spending a few days in the region enjoying the tourist circuit of Itaipú. This site, with free admission, offers different proposals, including the Jaguareté Trail, located in the Tekotopa Environmental Center.
The center serves as the home of 12 species of animals, encompassing 39 individuals considered ambassadors of their group, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Among the most emblematic species are the jaguareté, puma, gua’a canindé, parrot, capybara, and tapir, all native to the neighboring country.
Although admission is free, visitors must schedule an appointment through institutional communication channels. This way, they can visit both the trail and the Wildlife Research Center (CIASI), the Aquaculture Station, the Forest Nursery, and the Medicinal Plant Herbarium.
Jaguareté Trail, in Alto Paraná, Paraguay. Photo: abc.
- Ñancunday Waterfall
Although this is one of the lesser-known options for tourism in general, it is still exciting. Located in the south of Alto Paraná, this waterfall, 43 meters high and 70 meters wide, stands as the main tourist attraction in the area, offering a unique experience in the nature.
Furthermore, being located within the Ñacunday National Park, it invites you to explore the more than 2,000 hectares that this protected wilderness area has, which houses a great variety of fauna and flora, including endangered species such as the jaguareté and the tapir. The park is open every day from 7 to 17, and visitors can access it by paying the corresponding entrance fee.
Ñacunday Waterfall, in Alto Paraná, Paraguay. Photo: Wikipedia.
- Monday Waterfalls
These waterfalls located in the park of the same name, situated in the region of Presidente Franco, have a 40-meter waterfall, surrounded by a unique beauty that only the natural reserve of the place can provide.
Moreover, it offers the possibility of exploring it from two different sections, with affordable prices and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy their walk through the park. These activities include the panoramic elevator, walks along the interpretative trails, bird watching, and adventure activities such as zip-lining and rappelling. It also has camping areas and restaurants, among others.
Monday Waterfalls, an ideal place for nature tourism in Paraguay. Photo: Wikipedia.
- Guaraní World Living Circle
Located in the district of Yguazú, within the Protected Wilderness Area of the Yguazú Natural Reserve, this place becomes a must-visit for nature lovers. Here are the last vestiges of the majestic Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná, embraced by the waters of Lake Yguazú.
This space invites you to discover the legacy of the Guaraní people, which remains alive thanks to the innovative museography of the place, transcending the traditional to make way for the knowledge, rituals, and worldview of the ancestral culture.
To learn about the sacred relationship with the land maintained by the ancient inhabitants of the area, a tour is offered along an interactive trail of 800 meters that crosses the forest and connects six outdoor thematic stations. Here, you can contemplate different sculptures, mythological representations, and interactive spaces that enrich the visit.
Guaraní World Living Circle, in Paraguay. Photo: Agencia IP.
How to Get to Alto Paraná, Paraguay
The department of Alto Paraná is located in the southeast of Paraguay, and its main access point is the city of Ciudad del Este. From Asunción, the capital of the country, you can reach it by bus or private vehicle, covering approximately 330 kilometers along National Route PY02, a journey of 5 to 6 hours.
Another way to reach Alto Paraná is by air transport. The Guaraní International Airport, located in Minga Guazú a few kilometers from Ciudad del Este, receives national and international flights, facilitating connections to different points in the region.
Additionally, Alto Paraná borders Brazil and Argentina, providing land
