Paraguayan Day Trips
Itaipu Dam
We had heard about this great dam in Paraguay that supported the whole country of Paraguay’s electrical needs, and also quite a chunk of Brazil. This info was enough to get the attention of Rick, who, as an engineer, wanted to go see it. We were already in Ciudad del Este to take in some other sights, and the dam just happens to be about 8 miles away. Always ready for an adventure, we took off in an Uber to check it out and maybe even learn something.
Paraguay has been generating nearly all of its electricity using a single hydroelectric plant located in the city of Itaipu. This plant, known as the Itaipu Dam is located on the Parana River, and is a joint venture between Paraguay and Brazil, with each country owning 50% of the facility. It was built in the 1970s and has a capacity of 14 Gigawatts, making it one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world. Huge penstocks deliver river water to the massive turbines.
The electricity generated by the dam is then transmitted throughout the country through a network of high-voltage transmission lines. The plant has been a major contributor to Paraguay’s economic development.
The Itaipu Dam offers informative public tours that we found to be enjoyable. The tour begins in the lobby, where photographs depicting the dam’s construction are on display. Soon after, our group was called into a viewing room where a video provided interesting information about the dam, its construction process, and its current utilization. A lot of earth and rock was moved to build this, and a lot of steel and concrete was used in constructing it.
Following the video presentation, we boarded an air-conditioned bus that took us on a comprehensive tour of both sides of the dam. We had the opportunity to disembark at a viewpoint on the Paraguayan side, allowing us to get up fairly close and witness the sheer magnitude of the structure. While we remained on the bus for the Brazilian side, the proximity to the site still provided us with a closer view, showcasing the grandeur of the dam.
Now we understand why the Paraguayans are very proud of their Binational Itaipu Dam.
Saltos del Monday
We boarded a bus in Asuncion and embarked on a 5-hour journey to Ciudad del Este. The trip was comfortable, thanks to the surprisingly good onboard wifi and reclining seats. Opting for first class turned out to be a worthwhile splurge, considering the reasonable price.
Upon reaching our destination, we found another charming Airbnb accommodation, which would be our home for the remaining 10 days of our stay in Paraguay.
We chose to depart from Asuncion with the intention of visiting the renowned Iguazu Falls. However, during conversations with locals, we discovered another waterfall called Saltos del Monday, in Paraguay. Surprisingly, this natural wonder remains relatively unknown to many, as its proximity to the famous Iguazu Falls often overshadows it in terms of recognition. Hurrah for us, we were definitely up for another fall viewing!
Saltos del Monday is a remarkable natural attraction located in Paraguay. It is a series of waterfalls situated on the Monday River, near the city of Presidente Franco. The falls boast a staggering flow rate of approximately 63,566 cubic feet of water per second during the peak rainy season. This substantial amount of water plunges from a height of around 148 feet, creating a thunderous roar and a captivating spectacle for visitors.
The waterfalls are composed of a series of cascades spread across a width of about 394 feet. The forceful rush of water creates a misty spray that engulfs the surroundings, contributing to the overall enchanting ambiance of the site. The lush vegetation surrounding Saltos del Monday enhances its natural beauty, providing a tranquil and scenic backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
Interestingly enough, there are two viewing locations for these falls. We decided to do them both, “Why not”, as my dear mom used to say! So we took in these falls from the National Park and from the Park Aventura Monday.
At both sites, there were other things to see besides the falls. We hiked around the area and saw some pretty flowers and an interesting landscape of a variety of fauna and flora. We also saw some birds and other wildlife.
After a day of visiting the Saltos Del Monday waterfall in Paraguay, we can say that it was a truly breathtaking experience. The Saltos Del Monday waterfall is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Paraguay.
I really enjoyed reading about your Paraguayan day trips!
That dam is huge! It’s amazing that it is able to provide power for the whole country and part of Brazil! It looks like you may have been the only people in the tour bus!
Wow – Saltos del Monday is impressive and beautiful! I especially like the close up pic of you two close to one of the falls.
I love the bamboo, tropical flowers and birds, the flower-covered “bridge”, and the inviting pathways! Such a huge lead Rick is standing under – an umbrella! Excellent setting for the outdoor cafe! In the video we can really see the clouds of mist created by the waterfalls!