The most beautiful natural sites to discover Itapúa

This 55-hectare complex, located on top of a hill overlooking the Paraná River, is named after its mini-museum dedicated to trees. The Galería Casa de Madera is a hut with the Tronco de los Lamentos (Lament Tree Trunk) inside, representing trees that have been deforested, and different slices of tree trunks native to the region. There is also the poetic Árbolde losDeseos:write a wish on a piece of paper and hang it up. The idea of the complex created by Don Mario, is to make visitors aware of the importance of the forest, in one of the most deforested countries in the world. Through an easy trail (1300 m, 45 min), punctuated by watchtowers, one can find about thirty varieties of native trees, including the tajy (lapacho), the national tree. You can then have fun through eco-adventure activities, such as the "swing at the end of the world", or a chair that takes you over the void... The most impressive activity is the bicitirolesa (bicycle-tyrolesa), the first of its kind in Paraguay! At the entrance of the complex, don't forget to take a picture of yourself on the giant chair (silla gigante) which offers a splendid panorama. Camping possible (30 000 Gs per person) with its own equipment (showers, sanitary facilities and electricity available). Be careful, complexes in the same style have been set up along the access road to the Museo del Árbol. They rarely comply with safety standards and, above all, are of little interest compared to the original, the only one officially authorised.

Blond sand dunes in the middle of the crystal clear water of the Yacyretá Lake! You will probably be among the last privileged to be able to get there: the dunes are shrinking at high speed, due to the lack of vegetation on the island to hold back the impact of wind, rain and waves, which carry away the fine sand. At the end of 2019, the dunes were nearly 10 metres high over 3 hectares, but 20 metres high over 5 hectares in 2015, and 30 metres over 10 hectares in 2010... To get to the dunes, first ask at the tourist information point of San Cosme y Damián. You will be informed about the state of the dunes and the weather, and you will be put in contact with the right people to take you there (who will probably correspond with the numbers given above). The dunes are located 25 km from the naval base of San Cosme y Damián. Count between 45 minutes and 1 hour by motorboatfor the outward journey, a little less for the return journey. It can be a bit shaky when it is windy, and it is advisable to go there in the morning if the weather permits. The time on site is usually 2 to 3 hours. Transportation is expensive, so it is advantageous to form a group to divide the costs. To join other passengers, plan the excursion on a Saturday or Sunday, or during school holidays. There is nothing on the spot, so bring something to protect yourself from the sun, and something to drink and snack on (bring back your rubbish of course).