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Yacyretá Dam
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The Yacyretá Dam on the Río Paraná is a massive hydroelectric power plant operated jointly by Argentina and Paraguay. It is one of the largest construction projects in Argentina's history and a crucial supplier of clean and renewable energy. The power plant has an installed capacity of over 3,000 megawatts and covers a significant portion of the electricity needs of both countries. The construction of the dam was a complex undertaking associated with considerable social and ecological impacts, including the relocation of thousands of people and the flooding of large areas. Today, Yacyretá is a symbol of binational cooperation and an important component of South American energy integration. The dam also allows for the navigability of the river and contributes to irrigation.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: Represa Yacyretá · Reserva Natural Itatí
- Nearby: Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (81 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 151 | 125 | 152 | 186 | 144 | 109 | 86 | 84 | 117 | 217 | 192 | 187 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Yacyretá Dam is a huge hydroelectric plant on the Paraná River, jointly operated by Argentina and Paraguay. It supplies electricity to both countries and regulates the river flow.
Visiting
The power plant itself is not open to the public, but there are viewing platforms and visitor centers along the shore. Guided tours are often arranged by the operators, though advance booking is required.
Where to view it
An excellent view is from the bridge over the Paraná near the dam, where you can see the massive dam wall and locks. The riverside promenade on the Paraguayan side is also recommended.
Local products
Nearby towns offer local crafts and food products, including Paraná river fish and yerba mate. The local economy benefits from tourism and electricity generation.
Active season
The dam operates year-round, but the best visiting season is during the dry winter months when weather is pleasant and water levels are lower. The locks are most interesting then.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a trip to the Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jesús, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cities of Posadas (Argentina) and Encarnación (Paraguay) are also worth exploring.
Geography
Facts
- Inaugurated in 1994, with final completion in 2011.
- Has an installed capacity of 3,200 MW.
- The dam is 67 kilometers long, one of the longest in the world.
- The name 'Yacyretá' means 'moon's place' in Guaraní.
- Located near the cities of Ituzaingó (AR) and Ayolas (PY).
- Includes sophisticated fish elevators and bypass systems.
- Provides massive amounts of clean, renewable energy to the grid.
- The reservoir covers an area of approximately 1,600 square kilometers.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Yacyretá Dam (2)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Yacyretá dam?
Yacyretá is a major hydroelectric plant on the Río Paraná, on the border between Argentina and Paraguay. It is a central project for regional power generation.
Can you visit Yacyretá?
Partly yes, but usually only in organized formats or visitor areas. The plant itself remains restricted for security reasons.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier months are more comfortable, with less heat and humidity. For viewpoints and photos, morning is often convenient.
What is interesting nearby?
Nearby are the Paraná river landscape, Posadas, and the border with Paraguay. The area is good for scenery and borderland day trips.
What is Yacyretá known for?
Yacyretá stands for hydroelectric power, major engineering, and the link between Argentina and Paraguay. Many know it for its scale and river scenery.
Yacyretá Dam: where is it located?
Yacyretá Dam is located in Argentina.
Yacyretá Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Represa Yacyretá, Reserva Natural Itatí.
Yacyretá Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Yacyretá Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Yacyretá Dam on the Río Paraná is a massive hydroelectric power plant operated jointly by Argentina and Paraguay.
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