Plizio Visual Lab

Yacyretá Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Island

Weather…

Yacyretá Island is located in the Paraná River in southern Paraguay and is primarily known worldwide for the namesake hydroelectric dam, one of the largest joint ventures between Paraguay and Argentina. Before the dam's construction, the island was an ecologically rich area featuring vast sand dunes and unique riverine ecosystems. With the flooding of the reservoir in the 1990s, the landscape changed dramatically, as large parts of the original island were submerged. Nevertheless, the remaining portion hosts important nature reserves that attempt to preserve local biodiversity, including rare frog species and migratory birds. Historically, the name Yacyretá in the Guaraní language refers to the reflection of the moon in the water. The nearby town of Ayolas serves as the administrative hub for the power plant and a starting point for visitors. The project remains a subject of intense discussion regarding the balance between energy production and environmental and social impacts on the region. The island remains a landmark for understanding Paraguay's modern infrastructure and environmental challenges.

Location: Paraguay
Nearby: San Ignacio Guazú (49 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

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Getting there

Reaching the large island typically requires traveling by road towards the hydroelectric dam infrastructure or taking a local boat transfer. Access might be regulated due to the nearby operational facilities of the dam.

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Best season

The best time for a visit is during the drier season from May to September, when river water levels are generally stable. This period also provides relief from the oppressive humidity and heat common during the peak summer.

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Terrain & paths

The island features mostly flat, riverine terrain intertwined with natural vegetation and modified landscapes. Exploring involves walking on sandy or dirt paths along the riverbanks, which can occasionally be muddy.

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What to bring

Light, quick-drying clothing is highly recommended for the riverside environment, along with robust sandals or walking shoes. Insect repellent, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses are essential against the water's glare.

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Parking

Parking is usually directed towards designated zones near the main access points or official visitor facilities. Security is generally good in these structured areas, but it remains wise to avoid leaving valuables inside.

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Safety

Visitors must respect all restricted zones related to the dam operations and heed any local warnings regarding water currents. Swimming is often strongly discouraged unless in explicitly designated and supervised safe areas.

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Time needed

A comprehensive tour of the accessible areas, including potential visits to the nearby dam lookouts, typically takes a half-day. This allows adequate time to appreciate both the natural aspects and the massive infrastructure.

Geography

Coordinates

-27.46670, -56.73330

Facts

Site of one of the world's largest hydroelectric dams
The name means 'Place of the Moon' in Guaraní
Large parts were submerged by the reservoir
Located near the town of Ayolas
Home to the Isla Yacyretá Nature Reserve
Jointly managed by Paraguay and Argentina

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yacyretá Dam<1 km · WExplore →

San Cosme y Damián44 km · NExplore →

Santa María de Fe47 km · SEExplore →

San Ignacio Guazú49 km · SEExplore →

Coronel Bogado59 km · NExplore →

San Juan Bautista67 km · SEExplore →

Iberá Wetlands69 km · SWExplore →

San Pedro del Paraná71 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Yacyretá Island (1)

Represa Yacyretá

Large hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River, supplying power to Paraguay and Argentina.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Yacyretá Island?

The island is usually accessible through organized tours.

What is the main attraction?

The combination of the natural landscape and the massive hydroelectric plant.

Can the power plant be visited?

Yes, there are guided tours through the power plant.

Are there beaches there?

There are some quiet shoreline areas, but not all are intended for swimming.

Can one birdwatch there?

Yes, the surroundings are handy for birdwatching.

Yacyretá Island: where is it located?

Yacyretá Island is located in Paraguay.

Yacyretá Island: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Yacyretá Island: why is it worth visiting?

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →