In this guide
Ayolas, a Misiones town on the Paraná River, is about three things: river beaches, dorado fishing and fish dinners, and a free tour of the Yacyretá dam. A day and a half covers it: dam in the morning, beach in the afternoon, fish at night. This guide focuses on the river and the town; the dam tour is explained step by step in our Yacyretá guide.
Which beach should you go to?
- San José Mí beach: the town beach, with camping, grills, outdoor exercise equipment and a big playground, plus boat and horse rides (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Best with kids.
- Corateí municipal beach: about 12 km from the town centre, with camping, electricity, toilets and spots to grill fish (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). It has white sand and hosts water sports in summer (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Go if you want a full day by the water.
At both, swimming areas are marked with buoys and watched by lifeguards and the Naval Prefecture (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Stay inside the buoys: the Paraná has a current.
Dorado fishing: when and how
Ayolas lives off sport and commercial fishing, and the dorado, the "tiger of the Paraná", is what nearly everyone is after (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Local guesthouses offer boat rides, kayaks and jet skis (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)); when you book, ask whether they can arrange a fishing trip with a boatman.
The big date is the international dorado and mixed-species fishing contest, run by the Club de Pesca Yacyretá for the town's anniversary. In 2024 it took place on 29 September with about 690 anglers in 230 boats, and every fish is measured, weighed and released (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). The town fills up that weekend, so book early.
What to see in town
- Plaza de los Pescadores: giant dorado, pacú and surubí figures at the entrance to the San José Mí, Santa Rosa de Lima and San Antonio neighbourhoods, the classic Ayolas photo (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
- Museo Histórico Ambiental: in Villa Permanente, with pre-Columbian pieces and mounted wildlife such as the marsh deer and maned wolf. It opens 07:00–15:00 (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)) and the guided visit is free (Última Hora, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). A good plan for the hottest hours.
- Festival del Arary: held in September at the Teatro de las Mil Viviendas, according to Wikipedia (opens in a new tab). The date changes each year; check the town hall's social media.
The dam and the nature around it
- Yacyretá dam: the tour is free and booked with the visitor centre on +595 987 210001; in January 2026 circuits ran daily from 07:00 to 15:00 (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Bring ID.
- Atinguy wildlife refuge: run by the EBY, about 12–13 km from the Ayolas turn-off on the road to San Cosme y Damián; the star is Chiqui, a jaguar (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). You need your own vehicle (Última Hora, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Akuti Po'i trail: 2,700 m guided by EBY staff, with stone sculptures of Guaraní mythological figures such as Jasy Jatere and Kurupi beside springs (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Wear closed shoes and bring repellent.
What to eat
Order river fish: pira chyryry, a dish declared national intangible cultural heritage, surubí milanesa, boga empanadas or bagre stew (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Guesthouses include breakfast and also serve fish lunches (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)), so if you stay at one, ask if they can cook lunch after the beach.
Getting there and when to go
- From Asunción: about 305 km on Route PY01 (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)); at San Patricio take PY20, which reaches Ayolas at its km 49 (Wikipedia, Route 20 (opens in a new tab)). It is not a there-and-back day: see the route with Misiones stops.
- From Encarnación: a day trip works if you pair the dam with San Cosme y Damián; see that loop.
- Weather: summer highs reach 41 °C and winter lows hover around 0 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In summer, hit the river early or at sunset and rest in the shade at midday.
FAQ
What can you do in Ayolas over a weekend?
The free Yacyretá dam tour in the morning, San José Mí or Corateí beach in the afternoon and river fish at night; on day two, the Atinguy refuge or the Museo Histórico Ambiental.
Can you swim in Ayolas?
Yes, at San José Mí in town and at Corateí municipal beach about 12 km away. Swimming areas have buoys, lifeguards and Prefecture patrols.
When is the Ayolas dorado fishing contest?
It is held for the town's anniversary in late September; in 2024 it was on 29 September. It is catch and release.
What local food should you try in Ayolas?
Pira chyryry, surubí milanesa, boga empanadas and bagre stew, all made with Paraná River fish.
