In this guide
In Santa Rita, the easiest family plans are the town plazas and the Túnel Verde for a walk, the bathing spots and campsites along the Monday River and, in May, the Expo Santa Rita and the patron saint's festival. For a full day out, Itaipú dam, the Tati Yupi reserve and the Monday Falls are about 70 km away along Route PY06, around Ciudad del Este.
Where to walk and play with kids in Santa Rita
- Town plazas: the city has plazas set up for walking and play, according to Wikipedia (opens in a new tab). They are the short everyday plan: early morning, or after 17:00 in summer when the heat drops.
- Túnel Verde, 14 de Mayo neighbourhood: a tree-covered street that is one of the town's postcard views. Nice for a shady walk or bike ride.
- Portal de Entrada, Campiña Verde neighbourhood: the town gateway, another classic family photo stop.
- Esquina Gaúcha: one of the oldest neighbourhoods, where the town began in the 1970s (Wikipedia, Portuguese (opens in a new tab)). A good place to tell kids how the town started.
Where to find water and nature nearby
Along the Monday River, the district's northern border, there are campsites, bathing spots and hotels, and rural tourism in the area (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Streams such as the Capiibary also form small lakes and natural bathing spots (Wikipedia, Portuguese (opens in a new tab)).
- Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent: summer highs are around 31 to 33 °C.
- Ask at the bathing spot whether there is a lifeguard and where swimming is safe, especially with small children.
What activities are there for kids during the year?
- Municipal Tennis School and Municipal Chess School: run by the municipality, which posts sign-ups on its website (santarita.gov.py (opens in a new tab)). Good for weekends and school holidays.
- Gaúcho Tradition Centres (CTG): dance and folklore shows and churrasco gatherings, a legacy of the families who came from southern Brazil (Wikipedia, Portuguese (opens in a new tab)). Kids who dance can join the groups.
What's on in May: Expo Santa Rita and the patron saint's day
- Expo Santa Rita: held every year since 1993 for about ten days in early May at the Parque de Exposiciones El Colono. It draws about 100,000 visitors and more than 400 exhibitors, with livestock auctions and concerts (Wikipedia, Portuguese (opens in a new tab)). With kids, go in the daytime to see animals and machinery and leave the night shows to older children.
- Feast of St Rita of Cascia, 22 May: processions, open-air masses and community lunches. A good day to see the town in festival mood.
Hotels fill up in those weeks, so book early if you are coming from elsewhere.
Day trips around Ciudad del Este
Santa Rita is about 70 km southwest of Ciudad del Este: drive north on Route PY06 to the PY02 junction (Wikipedia, Portuguese (opens in a new tab)). Leave early to make the most of the day.
- Itaipú Dam (Hernandarias): the public panoramic tour is free and runs in scheduled slots (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). According to Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab), tours leave several times a day, Monday to Sunday, and you should bring ID. On Friday and Saturday evenings there is a light show that requires registration.
- Museo de la Tierra Guaraní and regional zoo: inside the Itaipú complex, about 2 km before the visitor centre. For kids, this is often the highlight.
- Tati Yupi Biological Reserve: trails, capuchin monkeys, capybaras, picnic areas with grills and horse riding. Entry is free, but you must request a permit at least one day ahead, online or at the Itaipú visitor centre (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)).
- Monday Falls (Saltos del Monday, Presidente Franco): falls about 40 metres high in the Parque Municipal Monday, with a panoramic lift down to the base (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). There is an entry fee plus a separate lift fee. With kids, stay on the viewpoints: swimming above the falls and canoeing are risky.
Tips for a stress-free family day
- Heat: from December to February, split the day into early morning and late afternoon, with a rest at midday.
- Language: Portuguese is widely spoken in Santa Rita, which makes it easy for Brazilian families.
- Realistic plans: one outing per morning is enough with small kids. If you go to Itaipú, add Tati Yupi or the Monday Falls at most, not all three.
FAQ
What are the best parks for kids near Santa Rita?
In town, the plazas and the Túnel Verde. About 70 km away, Itaipú's Tati Yupi reserve has free trails and picnic areas, and Parque Municipal Monday has the falls and a viewing lift.
What can families do in Santa Rita?
Walk the plazas, visit a bathing spot on the Monday River and, in May, go to the Expo Santa Rita at Parque El Colono.
When is the Expo Santa Rita?
Every year in early May, for about ten days, at the Parque de Exposiciones El Colono.
Is the Itaipú dam tour free?
Yes, the panoramic tour is free and runs in scheduled slots. Bring ID.
