In this guide
Once you have seen the falls and the Hito Tres Fronteras, entertainment in Presidente Franco means adventure and the wider region: zip lines and camping in the two Monday parks, the forest at the Bertoni monument, an afternoon at the Itaipú complex and a night out in neighbouring Ciudad del Este (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Below is each plan with where it is, what it cost according to the latest published source, and one practical tip.
Adventure at the Monday: two parks, two experiences
The Salto Monday can be reached through two separate parks (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)):
- Municipal park (9 hectares): run by a private company under concession. In 2022 entry was G. 10,000 for Franco residents, G. 25,000 for other Paraguayans and USD 10 for foreigners; treetop course, hiking, zip line and the lift down to the river were G. 30,000 each.
- Parque Aventura Monday (private, 7 hectares): listed in Trip.com's guide (opens in a new tab) and, according to Última Hora, home to a 275-metre zip line towards the falls. In 2022 it cost G. 60,000 for Paraguayans, USD 15 for Mercosur tourists and USD 18 for others; it opened daily 8:00 to 17:00, and camping was G. 100,000, arriving at night and leaving the next midday (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: pick the park by the activity you want most and bring cash; these are 2022 prices, so check at the ticket office.
Forest and science: Moisés Bertoni monument
The reserve where the Swiss scientist lived, with trails, a natural amphitheatre and the family necropolis; the house can only be seen from outside. It is run by the Environment Ministry (Mades). In January 2025 entry was G. 20,000 for over-18s, G. 5,000 for ages 11 to 17 and free up to 10; guides cost extra, and the access road has 5 paved km (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: hire the guide, or you will miss the story behind the place.
Itaipú: half a day in Hernandarias
Hernandarias is about 15 km from Ciudad del Este (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The Itaipú Tourist Complex offers guided tours of the power plant, the dam's scale model, the Tatí Yupí and Itabó reserves and the Tekotopa environmental centre, devoted to the Atlantic Forest, where the jaguar is the main attraction. At night the Iluminación Monumental lights up the whole structure (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: pair an afternoon tour with the lighting on the same trip, and check days and places on Itaipú's official channels first.
Guaraní culture and crafts
- Circuito Vivencial del Mundo Guaraní, in Yguazú district: a trail of about 800 metres with six themed stations in the forest on Guaraní worldview, traditions and history, with audiovisual and museum displays (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
- Indigenous crafts in Franco: visitors mainly buy work by Indigenous communities, and the council promotes a traditional food fair (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
At night or in the rain: Ciudad del Este next door
Franco borders Ciudad del Este along the Saltito stream (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). There you will find Paraguayan, Brazilian, Arab, Japanese and Chinese restaurants, plus bars and casinos (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). For a free outdoor walk, try the Lago de la República and the Costanera Ñande Renda at Km 8 Acaray (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
Getting back: public transport stops at a certain hour at night and bar staff go home by app (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)); order your ride from inside.
Dates worth planning around
- 13 October: the town's anniversary and the feast of the Virgen de Fátima; in 2015 there was a serenade, a fair, live acts and midnight fireworks (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)).
- March: the Festival de la Integración y la Hermandad at the Tres Fronteras (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Hito Tres Fronteras: the Paraguayan side still has no permanent shows or food outlets (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)); a tourism ministry and council project aims to add Guaraní culture, food and night activities (Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). For now, go in daylight.
FAQ
What is there to do in Presidente Franco besides the falls?
Zip lines, treetop courses or camping in the Monday parks, the Moisés Bertoni monument, an Itaipú visit in Hernandarias and a night out in Ciudad del Este.
How much is the zip line at the Monday falls?
In 2022 it was G. 30,000 in the municipal park; at Parque Aventura Monday, G. 60,000 for Paraguayans, USD 15 for Mercosur tourists and USD 18 for others. Check current prices at the ticket office.
Can you camp at the Monday falls?
Yes. In 2022 camping at Parque Aventura Monday cost G. 100,000, arriving at night and leaving the next midday.
Are there shows at the Paraguayan Hito Tres Fronteras?
Not yet: the Paraguayan side lacks permanent shows and food outlets. A project plans to add them, so for now go in daylight.
