In this guide
A family day in Santa Rita works best in two blocks: one short outing in the morning, a long indoor break at midday, and a second outing once the sun drops. Summer highs sit around 31–33 °C and can reach 38 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so midday is for lunch and a nap, not for walking.
How should you split the day around the heat?
- 8:00–11:00: the main outdoor outing.
- 11:30–16:30: lunch, a nap and something indoors. From December to February, don't push it.
- From 17:00: a plaza, a bike ride or a short walk until dark.
It rains in every month (1,800–2,000 mm a year), so keep an indoor fallback for the afternoon.
Half a day in town: Túnel Verde, the parish church and the centre
Túnel Verde (Ruta PY06, barrio 14 de Mayo). A stretch of almost a kilometre where the trees close over the highway, about 2 km from the centre heading towards Naranjal (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). It's the town's signature photo and it's shaded in the morning. It is a highway with heavy trucks, so park well off the road and keep kids close.
Parroquia Santa Rita and the centre. The patron saint's church was a stop on the town's official tourism circuit (La Nación (opens in a new tab)). From there, walk the centre and stop at a plaza: the town has plazas built for walking and play (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Portal de Entrada (barrio Campiña Verde). The town gateway, a quick family photo stop if you're driving.
That covers the morning. Be back for lunch before 12:00 and keep the afternoon light.
What can you do with kids in the late afternoon?
- Plazas and recreational parks: the municipality has renovated plazas and parks in recent years (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). At dusk they're the easiest plan.
- Municipal sports complex: opened in 2023 for sport and recreation (same source). Ask the municipality which activities are open to the public.
- Municipal tennis and chess schools: enrolment is posted on santarita.gov.py (opens in a new tab), useful if you're staying for a season or the school holidays.
- Monday River: there are campsites and bathing spots along the river (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Ask on site where swimming is allowed and whether there's a lifeguard.
A full day: Itaipú and Tati Yupi
For a long day, leave early for Ciudad del Este, about 70 km away via the PY06 and PY02 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The whole plan fits in the morning, before the worst heat.
- Itaipú Dam (Hernandarias): the panoramic tour is free and runs in set departures every day; according to Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab), the last one leaves at 14:45. Bring ID for everyone.
- Museo de la Tierra Guaraní: about 2 km before the Itaipú visitor centre and indoors, which makes it perfect for the hottest hour.
- Tati Yupi Biological Refuge: trails, picnic areas with grills and horse rides, all free. You must request a permit at least one day ahead, online or at the visitor centre (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). There's no direct public transport, so drive.
With small kids, Itaipú plus one of the other two is plenty. Head back to Santa Rita before dark.
What about the Saltos del Monday?
The falls are in Presidente Franco, about 10 km from Ciudad del Este, with access through two parks. According to Última Hora (opens in a new tab), in 2022 one opened daily 8:00–17:00 and there were viewpoints, a zip line and a panoramic lift down to the river. Treat it as a separate full day, not an add-on to Itaipú, and stay on the viewpoints with children.
Visiting in May: Expo Santa Rita
The Expo runs every year from late April into early May at the CTG Indio José showground; in 2026 it ran from 25 April to 3 May, with shows, rodeo and a funfair (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). With kids, go in the morning or mid-afternoon for the animals, machinery and rides, and leave the night shows to the adults. Hotels fill up that week, so book early.
What to pack
- Water, hats, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Cash in guaraníes for snack bars and parking.
- ID for each family member if you're going to Itaipú.
- A change of clothes if water is involved.
FAQ
What can you do with kids in Santa Rita?
In the morning, the Túnel Verde on Ruta PY06 and the town centre with the parish church; in the afternoon, plazas or the municipal sports complex. For a full day, Itaipú and the Tati Yupi refuge are about 70 km away.
When is it best to go out with kids in summer?
Before 11:00 and after 17:00. Summer highs are around 31–33 °C and can reach 38 °C.
Do you need to book Tati Yupi?
Yes. Request the free permit at least one day ahead, online or at the Itaipú visitor centre.
When is Expo Santa Rita?
Every year from late April into early May; in 2026 it ran from 25 April to 3 May. Check the official announcement for this year's dates.
