In this guide
For a family day in Presidente Franco there are three strong plans: the Monday Falls (Saltos del Monday), with lookouts and a lift down to the river; the Hito Tres Fronteras, where kids can see Brazil and Argentina at once; and the Monumento Científico Moisés Bertoni, a museum in the forest on the Paraná. If it rains or gets very hot, Ciudad del Este's parks and malls are right next door.
Monday Falls: the morning plan
It is the city's main attraction (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)), about 3 km from the town centre (Última Hora, 2018 (opens in a new tab)) and about 10 km from Ciudad del Este. Three falls drop more than 40 metres, seen from trails and lookouts.
- For kids: lookouts, trails, a panoramic lift down to the riverbank, a treetop course and a zip line (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). The park also has cabins and camping (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
- What it cost: in 2022 the municipal park charged G. 10,000 for Franco residents, G. 25,000 for other Paraguayans and USD 10 for foreigners; the lift, zip line and treetop course were G. 30,000 each (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Bring cash and ask about children's rates at the gate.
- Tip: the flow is most impressive after rain, but lookouts get slippery: firm-soled shoes and a tight grip on small hands.
Triple Frontier landmark: sunset
About 3 km from the centre, where the Paraná and Yguazú rivers meet and you can see Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Take Avenida Bernardino Caballero toward Puerto Tres Fronteras; in 2016 it opened 07:00 to 18:00 with a G. 5,000 entry fee (ABC Color, 2016 (opens in a new tab)).
- Note: the Paraguayan side has no food outlets like the Brazilian and Argentine landmarks (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Bring water and snacks.
- For kids: spot each country's flag on the far banks.
Moisés Bertoni monument: forest and museum
The house-museum of the Swiss scientist who settled on the Paraná in the late 19th century, inside a protected patch of Atlantic forest (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), about 16 km south of the centre. In 2018 it opened Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, 09:00 to 17:00 in summer and 08:00 to 16:00 in winter, and children up to 12 with their parents went free (Última Hora, 2018 (opens in a new tab)).
- Tip: it is the longest outing; leave after breakfast with repellent and food, as it is far from town.
- Closed Mondays: plan around it.
Rain or heat: Ciudad del Este next door
Franco borders Ciudad del Este along the Saltito stream (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so these are minutes away:
- Parque Lineal Manuel Ortiz Guerrero (Área 1): run by Itaipú, with trails, bike paths and playgrounds; in 2022 it opened daily 06:00 to 20:00, free with ID (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
- Lago de la República and Costanera Ñande Renda (Km 8 Acaray): free; Ñande Renda has an artificial beach, playground and skate park (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Indoor play in downtown malls: in 2022 kids' play areas charged G. 20,000 to 35,000 per child per hour (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
Weather rules here: Franco gets about 1,718 mm of rain a year, with winter fog and dew (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Always keep an indoor backup.
Dates worth planning around
- 13 October: city anniversary and feast of the Virgin of Fátima, the patron saint. In 2015 there was a serenade, a fair, live artists and fireworks (Última Hora, 2015 (opens in a new tab)).
- March: the Integration and Brotherhood Festival at the Triple Frontier (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Weekends: the city gets 2,700 to 3,000 tourists a week, busiest on weekends (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Arrive early at the falls.
A full day, planned
- 08:00–11:30: Monday Falls, lookouts and lift.
- 12:00: lunch in town; local food leans on typical Paraguayan dishes (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
- Midday heat: rest, or indoor play in Ciudad del Este.
- 17:00: Hito Tres Fronteras for sunset.
Coming from Foz do Iguaçu: since 14 September 2026 the Integration Bridge only takes cars of border residents, 07:00 to 13:00, with the Documento de Tránsito Vecinal Fronterizo, and the Franco–Foz city bus runs 07:00 to 19:00 (Paraguay Foreign Ministry (opens in a new tab)). Without that document, use the Friendship Bridge.
FAQ
What can kids do in Presidente Franco?
Visit the Monday Falls (lookouts, lift, zip line), watch the sunset at the Triple Frontier landmark, and spend a day at the Moisés Bertoni monument, a forest museum on the Paraná.
How much is entry to the Monday Falls?
In 2022 the municipal park charged G. 10,000 for Franco residents, G. 25,000 for other Paraguayans and USD 10 for foreigners; the lift, zip line and treetop course were extra.
Is there food at the Triple Frontier landmark?
The Paraguayan side has no food outlets like the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Bring water and snacks or eat in town first.
Can I drive over from Foz do Iguaçu?
Since 14 September 2026 the Integration Bridge only takes border residents' cars from 07:00 to 13:00 with the border transit document; otherwise use the Friendship Bridge.
