In this guide
For outdoor time in Santa Rita you have three levels: in town, the Túnel Verde, the central plazas and the municipal sports complex; on the Monday River, camping areas and swimming spots; and for real nature, Ñacunday National Park or the Monday Falls, each a day trip. In summer, do all of it before 10 am or after 5 pm.
In town: short loops
- Túnel Verde (PY06, barrio 14 de Mayo). Almost a kilometre where trees form a roof over the road, about 2 km from the centre heading toward Naranjal (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). It is the best-known spot in the district (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)) and the shadiest stretch for a walk or a bike ride. It is a truck route: stay on the verge, well off the road, and hold children's hands.
- Central plazas. The town has plazas designed for walking and leisure (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), and the municipality has recently refurbished plazas, main avenues and recreational parks (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)). They suit a 30-minute evening loop after a stop at the Parroquia Santa Rita church.
- Portal de Entrada (barrio Campiña Verde). The town's entrance arch, a classic photo stop (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Pair it with the Túnel Verde if you are driving.
Outdoor sport: the sports complex and municipal schools
The municipal sports complex (polideportivo) opened in 2023 for sport and recreation (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)). The municipality, on Avenida De Los Pioneros, posts enrolment for its municipal tennis and chess schools on its website (santarita.gov.py (opens in a new tab)). If you are staying a while, ask there about open hours at the complex and holiday activities.
Water nearby: the Monday River and streams
The Monday River forms the district's northern boundary, with camping areas and swimming spots on its banks and hotels nearby (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Local streams also form small lakes and natural bathing spots (Wikipedia PT (opens in a new tab)).
- Ask on site where swimming is allowed and whether there is a lifeguard.
- After heavy rain the river rises and currents change, so leave it for another day.
- Bring insect repellent, water and some cash for entry or parking.
Day trip: Ñacunday National Park
This is the big nature park of southern Alto Paraná. It is run by the Environment Ministry (MADES) and has a waterfall of about 40–43 metres, three marked trails and other falls such as Kañy and Imperial (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)).
- Hours: daily 7:00–17:00, according to Última Hora (2023).
- Entry: in December 2023, free up to age 10, G. 5,000 for ages 11–17 and G. 20,000 for adults (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Road: the park is about 65–70 km south of Ciudad del Este, and the last 16 km are dirt (ABC Color). If it has rained in the previous days, ask about road conditions.
- Tip: leave early, walk the trails before noon and have lunch in the shade. The falls are most impressive after rain, when the river is high.
Day trip: Monday Falls and Itaipú
- Saltos del Monday (Presidente Franco). A drop of more than 45 metres, with trails, viewpoints, a zip line and a tree-top course (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). In 2022 it opened 8:00–17:00 and entry for Paraguayans was G. 25,000–30,000 (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). From Santa Rita it is about 70 km to the Ciudad del Este area via PY06 and PY02 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Tati Yupi Biological Reserve (Hernandarias). Part of the Itaipú complex: trails and a picnic area, free, but you must request a permit at least one day ahead, online or at the visitor centre (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). There is no direct public transport.
Don't try both in one day. With kids, the full plan is in family-friendly places in Santa Rita.
When to go out without the heat winning
- Timing: Paraguay's Health Ministry and IPS advise avoiding the sun from 10:00 to 17:00 and exercising before or after (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). In summer, plazas and the Túnel Verde are for 7–10 am or after 5 pm.
- Water: 3–4 litres a day in strong heat; tereré does not replace water (same source).
- Season: late April and May are good for walking and coincide with the Expo Santa Rita at the Expo grounds. In winter you can go out at any hour, but evenings get cool.
- Rain: it rains every month (Wikipedia PT (opens in a new tab)), so keep an indoor plan B. More in heat and seasonal pacing in Santa Rita.
FAQ
What parks are there in Santa Rita?
In town, the central plazas, the municipal sports complex and the Túnel Verde for shaded walks. For nature, the Monday River and, as day trips, Ñacunday National Park or the Monday Falls.
Where can I walk in the shade in Santa Rita?
In the Túnel Verde, almost a kilometre of trees over PY06 in barrio 14 de Mayo. Go early and keep well away from the road, as trucks use it.
How much is entry to Ñacunday National Park?
In December 2023 it was free up to age 10, G. 5,000 for ages 11–17 and G. 20,000 for adults. It opens daily 7:00–17:00; bring cash.
Can you swim in the Monday River?
There are camping areas and swimming spots on the banks. Ask on site where swimming is allowed and whether there is a lifeguard, and avoid it after heavy rain.
