In this guide
At Refugio Tatí Yupí (officially Reserva Natural Tatí Yupí, run by Itaipú in Hernandarias) you can ride a horse-drawn cart to a yvyraromi tree over 200 years old, join a guided bike ride, walk the Los Hongos trail with the reserve's technicians, and finish with a barbecue at the shelters by the lake pier. Entry is free but only with advance booking, and it opens Tuesday to Sunday.
Before you go: booking, hours and days
- Booking is required. Call +595 61 599 8040 or 599 8094, or email cturistico@itaipu.gov.py (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)); in 2023 the ib-tur app also worked (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Wikivoyage advises requesting the permit at least a day ahead with each visitor's ID details (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)).
- Hours. In January 2025, ABC Color listed Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, 8:00–11:45 and 13:00–15:30 (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Closed Mondays.
- Rain cancels visits. Access is closed on rainy days (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Check the forecast the night before.
- Holidays. The Itaipú tourist complex closes on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
What to do inside the reserve
Cart ride to the yvyraromi. Tatí Yupí's best-known tree is a yvyraromi over 200 years old and about 30 m tall, reached on the cart ride (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). With kids or older relatives, this is the one not to miss: no walking needed.
Guided bike ride. The reserve runs guided cycling tours (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Ask when booking whether bikes are provided or you should bring your own.
Los Hongos trail. Itaipú opened it in 2023 in an area previously reserved for research: an interpretive walk where staff explain the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest and the role of fungi in it (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). In 2023 it ran Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with departures at 8:30, 10:00, 11:00, 13:30, 14:00 and 14:30, and not in rain (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Ask for it specifically when booking.
Pier on Itaipú lake. The spot for photos and a cold tereré with a view of the reservoir (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
Shelters, grills, sports fields and playground. There are covered quinchos with grills, a playground and football and volleyball courts (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). A good Sunday plan: cart ride in the morning, barbecue at noon, games in the afternoon.
Wildlife and plants to look for
The reserve has recorded 39 mammal, 286 bird and 21 reptile species (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Wikivoyage mentions capuchin monkeys, armadillos and capybaras (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). The forest has trees over 30 m tall, such as cedro, lapacho and ybyrá pytá, plus tree ferns, palms, bromeliads and orchids, and streams with small waterfalls (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
To see more animals, arrive at the 8:00 opening, walk quietly and bring binoculars if you have them.
What to bring and how to get around inside
- Your own car. The facilities are about 10–15 km inside the gate (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)), so walking in from the highway is a long hike.
- Food and drinks. If you plan to use the grills, bring everything: charcoal, meat, water and ice.
- Repellent, a hat and closed shoes for the trail.
- Children on the Los Hongos trail must be with a parent or responsible adult (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Staying overnight: Wikivoyage (last updated 2018) and Wikipedia mention camping and lodging with dorms and a kitchen (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab); Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Ask when you book if you are interested.
Getting there from Ciudad del Este
The gate is about 3 km north of Hernandarias on the road to Saltos del Guairá (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)), a little over 25 km from Ciudad del Este (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Without a car, Wikivoyage suggests a bus to Hernandarias, getting off at the roundabout with petrol stations, and a taxi from there to the visitor center inside; agree the fare first (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). Coming from Foz do Iguaçu, cross the Friendship Bridge to Ciudad del Este first.
Tatí Yupí drew 42,157 visitors in 2025 (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). In summer holidays and long weekends, book several days ahead.
FAQ
How much does Refugio Tatí Yupí cost?
Nothing, entry is free. You do need to book ahead with Itaipú on +595 61 599 8040 / 8094 or at cturistico@itaipu.gov.py.
What are Tatí Yupí's opening hours?
According to ABC Color (January 2025), Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, 8:00–11:45 and 13:00–15:30. Access closes on rainy days.
What can you do at Tatí Yupí?
A cart ride to a 200-year-old yvyraromi tree, guided bike rides, the Los Hongos trail with staff, the lake pier, and shelters with grills.
Can you barbecue at Tatí Yupí?
Yes, there are covered shelters with grills. Bring your own food, charcoal and water.
