In this guide
Salto Cristal is a waterfall of about 45 m dropping into a natural pool, roughly 150 km from Asunción. You reach it through the town of La Colmena, then about 14 km of signed dirt, cobbled and paved road. Message the operator before you set off: since March 2026 Paraguay's tourism ministry (Senatur) only allows visits to authorised areas, and access is tangled in a land dispute (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
How do you get there from Asunción?
- By car: Route PY01 to Carapeguá, turn off to Acahay and on to La Colmena (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The road to the falls starts in La Colmena: about 14 km, signed from the junction, mixing dirt, cobbles and asphalt (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- After rain: the dirt sections get hard going for ordinary cars. If it rained overnight, take a higher vehicle or pick another day.
- Last stop for supplies: La Colmena, about 130 km from Asunción, is the last town before the turn-off. Fill up on fuel, water and cash there.
Is it open? What Senatur decided
Senatur suspended the operator, "Salto Cristal Ecoaventura", in September 2025 after the environment ministry (MADES) voided its environmental licence. MADES lifted that in December 2025 with partial restrictions, and on 23 March 2026 Senatur Resolution 270/2026 let the operator reopen under conditions (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)):
- The falls can be visited, but only in authorised areas.
- Areas under ownership dispute or with improper use of the water, especially near the stream, are off limits.
- Adventure sports are allowed only in approved zones.
- MADES suspended commercial use of the falls themselves, so the operator may not advertise them as an attraction.
Behind this is a property dispute still open with prosecutors in Asunción, Ybycuí and Borja. Over Easter 2025 a group of visitors was threatened while trying to enter through an alternative access on the Paraguarí side, and that public invitation was withdrawn (Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Use only the entrance the licensed operator gives you, and ignore social-media invitations to other paths. You can check the operator's status on Senatur's Registur (opens in a new tab).
How much does it cost?
There are two versions, so ask first. In January 2025 La Nación (opens in a new tab) published these prices:
Item · Guaraníes (January 2025)
General entry · 30,000
Children 5–12 · 15,000
Camping (24 hours, extra) · 10,000
Zip line · 50,000
Abseiling · 50,000
Double bridge · 20,000
Adventure combo · 100,000
Life jacket · 10,000
In March 2026 the landowner, Roberto Bravo, told ABC Color (opens in a new tab) that the falls belong to the State and that access across his land is free. Ask on WhatsApp what they charge now and what it includes.
What is there?
The reserve protects 25 ha of remnant Atlantic forest. The falls drop about 45 m into a pool around 18 m deep; a life jacket is compulsory for swimming, and you may bring your own (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- Adventure: a zip line about 200 m long and 100 m high that ends facing the falls, abseiling to the base and a double rope bridge. There is a cap of 60 people a day, so arrive early if you want a slot.
- Staying over: camping, rooms looking over the Tebicuarymí hills and a restaurant. Rooms must be booked on +595 981 363 084.
- Rules: no fires outside marked areas, no loud music and no alcohol around the pool. If you see a snake, stay calm and let it move on.
When should you go?
In high season about 400 people visit on a weekday and more than 2,000 on weekends (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Go on a weekday and early if you can. In dry spells the flow drops, but the water is clearer because it carries less sediment. Summer highs reach 38 °C: bring plenty of water and shoes that grip wet rock, because the way down to the stream is long.
Is Salto Cristal inside Ybycuí National Park?
No. People often link it with Ybycuí, but it is at Isla Alta, on the Paraguarí–Guairá border, on private land. The park's MADES fees and hours do not apply. To do both on one trip, leave very early or stay the night: they have separate entrances.
FAQ
Is Salto Cristal open?
In March 2026 Senatur let the operator reopen under conditions: visits only in authorised areas, with disputed zones off limits. Check with the operator before you go.
How much is the entrance fee?
In January 2025 general entry was G. 30,000 and G. 15,000 for children aged 5–12. In 2026 the landowner said access across his land is free, so ask what they charge now.
How far is Salto Cristal from Asunción?
About 150 km: Route PY01 to Carapeguá, then Acahay and La Colmena, then about 14 km of signed rural road.
Can you swim at Salto Cristal?
The natural pool is about 18 m deep and a life jacket is compulsory for swimming. You can rent one or bring your own.
Is Salto Cristal in Ybycuí National Park?
No. It is at Isla Alta, on the Paraguarí–Guairá border, on private land, and you reach it via La Colmena.
