How to reach Itaipu

Uruguay and Brazil, both are easily accessible South American cities from anywhere in the world and both have a well-developed transport system.

When to go Itaipu

The tour is shut on Sundays and on public holidays.

Facts about Itaipu

This is one of the largest dams and in fact was included in the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 1994 by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The name of the dam – Itaipu, means the ‘sound of stone’ and was an inspiration from an isle close to the site of dam’s construction. This dam is functional since 1984.

In terms of its generating capacity, it is second to the Three Gorges Dam and is run by the Itaipu Binacional Company.

About 90 per cent of energy supply of Paraguay and about 25 per cent of that in Brazil comes from Itaipu.

Apart from being a source of hydro-electricity, the dam is also an attraction for tourists.  Your tour of the dam will kick off by a film on the dam’s construction screened at the Visitor’s Center and a bus-ride around the dam with a few look-out points. For security reasons, your bus will stop for a view only at these points.

You will also be taken to the Concrete Dam, in the Production Building from where you can see the Cathedrals, to the Central Command Room and to the Gallery from where you can see giant lids by which the generating units of the dams are covered.

You will also enjoy a visit to the Eco-museum of Itaipu Dam, where you can see on display information about the history of this region since the past 6000 years, models of the dam, maps that show you the region before and after the dam, archaeological and ecological samples and a representation of the ambience of native forest, among other interesting things.

For technicians, engineering students and engineers themselves, the tours are different and designed in a different way. They have the opportunity to look at the functioning of the dam more closely and they can also access the axis of the turbine. They do need to book the tour at least a week or two in advance.

It’s a landmark on the Uruguay- Brazil Border, a little distant from the Friendship Bridge, to its north, and while one may appreciate the magnitude of engineering skill that went into the construction of this dam, its erection was not a smooth process.

The dam of course, faced a lot of criticism and rightly so. Thousands of families living on the banks of the River of Parana were displaced and were also deprived of their settled livelihood. The dam construction flooded the Guaira Falls and as a result of which this scenic beauty and the eco-system around it, both were destroyed.

The city is a mixture of old and new as well as poor and rich. You will get plenty of colonial buildings at this region. Most of the buildings are in either great shape or totally detoriated. Here you will find many sky touching buildings, quite simple in design, but are entertaining enough. Asuncion is home to Godoi Museum, Church of La Encarnacion, Metropolitan Cathedral, and National Pantheon of the Heroes. So if you visit this city then do not miss to explore these attractions. Well, the Casa de la Independencia and Palacio de los Lopez are the famous landmarks of Asuncion Paraguay.

To experience the historical buildings, plazas, shops, restaurants, and cafes head to Calle Palma, which is the main street at downtown of the city. The city also boasts luxurious malls where famous brands could be found at the shops. If you want to take a glimpse of the biggest shopping malls then Shopping del Sol, Mariscal Lopez Shopping, Shopping Villa Morra, and Mall Excelsior downtown are the best options of the city.

If you want to explore the city of Asuncion in a best way then try these top ten things to do:

• Enjoy indigenous culture
  Paraguay is home to some 500 native communities along with the five different linguistic groups. So if you want to learn about the cultures of Asuncion Paraguay, visit the Museo Boggiani, which is located in San Lorenzo at a distance of nearly 18 miles from the city.
• Relax in the glowing Palacio de los López
  This striking all-white 19th century presidential palace could be best viewed after dusk, when the structure glows with bright lights. Radiant lights can be seen from across the street at patio bar of Manzana de la Rivera cultural center.
• Taste the foods at Lido
  The Lido bar offers most renowned eatery in Paraguay. It lies in the heart of downtown Asunción.
• Explore Paraguay’s (old) politics
  The disastrous and aggressive history of Paraguay’s 35 year dictatorship could be found on display at Museo de la Memoria. It was established in the year 2006 as part of an attempt to bring it up to light the human rights violations.
• Beat the heat
  You can easily beat the heat by finding a shady spot at central plaza de los Heroes. You need to search the woman who sells tereré, which is a cold tea made with fresh herbs. You will enjoy every sip of tea through a metal straw.
• Catch a show
  You should not miss any single opportunity to watch the show at Asunción’s Municipal Theater. This theater was first opened in the year 1889. Usually, the tickets were sold below $10 a show. All the performances are must-see.
• Try the local brew
  To get the best of experience, head to the Planta Alta, which is an art gallery and bar. Here you can get chilled with cold beer or other. The Brittania Pub is the other good option for it.
• Wander around an open-air market
  The city of Asunción boasts the largest and most chaotic outdoor market. The market remains packed with vegetable stalls, a large butcher, scores of pirated DVDs, electronics, and other household goods. All you need to do is to enter the crossroads of Avenida Petirrosi and Calle República Francesa.
• Become enthusiasts
  Enjoy watching the traditional rivalry between the two largest professional soccer teams in Asunción, which are Club Olimpia and Club Cerro Porteño. Catch them at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion. Otherwise, you can also find them playing at one of the clubs’ private fields.
• Enjoy the pleasant lake
  A leisure walk or simply sitting at the site to get cool breeze is a wonderful thought. Lake Ypacaraí, which is located close to the hillside town of Aregua, covers a distance of 13 miles trekking from the city of Asunción. It is also a favorite place for local asuncenos, who flock here for the recreation from city heat.

All of these top ten things to do will prove the best. So if you are in Asuncion and do not getting from where to start the trip then try this out. It will boost your energy and will also fascinate you. Enjoy these mesmerized beauties of Asuncion Paraguay and make your holidays a lifetime experience.