Discover Encarnación: Beach, Waterfront and Culture

Encarnación offers a range of places to explore during a stay: waterfront avenues and beaches, event venues, historic buildings and routes along the Río Paraná. When looking for a hotel, you can prioritize the places and experiences that matter to your trip. The city’s history comes to life both at former transport and economic hubs and in its squares and current event venues.

Waterfront, beach and routes along the Río Paraná

Avenida Costanera Padre Bolik opened in 2010 as Encarnación’s first waterfront avenue section. It is just under one kilometer long and includes footpaths, a road for vehicle traffic and a bike path. Benches with views, spaces for arts and crafts markets and events, and an expanding green area complement the waterfront avenue. Avenida Costanera República del Paraguay was added in 2011 as the second section to open.

Avenida Costanera República del Paraguay and Playa San José together host major cultural events. These include carnival, markets, exhibitions and music shows featuring national and international artists. Playa San José has restrooms, ATMs, tourist service points, a permanent cleaning service, soccer and beach volleyball courts, numerous food kiosks and lifeguards. Buoys mark the designated areas for swimmers and watercraft. As facilities may change, check conditions on site before your visit.

A cycling loop runs for more than 27 kilometers along the waterfront road beside the Río Paraná, passing, among other places, beaches, the Monument Yo Amo Encarnación, the Sambódromo, the Chimenea Ex Fabril, and a replica of the railway station with its railway museum. Cyclists can take a break and enjoy food and drink options at Playa San José. Costanera San Pedro offers another waterfront perspective: it runs through the neighborhood of the same name along Arroyo Mbói Ka’e. Parque de la Ciudad offers views of the Río Paraná.

Squares, events and city history

Plaza de Armas de Encarnación was officially inaugurated on March 25, 1975. An old Curupay tree stands there; its age is estimated at about 220 years, and it has been declared a natural monument of the city. A fully redesigned area of the plaza is marked by Japanese influence. Waterfalls, a footpath, “puertos,” a tea house and dense tree cover are part of its design.

Parque Quiteria is a frequent venue for cultural, artistic and festive events. These include the department’s annual exhibition of industry, commerce and services, as well as the Rally Trans Itapúa. The coast is also home to historic sites alongside these event venues: the San José grain mill and the silo of the same name date back to 1940. For much of the 20th century, they were important centers of grain production, processing and export, and significant to the local and national economy.

The old Encarnación railway station was built in the early 20th century. It was the terminus of the railway line from Asunción, which passed through several towns in the interior, and an important connection to Argentina. The reconstructed railway station is managed by the Encarnación city government, is part of the city’s tourist route and houses the Museo Memoria Ferroviario Municipal.

Santuario Itacua and Camino del Peregrino

Santuario Itacua is located in Punta Itacuá, a three-hectare area southeast of the historic center. Dense forest provides shade and fresh air throughout the year, along with numerous paths and views of the Río Paraná. The Camino del Peregrino winds through the sanctuary’s trees to the grotto. About 17,000 people walk this route each year.

Market and local products

La Placita, Encarnación’s municipal market, hosts permanent product markets. Goods on offer include everyday essentials, handicrafts and agricultural products, including pork and domestic chickens. Individual vendors and products may vary. The market complements the waterfront sites and historic complexes with a glimpse of the goods available in everyday city life.

Discover more destinations: Capitán Miranda, Bella Vista Sur, San Cosme y Damián, Natalio, Trinidad, Obligado.

Back to the main travel overview: Itapúa.