Lake Itaipu, formed by the Itaipu Binational dam, has been consolidating itself as one of the main natural and tourist attractions on the border between Paraguay and Brazil. With a surface area of 1,350 km² and about 170 km in length, the reservoir not only generates hydroelectric power but also holds potential for sustainable tourism, navigation, and recreational activities.
Currently, public institutions, entrepreneurs, and organizations in the sector are working with neighboring municipalities on the Brazilian side to expand the lake's tourism use. Recently, a series of regional workshops was concluded, bringing together representatives from the 16 municipalities bordering the reservoir. The goal is to consolidate a tourism corridor around the water mirror, with dialogue tables among local authorities, entrepreneurs, fishermen, merchants, and residents interested in strengthening nautical tourism, sport fishing, and recreational activities.
“The idea is not only to carry out a technical diagnosis. We want to hear from the communities, understand their needs, and learn how local authorities envision the future of tourism in their territories,” said Silvana Gomes, Sustainable Tourism Manager at Itaipu on the Brazilian side.
The first regional meeting took place in Santa Terezinha de Itaipu (Brazil) and included representatives from Foz de Yguazú, San Miguel de Yguazú, Medianeira, and Itaipulandia. The proposal is part of a broader project to position Lake Itaipu as one of the main water and sustainable tourism destinations in the region.
On the Brazilian side, seven artificial beaches developed by riverside municipalities are already operating, such as Itaipulândia, Santa Helena, Missal, Santa Terezinha de Itaipu, São Miguel do Iguaçu, and Marechal Cândido Rondon. In contrast, on the Paraguayan side there is currently only one officially authorized artificial beach: Tacurú Pucú Beach in Hernandarias. Inaugurated in 2018 with support from Itaipu Binational and the local government, the beach features a bike path, trails, green areas, kiosks, parking, and sports spaces, as well as pools and cultural sectors. During the summer, it attracts thousands of visitors from across the country.
The lake has an average depth of 22 meters, reaching up to 170 meters in some points, and extends from Hernandarias and Foz de Yguazú to northern Canindeyú and the state of Paraná. Besides power generation, it is used for fishing, recreational navigation, water sports, and environmental conservation projects. For authorities and tourism sectors, the challenge now is to transform this natural potential into a source of economic and social development for riverside communities.