The Jaguar Trail, the new wildlife exhibit at the Tekotopa Environmental Centre of Itaipu, welcomed a total of 6,613 visitors during the month of October. Since its public opening on 19 September 2025, the trail has attracted 8,892 people in total. Located in Hernandarias, Paraguay’s Alto Paraná Department, the new centre aims to become a landmark attraction.
The Jaguar Trail: A self-guided experience
The Jaguar Trail journey commences with a visit to the Interpretive Centre, where participants begin their immersion in the fauna and flora of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest (BAAPA). The tour through the facilities is self-guided. Visitors may refer to the explanatory signs in each area, which provide fascinating facts and details about the management of the habitats and the species of fauna and flora residing there.
Tekotopa’s tourism manager, Rilci Jara, explains that the aim is for it to be a self-guided experience. She noted that monitors are positioned at key points along the trail to offer information to visitors who require it.
Who is visiting, and what else to see
Regarding the most frequent visitors, Jara stated that bookings come from families, educational institutions, and organisations in general. She emphasises that foreign visitors and students from educational centres across the country have been among those enjoying this new attraction thus far.
This is the latest addition to the Itaipu Tourist Complex. In Hernandarias, it includes the Hydroelectric Power Plant, the Monumental Illumination of the Dam, the Tatí Yupí Nature Reserve, and the Tacuru Pucu Park. In Ciudad del Este lies the Manuel Ortiz Guerrero Linear Park, whilst the Mbaracayú Biological Refuge can be visited in Saltos del Guairá.
Booking details
Entry to the Jaguar Trail in Tekotopa is free, though advance booking is required. Tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday at 08:30 and 09:30, and at 13:00 and 13:45.
For families and groups of up to 10 people, reservations can be made via the Itaipu Visitor Portal app. Institutions and organisations must arrange their visits by calling (+595) 61 599 8040, or (+595) 61 599 8094.
