Itaipu Dam
Dam Massive binational hydroelectric dam between Paraguay and Brazil
A binational hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River, Itaipu ranks among the world’s largest power plants by generation; visitors take engineering tours, view spillways and learn about cross-border operations.
Itaipu Dam is a large hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, and is one of the world’s largest power-producing facilities. The dam and its reservoir were constructed in a bi-national project carried out by the two countries.
The plant houses a large series of turbine-generator units that supply electricity to both nations and has been notable for high annual generation figures. The facility includes a sizable reservoir, a concrete dam structure, and extensive powerplant and transmission infrastructure.
Construction began in the 1970s and major works were completed in the early 1980s as a joint venture between Paraguay and Brazil. The dam is located on the Paraná River near the border town of Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side and Ciudad del Este on the Paraguayan side.
- Installed capacity: Installed generating capacity is 14,000 megawatts, making it one of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants by capacity.
- Construction period: Construction spanned the 1970s and early 1980s, with major civil works carried out jointly by Paraguay and Brazil on the Paraná River border.
How to Get to Itaipu Dam #
Itaipu Dam sits on the Paraná River at the Brazil-Paraguay border near Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay). The dam and its visitors’ centre are reached by road from either city; taxis, tour operators and local buses/tour coaches run to the site and guided visits depart from the dam’s visitor facilities.
Tips for Visiting Itaipu Dam #
- Book an official Itaipu Binacional guided tour in advance and aim for an early tour slot; tours run from both the Brazilian side (Foz do Iguaçu) and the Paraguayan side (near Ciudad del Este).
- Bring a passport if you plan to cross from one side of the binational complex to the other or if your tour includes cross-border movements - international ID is routinely required.
- Check the visitor-centre schedule so you can include the panoramic viewpoints and the technical/turbine-area tour segments; those parts are guided and run at set times.
Best Time to Visit Itaipu Dam #
Plan visits to Itaipu during the cooler, drier months (May-September) for more comfortable touring and fewer rain-related disruptions.
Weather & Climate near Itaipu Dam #
Itaipu Dam's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1764 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
