Menu
- info@iguazufalls.com
Monday Falls, known in Spanish as Saltos del Monday, is a separate waterfall attraction in Presidente Franco, Paraguay. It is not part of Iguazu Falls and is not located within either Iguazu national park. The site can be visited as an additional excursion from Ciudad del Este, Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazú.
Surrounded by subtropical forest, Monday Falls is one of the most impressive natural attractions in eastern Paraguay. Its location near the Triple Frontier makes it a rewarding addition to a longer Iguazu itinerary, especially for travelers interested in visiting Paraguay or combining nature with shopping and sightseeing in Ciudad del Este.
Monday Falls is a waterfall complex formed by the Monday River in Presidente Franco, in Paraguay’s Alto Paraná Department. The river drops more than 40 meters through three principal cascades, accompanied by several smaller falls, before continuing toward the Paraná River.
The attraction is set within a green, forested landscape with viewpoints and walking areas overlooking the waterfall. Water volume varies according to rainfall, so the appearance and intensity of the cascades can change throughout the year.
The name “Monday” comes from the Guarani language. It is unrelated to the English word for the first day of the week.
Despite occasionally being described informally as the “Paraguayan Iguazu,” Monday Falls and Iguazu Falls are completely separate natural attractions.
| Feature | Monday Falls | Iguazu Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Paraguay | Argentina and Brazil |
| Location | Presidente Franco, near Ciudad del Este | Iguazú National Park and Iguaçu National Park |
| River | Monday River | Iguazu River |
| Protected area | Local waterfall parks and visitor attractions | National parks in Argentina and Brazil |
| UNESCO World Heritage status | No | Yes |
| Typical visit | Approximately 1–2 hours | Usually one full day on each side |
| Main experience | Viewpoints, forest, waterfall scenery and optional adventure activities | Extensive walkways, multiple circuits, panoramic viewpoints and boat activities |
| Border crossing from Foz do Iguaçu | Brazil–Paraguay border | None when visiting the Brazilian side |
| Border crossing from Puerto Iguazú | Argentina–Brazil and Brazil–Paraguay | None when visiting the Argentine side |
Monday Falls should therefore be presented as a complementary excursion rather than as another sector or circuit of Iguazu Falls.
Monday Falls is located in Presidente Franco, Paraguay, approximately 8–10 kilometers from central Ciudad del Este and the Friendship Bridge connecting Paraguay and Brazil.
The waterfall is southeast of Ciudad del Este and can be reached by car, taxi, private transfer, or organized excursion. Travelers coming from Brazil or Argentina must complete the corresponding immigration procedures before entering Paraguay.
Map: View Monday Falls in Presidente Franco on Google Maps
An interactive map should be embedded here showing:
Travel times are approximate and can vary considerably because of traffic and immigration procedures.
| Starting point | International borders | Approximate logistics |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad del Este | None | Around 20–30 minutes by car, depending on the starting point and traffic |
| Foz do Iguaçu | Brazil–Paraguay | Cross the Friendship Bridge and continue through Ciudad del Este or directly toward Presidente Franco |
| Puerto Iguazú | Argentina–Brazil and Brazil–Paraguay | Cross into Brazil and then enter Paraguay via the Friendship Bridge |
| Iguazu Falls, Brazil side | Brazil–Paraguay | Possible as part of a long private excursion, but border delays must be considered |
| Iguazu Falls, Argentina side | Argentina–Brazil and Brazil–Paraguay | Combining both attractions in one day is generally rushed and is not recommended for most visitors |
The simplest option is a taxi, private car, or organized transfer from Ciudad del Este. No international border crossing is involved, making this the most convenient starting point.
Public transportation may require local connections and some walking, so it is less practical for visitors with limited time or reduced mobility.
Visitors must cross from Brazil into Paraguay, normally using the Friendship Bridge. Private transfers and guided excursions are usually the most convenient options because the driver can coordinate transportation on both sides of the border.
Travel time is highly variable. The geographical distance is short, but queues on the bridge and immigration formalities can significantly extend the journey.
Traveling from Puerto Iguazú involves passing through Brazil before entering Paraguay. This means completing immigration procedures at two international borders in each direction.
A licensed private transfer or organized tour is strongly recommended. Travelers should allow additional time and avoid scheduling flights or other time-sensitive activities immediately after the excursion.
Monday Falls is in Paraguay. Visiting it from Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazú constitutes an international trip, even if the excursion lasts only a few hours.
Visitors must carry an original, valid travel document accepted by Paraguay and by every country crossed during the journey. Depending on nationality, this may be a passport or an eligible national identity card under Mercosur travel agreements. Photocopies, photographs of documents, and driving licenses should not be treated as substitutes for an accepted travel document.
Travelers should also check:
Do not assume that immigration formalities can be skipped because the visit is short. Requirements vary by nationality and may change.
Most visitors should allow approximately one to two hours at Monday Falls for the viewpoints, photographs, and a relaxed walk through the visitor area.
The complete excursion requires more time:
| Excursion | Recommended total time |
|---|---|
| From Ciudad del Este, Monday Falls only | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| Monday Falls and Ciudad del Este | 4–6 hours |
| From Foz do Iguaçu | 4–6 hours, depending on the border |
| From Puerto Iguazú | 5–7 hours, depending on both borders |
| Monday Falls with extensive adventure activities | Half or full day |
These durations are estimates. Heavy traffic on the Friendship Bridge can substantially affect the schedule.
Some principal visitor areas and upper viewpoints are easier to access than the natural trails and lower observation areas. A panoramic elevator may provide access to an additional viewing level when operational.
However, visitors should not assume that the entire attraction is step-free. Certain paths may include slopes, stairs, wet surfaces, or uneven terrain. Conditions can also change after heavy rain.
Travelers using wheelchairs or walking aids should contact the selected park or tour operator before visiting to confirm:
Comfortable, non-slip footwear is recommended for all visitors.
Access to the waterfall is ticketed, but prices and opening hours may vary according to the visitor area or operator. There are neighboring attractions with similar names, including Parque Saltos Monday and Parque Aventura Monday, and their tickets, facilities, and optional activities are not necessarily interchangeable.
Entrance rates may differ according to nationality and age. Panoramic elevator access, parking, meals, guided services, and adventure activities may carry separate charges.
Before traveling, confirm:
As prices can change, visitors should verify the current rate directly with the attraction or their tour operator rather than relying on an undated online price.
On Paraguayan lands and just 20 away km from the Friendship Bridge, which connects Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este, is Salto Monday.
From Price: USD135
Yes. Monday Falls and Ciudad del Este make a practical combination because both attractions are in Paraguay and no additional international border is required between them.
A typical half-day or extended half-day itinerary can include:
Visiting the falls before Ciudad del Este is often preferable because it allows travelers to enjoy the natural attraction earlier and leave the more flexible shopping period for later. The final sequence should nevertheless be adapted to traffic, weather, store opening hours, and border conditions.
Travelers planning to shop should keep purchase allowances and customs regulations in mind when returning to Brazil or Argentina.
It is technically possible with a private vehicle and careful planning, especially when combining Monday Falls with the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. However, this creates a long day and exposes the itinerary to delays at the Brazil–Paraguay border.
For a more comfortable experience, visit Monday Falls and Ciudad del Este together on a separate half-day or full-day excursion. The Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls deserve sufficient time and should not be shortened merely to add another country to the itinerary.
One single amazing destination, three different countries!
In addition to the conventional viewpoints, the neighboring Parque Aventura Monday may offer outdoor experiences such as forest trails, zip-lining, rappelling, rafting, or other adventure activities.
Availability depends on weather, river conditions, maintenance, age restrictions, and the selected operator. These activities should be distinguished from standard admission to the waterfall viewpoints and confirmed separately before arrival.
Monday Falls is worthwhile for visitors who have additional time in the Triple Frontier and want to discover a major natural attraction in Paraguay. It is particularly attractive when combined with Ciudad del Este or included in a multi-day itinerary covering Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
It should not be promoted as a substitute for Iguazu Falls. Instead, it offers a different and more compact waterfall experience, together with the opportunity to explore another country and another part of the region.
An organized tour can simplify transfers, immigration procedures, timing, and the combination with Ciudad del Este. Private excursions are especially useful for travelers departing from Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu, where international border crossings must be included in the schedule.
Contact us to arrange a visit to Monday Falls as part of your Iguazu Falls itinerary.
We developed a special program to visit the incredible Iguazu falls, both the brazilian and argentinian side, but also included a visit to Paraguay, to stop in Ciudad del Este and include the amazing Monday Falls. So, you can visit the three countries in one trip!
Click on the image below and check out suggested program
On Paraguayan lands and just 20 away km from the Friendship Bridge, which connects Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este, is Salto Monday.
From Price: USD135
Photo: De FF MM – Trabajo propio, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8286621
