Playa San José, River beach in Encarnación, Paraguay.
The 1.48-kilometer sandy coastline stretches along the Paraná River and offers a natural recreation area with zones for swimming, volleyball and soccer fields, plus a maintained waterfront path. Palm trees and native vegetation line the waterfront while several open areas provide space for picnics and group activities.
The waterfront area was developed in the early 2000s as part of a larger urban renewal project meant to transform Encarnación into a major travel destination. The city invested in infrastructure such as paved promenades and service facilities to promote tourism along the riverfront and improve water access for residents.
The waterfront serves as a central gathering point for families from the region and visitors who meet on weekends and holidays for shared meals, sports, and relaxation by the water. Paraguayan music and traditional foods like chipa and sopa paraguaya are commonly offered by mobile vendors who shape the social life along the shore.
Umbrella and bicycle rentals are available along the waterfront, together with lifeguard stations during peak season from December through March. Showers, changing rooms, and numerous food stands provide practical amenities while public transportation from the city center runs regularly to the Costanera. Visitors should bring sun protection and water as shade is limited.
During summer months, a section of the waterfront transforms into an open-air cinema screen where visitors can sit on the sand and watch films under the stars beside the Paraná. These free screenings regularly draw large crowds who bring blankets and snacks for evenings by the water.
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