With a capacity of 14 million kilowatts, this binational dam is the world's second largest hydroelectric power station, and the one that produces the most electricity per year. The impressive structure, at some 8km long and 200m high, is a memorable sight, especially when the river is high and a vast torrent of overflow water cascades down the spillway.
The visitors center is 10km north of Foz. From here, regular tours (visita panorâmica ; R$27) run daily on the hour (8am to 4:30pm inclusive); more detailed ones (circuito especial ; R$68, minimum age 14), which take you into the power plant itself, leave eight times daily. A variety of other attractions within the complex include a museum, wildlife park and river beaches, and a sunset catamaran tour.
The project was controversial, plunged Brazil way into debt and necessitated large-scale destruction of rainforest and the displacement of 10,000 people. But it cleanly supplies 75% of Paraguay’s energy needs, and 17% of Brazil’s.
To get to the Itaipu Dam, catch bus 101, 102 or, in the afternoons from 2pm to 6:38pm, 104 (R$2.90, 30 minutes), which leave every 20 to 25 minutes from Foz do Iguaçu's TTU terminal.
