While many visitors pass through Eldorado on their way to Iguazú, few discover Salto Küppers. Named after one of Eldorado’s early German settlers, the park offers an easy walk through the Atlantic Rainforest to a beautiful waterfall and is one of the best places to experience nature without leaving the city behind completely.
The Story Behind Salto Küppers
When Eldorado was established in 1919 by the Compañía Eldorado, the waterfall was originally known as Salto Compañía Eldorado. It is formed by the stream Paticuá, a stream whose Guaraní name predates the arrival of European settlers. Following the establishment of the Eldorado colony, many streams, roads, and other local landmarks came to be identified by the names of the pioneer families who settled nearby. Salto Küppers reflects this tradition, preserving the name of one of the early German immigrant families whose land bordered the waterfall.
The surrounding forest has its own story to tell. Much of the area remained untouched because the steep terrain made logging and agriculture difficult, allowing a small section of the Atlantic Rainforest to survive while much of the surrounding landscape changed.
Recognising its ecological value, the city of Eldorado established Parque Natural Municipal Salto Küppers in 1997 to protect the waterfall, the forest and the rich biodiversity found here.
In recent years, the park has undergone extensive improvements, including new walking trails, viewpoints, interpretive signage and a visitor centre. These upgrades have made Salto Küppers more accessible while preserving its natural character, allowing visitors to experience one of Eldorado’s most attractive natural areas in a responsible way.
Exploring the Park
From the entrance, a network of walking trails leads through the forest towards the waterfall. Along the way, wooden bridges, staircases and interpretive signs make it easy to explore the park, while the dense vegetation provides plenty of shade throughout much of the route.
The main waterfall is the centrepiece of the park. Here, the Arroyo Paticuá flows over a basalt rock ledge into a shallow pool below. A staircase leads down to the stream, where visitors can get closer to the waterfall or cool off in the water, which is shallow enough in many places to simply wade through.
The park also includes viewpoints, rest areas and a visitor centre, all added as part of recent improvements to the reserve. Despite these additions, Salto Küppers has retained its natural character and remains an easy place to spend an hour exploring the forest.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Although Salto Küppers is relatively small, it protects a surprisingly diverse section of the Atlantic Forest. Towering native trees, giant bamboo and a variety of orchids provide habitat for countless insects, birds and mammals, making the park an important refuge for local wildlife.
With a bit of luck, visitors may spot capuchin monkeys moving through the treetops or coatis foraging along the forest floor. The park is also home to numerous bird species, making it an enjoyable stop for birdwatchers as well as anyone interested in the unique biodiversity of Misiones.
MyMisiones Tip
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Practical Information
Location: Parque Natural Municipal Salto Küppers, Eldorado, Misiones.
Admission: Free.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Facilities: Visitor centre, interpretive signs, benches, viewpoints, toilets and parking.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Salto Küppers is one of those places that is easy to miss, yet well worth the detour.
While the waterfall itself is modest compared to some of the giants found elsewhere in Misiones, the combination of forest, flowing water and well-maintained walking trails makes the park a rewarding place to explore.
Whether you are travelling through northern Misiones or spending a day in Eldorado, Salto Küppers offers a chance to slow down and experience another side of the city.
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