Costanera Eldorado – A Walk Along the Paraná River

Eldorado sign at the costanera in Eldorado, along the Paraná River, on a sunny day.

The Costanera of Eldorado is one of the city’s favourite places to walk, relax and enjoy the view across to Paraguay. More than just a riverside promenade, it connects visitors with the origins of Eldorado, from the nearby Parque Schwelm and the Casa del Fundador to the historic port where the first settlers once arrived. Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, the Costanera offers a different perspective on one of Misiones’ most important cities.

The Rio Paraná, seen from the shore of Eldorado, Misiones. A sunny day, Paraguay can be seen on the other side of the river.

The Story Behind the Costanera

Today, the Costanera is one of Eldorado’s favourite places to walk along the Paraná River. A century ago, however, this riverbank served a very different purpose. When Adolfo Julio Schwelm founded the colony in 1919, the Paraná was Eldorado’s main connection to the outside world. Before roads reached the region, immigrants, supplies and building materials all arrived by boat at what is now known as Puerto Viejo.

For decades, the waterfront remained a working port rather than a place for recreation.

As Eldorado grew, timber, agricultural products and passengers passed through the harbour, making the Paraná the city’s economic lifeline. It was not until 2007, on Eldorado’s 88th anniversary, that the modern Costanera was inaugurated, transforming the riverfront into the public space visitors enjoy today.

Stone steps leading through dense vegetation towards the shore of the river Paraná.

The river continues to play an important role in the city’s daily life. Since 2023, a ferry has once again connected Eldorado with Mayor Otaño in Paraguay, reviving a historic river crossing after a seven-year interruption and reinforcing the close ties between the communities on both sides of the Paraná.

Walking Along the Waterfront

Compared to the famous Costanera in Posadas, Eldorado’s riverside promenade is much smaller and quieter. Instead of restaurants, cafés, and busy traffic, visitors will find wide walkways, green spaces, and uninterrupted views across the Paraná River to Paraguay.

Eldorado sign at the costanera in Eldorado, along the Paraná River, on a sunny day.

The promenade is a popular meeting place throughout the day. People come here to walk, cycle, exercise or simply sit by the river. Near the centre of the Costanera, the “Eldorado” sign has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

At the northern end of the promenade, the Costanera leads towards Parque Schwelm, home to the Casa del Fundador and the Museo de Prehistoria.

Practical Information

  • Location: Costanera Eduviges Markovics, Eldorado, Misiones.
  • Admission: Free.
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • Facilities: Benches, green spaces, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, parking and food stalls during events.

Practical Tip:

The Costanera is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when temperatures begin to cool, and the sun sets over the Paraná River. If you’re visiting Eldorado for the first time, it’s easy to combine a walk along the waterfront with a visit to Parque Schwelm or the Casa del Fundador.

Wooden path through plants and trees, with benches to sit down.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Benches to sit and have a picnic in a park, with tall trees, blue sky.

With its views across the Paraná River, relaxed atmosphere and connection to Eldorado’s history, the Costanera is one of the city’s defining landmarks. Whether you spend ten minutes or an entire evening here, it is a place that captures what makes Eldorado different from anywhere else in Misiones.

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