Monolito San Rafael (arenisca con tafoni)
A block of white, sugar-textured sandstone pitted by erosion, on the outskirts of Piribebuy.
What it is
San Rafael Monolith is an outcrop of white quartz sandstone with a “saccharoidal” texture (it looks like sugar), little matrix and a friable body, protected by a thin silicified crust. Wind and water have pitted it with hollows called tafoni, giving it a honeycomb look. It is attributed to the Tobatí Formation of the Caacupé Group, of Late Ordovician age.
The UNA study rates it as easy and safe to visit and includes it among the sites of interest for the proposed geopark.
How to visit
It is in the Piribebuy district, a few kilometres from the town centre. Ask at the municipality or the local tourism office how to get there.
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.