Ulises Icardi · CC BY-SA 4.0Belén
The 'City of the Payé', where the Tropic of Capricorn passes through and the Ypané offers white-sand beaches.
What it is
Belén is a quiet town of colonial houses, tree-lined streets and legends. It's known as the 'City of the Payé' — the Guarani word for a spell — and locals swear that anyone who drinks from the Ycuá Pozo spring stays forever. Three kilometers out of town, a monolith marks the Tropic of Capricorn, perfect for a photo with one foot on each side. In summer, life moves to the white-sand beaches of the Ypané River, such as Pororó, for swimming, fishing or paddling. The ruins of Purutue Ka'i, remains of an old Brazilian settlement, round off the visit.
What to see and do
- The Tropic of Capricorn monolith
- Pororó and other white-sand beaches on the Ypané River
- Colonial houses in the historic center
- Ycuá Pozo, the spring of the legend, on Avenida Padre Labrador
- The ruins of Purutue Ka'i, remains of an old Brazilian settlement
Did you know…?
The nickname 'City of the Payé' comes from the old Mbayá's reputation as sorcerers; locals have turned it into a 'spell' cast on visitors.
A monolith 3 km from the center marks the point where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses eastern Paraguay.
The patron-saint feast honors Our Lady of Peace of Belén every January 24.
History
It was founded on August 23, 1760, by the Jesuit José Sánchez Labrador as Nuestra Señora de Belén de los Mbayá, one of the last Jesuit missions (reducciones) established before the order's expulsion in 1767-1768. Its first inhabitants were the Mbayá, a Guaicuruan people renowned as warriors. It has around 10,600 inhabitants (2022 census).
Tips
- Pair it with Concepción on the same day: it's about 20 minutes away on paved road.
- The town's founding anniversary is celebrated on August 23.
- The Festival del Payé reached its seventh edition around 2017; check whether it's being held the year you visit.
- Places to stay are few: for more options, sleep in Concepción.
Best time: December to March for the Ypané beaches; January 24 for the patron-saint feast and August 23 for the anniversary. From April to September, mild days for exploring the town on foot.
What to try
- Grilled fish from the Ypané
- Mbeju (a crispy cassava-and-cheese flatbread) and cocido for breakfast
Activities
Festivals and events here
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 6 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.