OsmarHenry · CC BY-SA 4.0Cerro Acahay (Monumento Natural Macizo Acahay)
An ancient volcanic complex visible from Asunción: trails, rock outcrops, caves and a crystal-clear stream on its slopes.
What it is
The Acahay massif rises alone above the Paraguarí plain; it's an ancient alkaline volcanic complex from the Early Cretaceous (about 118 million years old), often described as an extinct volcano, and its rock outcrops, caves and forests form a 2,500-hectare natural monument. Trails start from the Yeguarizo area and climb among boulders to lookouts with views over the whole region, and a clear stream runs down the slope. Every May 3 its former quarry hosts the Kurusu Ara (Feast of the Cross), and during Holy Week the Calvario Rape Cerro Acahaype Stations of the Cross.
What to see and do
- The summit trail and lookouts
- A crystal-clear stream on the slope
- Rock outcrops and caves
- Kurusu Ara at the former quarry (May 3)
- Calvario Rape Cerro Acahaype (Good Friday)
Did you know…?
Its Guaraní name is Yvyty Aka'ái.
On clear days its silhouette can be seen from Cerro Lambaré in Asunción.
For the Kurusu Ara, altars are decorated with garlands of peanuts, chipas and candies.
History
Acahay was founded on May 22, 1783, by Governor Pedro Melo de Portugal. The massif, about 560 meters above sea level according to Wikipedia and ABC (other sources cite 672 m), was declared a Natural Monument by decree in 1992 (No. 13,682 according to ABC), after community pressure against quarrying. Telecommunications antennas stand on its summit.
Tips
- Hire a local guide: in 2025 a couple got lost at dusk and was rescued with the help of a baqueano (local backcountry guide).
- Start early so you come down in daylight; bring a flashlight, water and sunscreen.
- The former quarry is reached via the Yeguarizo quarry junction or the Cerro Porteño club turnoff, then about 4 km more.
Best time: April to September, with fresh air and clear skies. Dates: Good Friday, May 3 (Kurusu Ara), May 22 (anniversary) and October 7 (Virgen del Rosario, Acahay's patron saint).
What to try
- Freshly baked chipa apo at the Kurusu Ara
- Aloja (a traditional honey-and-water drink) and mosto (sugarcane juice) at the hill's festivals
Activities
Festivals and events here
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 9 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.