Cerro Akatí, el «cerro canoso» del Ybytyruzú

Hill

A lookout at about 600 m in the Ybytyruzú range, with a trail to the Itá Letra inscriptions.

200 km≈ 3 h 15 from Asunción

Half a day to 1 dayDuration

₲₲₲Budget or free

DirectionsSee on map

What it is

Cerro Akatí (Guaraní for "grey-haired hill") is one of the highest peaks of the Ybytyruzú range, along with Tres Kandú and Cerro Amor. Its lookout, at roughly 600 m, offers one of the widest views in Guairá. You get there from Melgarejo, about 15 km away, and the last 2,000 m of road are tricky for medium or small vehicles: with a 4x4 there are no problems, and with an ordinary car it is better to leave it before and walk. A trail connects the hill with Itá Letra, the site of pre-Columbian carvings, and hiking and cycling are possible, although the routes demand effort and stamina. It is a nature outing for anyone who wants height, fresh air and a landscape of chained hills without going all the way to Tres Kandú.

What to see and do

Lookout at about 600 m
Trail to Itá Letra
Camping and hiking
Mountain biking

Did you know…?

Akatĩ means "grey-haired hill" in Guaraní.

With Tres Kandú (842 m) and Amor it is among the country's highest peaks.

History

Tres Kandú, in this same range, was originally habitat of the Aché people, and the whole was declared a managed-resource area in 1990.

Tips

Ask about road conditions before setting out: without a 4x4 the final stretch is hard.
Bring water, food and a jacket: it is windy at the top and weather changes.
Tell the municipality or a guide if you hike alone.

Check opening hours before you go.

Best time: Autumn and spring, on clear days.