Chipaguasustudios · CC0Cerro Siete Cabezas (Cucaani)
An isolated 248 m hill, the highest point of the Carmelo Peralta municipality; to the Ayoreo people it is Cucaani, "the hill".
What it is
About 30 km south of the centre of Carmelo Peralta, near the shore of the Paraguay River, rises Cerro Siete Cabezas, 248 metres above sea level. It is the highest point of the municipality and the fourth highest in the Alto Paraguay department and in the whole Paraguayan Chaco. Its name comes from the seven main summits crowning it. In the Ayoreo language it is called Cucaani, meaning "the hill": on an almost featureless plain, a hill is deeply meaningful. It carries strong cultural value for the Ayoreo communities of the area, so it should be visited respectfully and with prior consultation.
What to see and do
- Highest point in the municipality (248 m)
- Seven main summits
- Ayoreo sacred territory
- Views over the Chaco plain and the Paraguay River
Did you know…?
"Cucaani" means "the hill" in Ayoreo and is a generic term for elevations.
Next to it is the Carmelo Peralta quarry (Cerro Celina), on the banks of the Paraguay River.
History
Since 1963, Ayoreo communities that left Cerro León because of droughts settled nearby, around the Puerto María Auxiliadora mission, following Salesian evangelisation. They now regard the territory as sacred and as their home.
Tips
- Ask the Carmelo Peralta municipality about access and permissions: the area belongs to Indigenous communities.
- It is a remote destination; plan transport and carry water.
No official hours; check access conditions before you go.
Best time: May to September, in dry weather.
Activities
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.