Cmasi · CC BY-SA 4.0Chololó
A clear stream tumbling over rocks through the forest: the classic swimming spot on the Piribebuy–Paraguarí road.
What it is
Chololó is a pocket of forest covering more than 170 hectares, where several springs form a stream that cascades into pools among large boulders. Its name imitates the murmur of water over the rocks. It's a traditional stop on the Circuito de Oro: stroll along the stream, cool off in the pools and have lunch in the shade. The complex, at km 87 of the Rogelio R. Benítez road (Piribebuy–Paraguarí), has a hotel, bungalows and a restaurant.
What to see and do
- The waterfalls and pools of the Chololó stream
- Trails through native forest along the stream
- Lunch in the shade at the roadside restaurant
Did you know…?
The name Chololó evokes the sound of water running between the stones.
Although many place it in Paraguarí, the swimming spot belongs to the district of Piribebuy, in Cordillera, right near the department border.
History
It belongs to the district of Piribebuy, a town that grew around a 1740 parish and was Paraguay's provisional capital in 1868–1869. The Rogelio R. Benítez road, linking Piribebuy and Paraguarí and now part of the Circuito de Oro, turned Chololó into a roadside tourist stop. Conservation of the forest around the springs keeps the water free of pollution.
Tips
- The rocks are slippery and some pools are deep: keep an eye on kids and don't dive in headfirst.
- On summer weekends it fills up: arrive early.
- Ask about entry fees and whether day-use is open before you go.
Daytime entry with a fee — check rates and hours before you go.
Best time: October to March for swimming; weekdays are calmer. After heavy rain the stream rises: stay out of the water.
Activities
Where to stay
Festivals and events here
National Festival of the 60-Stripe Poncho Para’i
Music, crafts and local pride centered on the sixty-stripe poncho, handwoven in Piribebuy.
FestivalPiribebuy, CordilleraSep→ NovSugarcane Spirit Route (Piribebuy)
A day among sugar mills and distilleries of Paraguayan caña, with tastings and the story of the national spirit.
FoodPiribebuy, Cordillera3FebSan Blas · Piribebuy
Mass, a procession and festivals with Paraguayan and international artists in this heroic city of the War of the Triple Alliance.
Patron saintPiribebuy, CordilleraFeaturedNearby
Paraguarí · Paraguarí
Eco Reserva Mbatoví
Suspension bridges, two ziplines and rappelling in Atlantic Forest, with views of the Paraguarí hills.
Piribebuy · Cordillera
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Heroic town of 1869 and home of the 60-stripe poncho para'i, recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
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A hidden waterfall in the Piraretã farming community, with a stream, family campgrounds and fresh forest air.
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A town of hills and trains where Belgrano was stopped in 1811: lookouts, railway museums and rail bikes.
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A railway town among the hills: British workshops from 1894, steam locomotives and tea in the English Village.
Valenzuela · Cordillera
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The pineapple town: a Franciscan church from 1783 with statues from the 1600s, and streams for cooling off.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 5 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.