El Peñón del río Paraguay
A rocky rise on a small island in the Paraguay River, between Villa Hayes and Limpio, topped by a small castle.
What it is
El Peñón is a natural rocky rise in the middle of the Paraguay River, between the limits of Villa Hayes and Limpio. It stands on a small island of Tertiary igneous rock and heavily weathered sedimentary rock that, according to the official listing, probably surfaced when there was intense volcanic activity in and around Asunción millions of years ago. On top there is a small castle with several versions of its history, which adds to the mystery. You get there by canoe: boatmen from the Limpio area run the trip. According to ABC Color, the castle was built by frigate captain Lázaro Aranda in 1936 (another version says 1927 to 1932); the official explanation ties it to providing safety to night navigation during the Chaco War. The National Culture Secretariat declared it a cultural heritage property by resolution 150/2018. From Asunción you drive about 30 km to Limpio on Route 3 and another 6 km to the port of Piquete Cue, where the canoe trip departs.
What to see and do
- Rocky island in mid-river
- Small castle on top
- Canoe trip from Limpio
Did you know…?
There are several versions of the origin of the little castle on top.
The igneous rocks are thought to be evidence of ancient volcanic activity in the area.
Tips
- Ask the Limpio or Villa Hayes municipality about local boatmen and safety; wear a life jacket.
- Avoid going with the river in flood or in strong wind.
No set hours; depends on the canoe trip. Check before you go.
Best time: May to September, with a stable river level.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Nearby
Villa Hayes · Presidente Hayes
Embarcadero y mirador de Villa Hayes
A pier and promenade on the Paraguay River at the north end of the Villa Hayes waterfront, with 400 m² of rest area.
Villa Hayes · Presidente Hayes
Museo Histórico Salvador Garozzo Simón Bouvier
Villa Hayes municipal museum with about 3,000 pieces: Chaco flora and fauna, war objects, sacred art and founding documents.
Villa Hayes · Presidente Hayes
Villa Hayes
The gateway to the Chaco, half an hour from Asunción, named after a president of the United States.
Limpio · Central
Limpio
Karanda'y palm hats, a church with colonial roots and lagoons of giant water lilies beside the Paraguay River.
Villa Hayes / Mariano Roque Alonso · Presidente Hayes
Puente Remanso
The 1978 bridge over the Paraguay River linking Mariano Roque Alonso with Villa Hayes and opening the door to the Chaco.
Del Puente Remanso a la frontera con Bolivia · Presidente Hayes
Ruta Transchaco (PY09)
A road trip of some 780 km through palm groves, marshes and thorny scrub, from the Paraguay River to Bolivia.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.