Judas Priest88 · Public domainEmboscada
A town of stone and Afro-Paraguayan heritage, where feathered Guaikurú dancers honor San Francisco Solano every July.
What it is
Emboscada lives off its quarries (it's known as the 'city of stone') and holds a seldom-told story: in the 18th century it was settled by free people of African descent, sent to guard the frontier. In the center stands the church of San Agustín, built around 1774, with carved 18th-century details. Around July 24, the Minas neighborhood fills with devotees covered in feathers and masks for the Guaikuru Ñemonde, a danced offering to San Francisco Solano. Hats and fans are also woven here from karanda'y palm.
What to see and do
- The church of San Agustín (around 1774)
- Guaikuru Ñemonde in the Minas neighborhood (July 24, with preparations from the 22nd)
- Stone quarries, the town's economic engine
- Karanda'y palm crafts: hats, hand fans and woven fans
Did you know…?
Its name (Spanish for 'ambush') is said to recall clashes between the Guaraní and Guaikurú in the area before the Spanish conquest.
In August 2026 an 11-meter statue of St. Augustine, by Caacupé artist Ricardo Núñez, was raised at the entrance roundabout.
Guaikuru Ñemonde dancers wear bird-feather costumes and masks, dancing to harmonicas, cymbals and drums.
History
Around 1740, Governor Rafael de la Moneda founded San Agustín de la Emboscada with freed Black and mixed-race people, among them those from San Agustín de Arecutacuá, settled as a garrison against raids by the peoples of the Chaco; their freedom was tied to military service. The church of San Agustín was built around 1774.
Tips
- The PY03 carries heavy quarry truck traffic: drive carefully.
- Easy to combine with Altos or Arroyos y Esteros on the same outing.
Best time: Late July for the Guaikuru Ñemonde (July 24, feast of San Francisco Solano) and August 28, the patron-saint feast of San Agustín.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Guaikuru Ñemonde of Emboscada
Pilgrims dressed in feathers parade through the streets as Guaicurú warriors of old, in honor of Saint Francis Solano.
TraditionEmboscada (compañía Minas), Cordillera28AugSan Agustín · Emboscada
Since 2026 the city has been home to an 11-meter monumental statue of Saint Augustine.
Patron saintEmboscada, CordilleraNearby
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 5 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.