Ulises Icardi · CC BY-SA 4.0Paraguarí
A town of hills and trains where Belgrano was stopped in 1811: lookouts, railway museums and rail bikes.
What it is
Paraguarí nestles among hills: the Perõ (or Cerro Pelado), right in town, with a road and a new 208-meter staircase up to the lookout; the 422-meter Hũ (Cerro Negro), with an artificial lagoon, a pier and views of the Cristo Redentor statue; and the 420-meter Santo Tomás, with its grotto. At the old train station, now a cultural center, locomotive 521 awaits, and you can pedal a rail bike along the historic tracks. The Artillery Museum displays cannons, ammunition and uniforms. It's the hinge of the Circuito de Oro: from here the winding road climbs toward Piribebuy.
What to see and do
- Cerro Hũ: a trail to the summit, a lagoon and views of the Cristo Redentor
- The old railway station: locomotive 521, rail bikes and a city bus tour
- 'Gral. Enrique Duarte Alder' Artillery History Museum
- Cerro Perõ and its staircase (summit closed for construction in 2026)
- Cerro Santo Tomás and its grotto
Did you know…?
Cerro Porteño, the football club founded in 1912, took its name from the 1811 battle fought on the hill of the same name.
Its patron-saint feast of Santo Tomás, on December 21, is famous for its bullfights and processions.
The old station keeps locomotive 521 on its original tracks.
History
It was founded in 1775 by Governor Agustín Fernando de Pinedo. On January 19, 1811, at the Battle of Paraguarí (or Cerro Porteño), Paraguayan forces under Manuel Atanasio Cabañas and Juan Manuel Gamarra defeated Manuel Belgrano's expedition from Buenos Aires, a key step toward independence in May 1811; that's why it's called the 'Cradle of Independence'.
Tips
- Since June 24, 2026, access to the summit of Cerro Perõ has been closed for construction of a Ferris wheel, which is running behind schedule: check whether it has reopened.
- Head out early to climb the hills: from November to March the heat kicks in by mid-morning.
- Cerro Santo Tomás has no easy direct access: it's best to go with a local guide.
Old station and museums: hours vary — check before you go.
Best time: April to September for hill hiking. January 19, anniversary of the battle; December 21, Santo Tomás with bullfights and a procession.
Activities
Where to stay
Festivals and events here
Paraguarí Rally (National Rally Championship)
Rally stages among the hills and valleys of Paraguarí, in the historic heart of the central region.
SportParaguarí, Paraguarí21DecSanto Tomás Apóstol · Paraguarí
The «Cradle of Bullfighters»: procession, Mass and Paraguayan-style bullfights in which the bull is never killed.
Patron saintParaguarí, ParaguaríFeaturedNearby
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Heroic town of 1869 and home of the 60-stripe poncho para'i, recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 10 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.