Cundebuff · CC BY-SA 4.0Parque Manuel Ortiz Guerrero y laguna Ycuá Pytá
A lagoon park in downtown Villarrica: boat rides, tame capybaras and the poet Ortiz Guerrero's tomb.
What it is
In the heart of Villarrica's Centro district, between Bottrell and Coronel Oviedo streets, Manuel Ortiz Guerrero Park surrounds Ycuá Pytá lagoon, where the Carumbey stream begins. It is one of the most visited places in the city. It has a path around the lagoon, a monument and the tomb of Villarrica-born poet Manuel Ortiz Guerrero, born in 1894. You can also take a boat ride on the water. One of its biggest draws is the capybaras, so used to people that they let you watch them up close. Ducks, cormorants, geese and the Azara's agouti, an endangered rodent that is hard to spot, also live there. Vegetation includes lapachos, jacarandas, ibirapytás, yvyrarós, araucarias, timbós, bamboos and peterebíes. It is an easy and free stop for families.
What to see and do
- Tame capybaras
- Boat ride on the lagoon
- Tomb and monument of Ortiz Guerrero
- Birds and native trees
Did you know…?
The park's capybaras are so trusting that they approach visitors.
The Carumbey stream, a tributary of the Yhú, rises from Ycuá Pytá lagoon.
History
For much of the 20th century Villarrica was regarded as one of the country's cultural cities and was the birthplace of artists such as the poet Manuel Ortiz Guerrero (1894), after whom the park is named.
Tips
- Do not feed the animals unsuitable food; follow park signs.
- It is a good first stop before the Fermín López museum and the cathedral.
Public park. Check opening hours before you go.
Best time: Morning or afternoon; spring for flowering.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Guairá Carnival
Dance troupes, carnival royalty and drum bands in the Villarrica sambadrome, one of the most traditional carnivals outside the capital.
CarnivalVillarrica, GuairáFeaturedMayGuairá Rally (Codasur round)
The South American rally championship comes to the roads of Guairá, based in Villarrica, with stages among hills and farming colonies.
SportVillarrica, GuairáSepVillarrica Flower Parade
Themed floats from schools and youth groups roll through downtown Villarrica to welcome spring.
FestivalVillarrica, GuairáOctFestival de la Raza
One of the oldest folk festivals outside the capital, with artists from Guairá and a “Giant Night.”
MusicVillarrica, Guairá16MayEspíritu Santo · Villarrica
Procession around the cathedral, fireworks and a folk festival with jineteada (bronc riding) and a food fair.
Patron saintVillarrica, GuairáFeaturedNearby
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.