Va de Carro · CC BY 3.0Parque Nacional Cerro Corá
Where the Great War ended: hills, forest and the stream where Marshal López fell.
What it is
Cerro Corá is both a national shrine and a nature park. A ring of forest-clad hills encloses the Aquidabán-niguí stream, on whose bank Marshal Francisco Solano López died on March 1, 1870. A cross and a monument mark the spot, and the park museum tells the story of the war with murals, weapons and mounted wildlife. Trails of up to 14 km climb to lookouts such as the one on Cerro Muralla, best at sunrise or sunset, and pass rock shelters with pre-Hispanic rock art. Tapirs, pumas, anteaters and some 180 bird species live in the forest; there's camping and swimming in the river.
What to see and do
- The cross and monument where Marshal López fell, beside the Aquidabán-niguí
- The museum, with war murals, weaponry and mounted wildlife
- The Cerro Muralla lookout at sunrise or sunset
- Trails of up to 14 km with rock-art shelters
- The Heroes' Day ceremony every March 1
- A dip in the Aquidabán River and a night under canvas
Did you know…?
Tradition has it that López died uttering the words 'I die with my homeland!'.
The remains attributed to López were moved in 1936 to the National Pantheon of Heroes in Asunción.
Since 2022 the rock art of Cerro Corá and of Jasuka Venda hill has been on Paraguay's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage.
Its name refers to the 'kora', the corral formed by the hills around the valley.
History
On March 1, 1870, Brazilian troops caught up here with Marshal López and his last soldiers, bringing the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870) to an end. The park was created by decree on February 11, 1976, and protects more than 5,500 hectares of Amambay's hills and forests. Every March 1, Heroes' Day, the official commemoration is held here; 2026 marked 156 years.
Tips
- 2026 admission: adults ₲ 20,000, ages 12 to 17 ₲ 5,000; camping ₲ 20,000 per night; car parking ₲ 15,000.
- Arrive early: visitors are admitted until 15:00 and must leave by 17:00.
- Bring hiking shoes, water and insect repellent; the trails up the hills have steep stretches.
- On March 1 the park fills with officials and crowds: if you're after peace and quiet, pick another date.
Every day, including holidays, from 7:00 to 17:00; visitor entry from 8:00 to 15:00. Adults ₲ 20,000; ages 12-17 ₲ 5,000. Check before you go.
Best time: April to September for cool hiking and birdwatching; winter mornings can be chilly. March 1 to experience the national ceremony; the winter school holidays (July) and long weekends bring more visitors. In summer, visit early and finish with a swim in the river.
What to try
- A picnic of chipa and tereré: food options inside the park are limited
Activities
Where to stay
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 9 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.