Cmasi · CC BY-SA 4.0Santuario de la Virgen de Itacuá
A Marian grotto on the rocks of the Paraná, with woodland, trails and a huge pilgrimage every 8 December.
What it is
About 9 km from downtown Encarnación, along the road called Tupasy Rape ('the Virgin's path' in Guaraní), you reach Punta Itacuá: three hectares of cool woodland with trails leading down to a grotto facing the Paraná, where a small image of the Virgin is venerated. The church, shaped to evoke a ship, honors river sailors, and a lookout tower of about 20 meters offers views over the river. It is a peaceful outing any day of the year and a whirlwind of devotion every 8 December.
What to see and do
- The Virgin's grotto on the banks of the Paraná
- The ship-shaped church
- A lookout of about 20 meters over the river
- The Pilgrim's Path through the woods
- The 8 December feast day
Did you know…?
Some 17,000 people walk the Pilgrim's Path through the trees to the grotto each year, according to Wikipedia.
The name is usually translated from Guaraní as 'stone hollow' or 'stone cave' (ita, stone; kua, hollow), after the grotto among the rocks.
History
According to tradition, sailors on the Paraná commended themselves to the Virgin as they passed this dangerous stretch of rocks and outcrops. In the early 20th century, Divine Word missionaries placed an image brought from Europe in the grotto, and the site became a pilgrimage center for the whole south of the country.
Tips
- On 8 December there are road closures and thousands of pilgrims on foot: set out early or walk with them.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the trails and bring insect repellent.
- Dress respectfully around the grotto and the church.
Open during the day, free admission (check Mass times before you go).
Best time: 8 December for the feast day; any afternoon of the year for a quiet visit.
What to try
- Chipa and cocido (toasted yerba mate brewed with milk) from the festival stalls
Activities
Festivals and events here
Encarnación Carnival
Feathers, drum troupes and dance groups in the Sambadrome: Paraguay’s “summer capital” throws the country’s biggest carnival.
CarnivalEncarnación, ItapúaFeaturedFeb→ MarNatsumatsuri, Encarnación Japanese Summer Festival
Taiko, dances and Japanese food on a summer night hosted by Encarnación’s Nikkei (Japanese-descendant) community.
Heritage communitiesEncarnación, ItapúaAugWRC Rally del Paraguay
The World Rally Championship races on the red-dirt roads of Itapúa, based in Encarnación.
SportEncarnación y Colonias Unidas, ItapúaFeaturedDecFeast of Our Lady of Itacuá
The shrine on the banks of the Paraná welcomes thousands of the faithful from southern Paraguay on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
ReligiousEncarnación, Itapúa25MarNuestra Señora de la Encarnación · Encarnación
Mass at the cathedral and a procession of the Virgin through the city center, merging with the celebrations of the city's founding.
Patron saintEncarnación, ItapúaFeaturedNearby
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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.