Va de Carro · CC BY 3.0Valenzuela
The pineapple town: a Franciscan church from 1783 with statues from the 1600s, and streams for cooling off.
What it is
Valenzuela is a small, green town surrounded by pineapple fields that grow among the rocks and yield especially sweet fruit. Its church of San José, blessed in 1783, keeps Baroque altarpieces and a pulpit, with statues carved around 1600. In summer, the swimming spots on the Yhaguy stream (Domiciana, San Agustín, La Cascada) are the local plan; in January, the Expo Piña fills the square with juices, sweets and music, and on Good Friday 'living sculptures' re-create biblical scenes next to the church.
What to see and do
- The church of San José (1783) and its Baroque statues
- Swimming spots on the Yhaguy stream
- Expo Piña pineapple fair (January)
- Living sculptures on Good Friday
Did you know…?
It's considered the country's leading pineapple producer, hence the nickname 'pineapple town'.
The Expo Piña, organized by the parish, has run for about three decades and welcomes visitors through a tunnel of pineapples.
In the Good Friday 'living sculptures', participants cover themselves in clay to look like statues.
History
The spot was called Yvyra'i ãtãndy, 'pile of sticks', and took the name of Antonio Fernández de Valenzuela, who officially established the town on July 24, 1813. The Franciscan church of San José had been blessed earlier, on May 12, 1783, and is now its main heritage site.
Tips
- Bring cash: it's a small town with limited services.
- In summer, buy pineapple directly from the growers.
- The church usually opens at Mass times; ask at the parish office to visit.
Best time: Summer, pineapple season: Expo Piña (around January 10), San Blas (February 3, with a rodeo), San José (March 19) and Good Friday.
What to try
- Fresh pineapple and pineapple juice
- Pineapple sweets and jams from the Expo Piña
Activities
Festivals and events here
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 4 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.