Asunción CityParaguay travel guide

Routes · 2 days

The Circuito de Oro in 2 Days

The classic route through the towns of the Central, Paraguarí, and Cordillera departments over two days: the pottery of Itá, the Franciscan church of Yaguarón, the hills and history of Paraguarí, the Chololó stream, and Piribebuy, birthplace of the 60-stripe poncho. On the second day, the Caacupé basilica, the santo-carvers of Tobatí, Atyrá's leatherwork, and San Bernardino on Lake Ypacaraí.

Paraguayans and foreign visitors alike looking for a weekend of small towns, craftwork, and nature close to the capital.Year-round. October to March for swimming at the Chololó stream; April to September for cooler walking weather.Your own or a rental car, or a Circuito de Oro tour from Asunción. It's doable by bus, but with many transfers.
1

Itá, Yaguarón, Paraguarí, and the Chololó stream

≈ 104 km

On Route PY01, the first stop is Itá, the pottery capital, known for its little clay hens. 12 km on, the Yaguarón church and its gilded 18th-century altarpieces. Lunch in Paraguarí, surrounded by hills and home to the old train station. In the afternoon, the Chololó stream, with small waterfalls and pools, before arriving in Piribebuy, a town honored for its heroism in 1869. About 105 km and 2 hours 15 minutes of driving.

Itá
Templo de San Buenaventura de Yaguarón
Paraguarí
Chololó
Piribebuy

Overnight: Piribebuy: Chololó Hotel y Parque Natural or Posada Villa del Sol. Alternative: Caacupé (Alta Gracia Parque Hotel).

2

Caacupé, Tobatí, Atyrá, and San Bernardino

≈ 125 km

Morning at the Caacupé basilica and its spring. Continue to Tobatí, a town of potters and santo-carvers, with sandstone hills and a natural stone arch. In Atyrá, leatherwork shops and immaculate plazas. Wrap up the afternoon in San Bernardino, with a walk along the Lake Ypacaraí waterfront before heading back to Asunción. About 125 km and 2 hours 30 minutes of driving.

Basílica de la Virgen de los Milagros de Caacupé
Tobatí
Atyrá
San Bernardino
Lago Ypacaraí

Overnight: Return to Asunción; or stay in San Bernardino: Hotel del Lago, Hotel Los Alpes, or La Posta.

Tips

  • The Comandante Pedro Pablo Caballero Historical Museum in Piribebuy opens in the mornings (Tuesday to Sunday, 7am to noon; check before you go): visit it before setting out on Day 2.
  • After heavy rain, the Chololó stream rises: don't swim when the water is high.
  • In January, Piribebuy holds the National Festival of the 60-Stripe Poncho Para'i; in September, Tobatí hosts the Expo Kambuchi pottery fair.
  • Bring cash for handicrafts and check prices before buying.