Plizio Visual Lab
Altos Mountains
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Cordillera de los Altos is a significant mountain range in central Paraguay, spanning the departments of Central, Cordillera, and Paraguarí. Geologically, this formation is an extension of the Brazilian Plateau and consists primarily of sandstone and sedimentary rocks shaped by erosion over millions of years. The average height of the peaks ranges between 200 and 500 meters above sea level, making them prominent landmarks in the relatively flat landscape of the region. During the colonial era, these heights provided strategic advantages as natural lookout points for monitoring the surrounding valleys and plains. The area is characterized by a humid subtropical climate that supports dense vegetation and a high level of biodiversity, including numerous bird species. Towns such as San Bernardino and Altos are located nearby, making the range a popular destination for domestic tourism and recreational activities today. The Cordillera also serves as a crucial watershed for the surrounding agricultural lands, playing a vital role in the ecological balance of central Paraguay.
- Location: Paraguay
- Top sights: Arco hill · Cerro Ybytu Silla · Mirador 3 y Cima del Cerro Cavaju
- Nearby: Piribebuy (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 127 | 140 | 133 | 149 | 152 | 78 | 66 | 41 | 77 | 171 | 193 | 176 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Easily accessible from the capital Asunción, this range is typically reached by car or regional buses heading towards the Cordillera department.
Best season
Generally pleasant year-round, but the months between April and October typically offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration.
Terrain & paths
Features accessible hills and scenic viewpoints with relatively gentle slopes, making it highly suitable for casual hikers and day-trippers.
What to bring
Standard outdoor clothing, sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes, and basic sun protection are typically all that is needed for exploring the area.
Parking
Parking is usually available in the small towns scattered across the hills or at established viewpoints and private recreational areas.
Safety
The trails are mostly well-defined, but visitors should stay on marked paths and carry adequate water during the hotter parts of the day.
Time needed
Most visitors spend anywhere from a few hours to a half-day enjoying the panoramic views and local atmosphere of the surrounding small towns.
Geography
Facts
- The maximum elevation of the Cordillera de los Altos is approximately 500 meters.
- The range spans across the departments of Central, Cordillera, and Paraguarí.
- The geological composition is mainly comprised of ancient sandstone layers.
- It is considered a southern extension of the massive Brazilian Plateau.
- San Bernardino, a major tourism hub, is located at the base of these hills.
- The area functions as a critical ecological corridor for local wildlife.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Altos Mountains (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Altos Mountains?
It is located on a high plateau, hence the name.
What can you do in the region?
Hiking, visiting local villages, and enjoying the view.
Are there family-friendly accommodations?
Yes, in the cities of the Altos there are good hotels.
Is a car required?
Highly recommended to be flexible.
What is the weather like here?
Usually milder and more pleasant than in the lowlands.
Altos Mountains: where is it located?
Altos Mountains is located in Paraguay.
Altos Mountains: what is there to see?
Highlights include Arco hill, Cerro Ybytu Silla, Mirador 3 y Cima del Cerro Cavaju.
Altos Mountains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Altos Mountains: why is it worth visiting?
The Cordillera de los Altos is a significant mountain range in central Paraguay, spanning the departments of Central, Cordillera, and Paraguarí.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Paraguay →
Nearby cities
Caacupé
This spiritual center of the country attracts millions of pilgrims to the basilica every year on December 8.
Piribebuy
A municipality crisscrossed by hills and streams, known for its strong resistance in the great war of 1869.
🗺️
Tobatí
The heart of Paraguayan handicrafts, famous for ceramics, wood carvings, and spectacular rock formations.
Eusebio Ayala
Nationally revered for baking chipa, especially the famous 'chipa barrero', which attracts visitors from all over the region.
Altos
One of the oldest cities in Paraguay, perched on a hill offering sweeping views over Lake Ypacaraí.
Paraguarí
Surrounded by striking hills, the city was once an important bastion of the Spanish colonial administration.
Ypacaraí
The birthplace of the legendary song 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí' attracts many musicians and tourists because of its great lake.
Itauguá
Internationally known as the home of ñandutí, the characteristic spiderweb-like embroidery.
Areguá
The picturesque city on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí is known nationwide for its pottery and strawberry cultivation.
Carapeguá
As the textile capital of Paraguay, the city supplies the country with hammocks, ponchos, and hand-woven fabrics.
J. Augusto Saldívar
Originally known as Posta Leiva, this city is today an important center of vegetable production.
Capiatá
One of the most populous cities in the metropolitan region, characterized by dense settlement and historical churches.
Guarambaré
Surrounded by sugarcane plantations, this city is historically famous for its sugar factories.
Luque
Famous for the production of filigree jewelry from gold and silver as well as handmade string instruments.
Quiindy
Known as the world capital of hand-stitched soccer balls, Quiindy offers a unique blend of craftsmanship and natural beauty.
History & landmarks
Sapucai
A historical gem in Paraguarí, famous for its old railway workshops and British heritage.
Atyrá
Atyrá is considered the cleanest city in Paraguay, a model of community spirit and ecological awareness.
Itá
The capital of ceramics, famous for its black clay hens and the caimans of the San Blas lagoon.
Nature
Lake Ypacaraí
Lake Ypacaraí is a famous tourist destination and was immortalized in a well-known song.
Jejui Guazú River
A picturesque river with many sandy beaches, ideal for boat trips.
Paraguay River
The Paraguay River is the most important river in the country and divides it into two distinct regions.
Lake Ypoá
Lake Ypoá is the center of an important national park and wetland in Paraguay.
Confuso River
A river with a very winding course that flows through the savannas of the southern Chaco.
Pilcomayo River
The Pilcomayo River is a major tributary of the Paraguay River, flowing through the Gran Chaco region.
More places
Cerro Mbatoví
A prominent hill in Paraguarí, known for its eco-adventure reserve.
Cerro Yaguarón
A prominent hill near the town of Yaguarón, known for its local legends.
Cerro Acahay
A prominent mountain in the Paraguarí region that is a popular destination for hikers.
Ybycuí National Park
This park protects dense forests, waterfalls, and the ruins of Paraguay's first iron foundry.
Caapucú Hills
A rugged hill area in the south of Paraguarí, rich in granite formations.