Caacupé

Caacupé, the capital of the Cordillera Department in Paraguay, is widely regarded as the spiritual heart of the nation. Located about 54 kilometers east of Asunción, the city is positioned among the rolling hills of the Cordillera de los Altos, providing a cooler and more scenic environment than the capital. Formally founded in 1770 by Carlos Murphy, Caacupé's identity is deeply intertwined with the cult of the Virgin of the Miracles of Caacupé. According to legend, a Guaraní convert named José carved an image of the Virgin Mary in the 16th century after surviving an ambush by hostile tribes, an event that sparked centuries of devotion. The city's primary landmark is the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of the Miracles, a massive structure with a prominent dome that serves as the national shrine. Every December 8th, Caacupé becomes the epicenter of the country's most significant religious festival, with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims traveling, many on foot, to pay their respects and fulfill vows. This religious tourism is the backbone of the local economy, supporting a vast array of hotels, eateries, and artisans specializing in religious imagery and traditional Paraguayan crafts. Beyond its sacred role, Caacupé is an essential administrative center for the region and a gateway to the natural attractions of the Cordillera, such as waterfalls and eco-tourism parks. The city reflects the deep-seated Catholic traditions of Paraguay, blended with indigenous Guaraní influences. It is a place of profound national unity, where the quietude of the hills meets the fervent energy of faith, making it a unique cultural and religious destination in the heart of South America.

Nearby cities

Piribebuy

A municipality crisscrossed by hills and streams, known for its strong resistance in the great war of 1869.

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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.

Paraguarí

Surrounded by striking hills, the city was once an important bastion of the Spanish colonial administration.

Altos

One of the oldest cities in Paraguay, perched on a hill offering sweeping views over Lake Ypacaraí.

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.

Carapeguá

As the textile capital of Paraguay, the city supplies the country with hammocks, ponchos, and hand-woven fabrics.

Areguá

The picturesque city on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí is known nationwide for its pottery and strawberry cultivation.

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.

Quiindy

Known as the world capital of hand-stitched soccer balls, Quiindy offers a unique blend of craftsmanship and natural beauty.

Luque

Famous for the production of filigree jewelry from gold and silver as well as handmade string instruments.

Limpio

One of the oldest cities in the country, traditionally characterized by its karanday weaving for hats.

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.

Lake Ypoá

Lake Ypoá is the center of an important national park and wetland in Paraguay.

Paraguay River

The Paraguay River is the most important river in the country and divides it into two distinct regions.

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.

Jejui Guazú River

A picturesque river with many sandy beaches, ideal for boat trips.

More places

Altos Mountains

A mountain range near Asunción, marking the transition to the Cordillera region.

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.

Caapucú Hills

A rugged hill area in the south of Paraguarí, rich in granite formations.

Ybycuí National Park

This park protects dense forests, waterfalls, and the ruins of Paraguay's first iron foundry.