Excursions – City Tour of Asuncion - Paraguay

1.a City-Tour of Asuncion: In a tour of the City of Asuncion one will be able to appreciate the contrast of a modern city and that of its past relics. Apart of the commercial and historical centre, the tour includes passing beautiful residential areas and modern high-rise apartments. Visiting massive commercial markets, that contrast with the modern Shopping centres and Malls, are also included.

1.b Asuncion by Night: Your guide can be counted on knowing the Asuncion night life. In accordance with your preferences he will help you learn of its secrets: restaurants, bars, discotheques, folklore centres, etc.

1.c The Golden Triangle – Circuit from Asuncion: The environments surrounding Asuncion * Itinerary *

The tour will cover the most important tourist attractions to be found around Asuncion. Duration of tour approx. 8 hours covering approx. 220 kms. Both the duration and distance have been stated as approximately due to the possibility of the participant’s wish to alter certain stages of the excursion and that of all excursions in general with the guide, according to his personal interests.

The tour commences by travelling through Fernando de la Mora, Villa Elisa, Nemby, Ypané and Itá to arrive in Yaguarón. Arrival here is scheduled for 7.30 a.m. in order to visit the famous Franciscan Church of Yaguarón. This imposing baroque-Hispanic-Guarani-styled temple was restored through financial and scientific aide received from the European Union. It represents one of the most lasting and impressive testimonies of the artesian craftsmanship to be found amongst the indigenous Guaranies who sculptured the images from wood besides producing the paintings as well as the rich and abundant decorations made in golden leaves.

We then continue by National Route Nº 1 that leads to Paraguari and the branch-off to the Altos mountain range.

Der normale Reiseverlauf führt uns auf die Höhen der Reste des noch aus dem Erdmittelalter stammenden Rumpfgebirges mit wunderschönen Panoramaausblicken auf das umliegende Flachland. Durch weitläufige Kokospalmenhaine (paraguayische Kokosnuss) kommen wir über Chololó nach Piribebuy, einer historischen Stadt, die gegen Ende des Krieges gegen die Trippelallianz als Hauptquartier des paraguayischen Heeres zu trauriger Berühmtheit gelangte. Auf dem Weg nach Tobati , einer Stadt, die für ihre Ziegeleien, die Töpferwaren, Lederhandwerk und Holzschnitzarbeiten bekannt wurde besuchen wir Caacupé, das Wallfahrtszentrum der Katholiken.

The regular itinerary brings us to the heights of the mountain range that dates back to medieval times and affords a captivating panoramic view of the neighbouring plains. Passing through extensive wild-palm-tree (Paraguayan coconut) areas we pass Chololo in order to arrive in Piribebuy, a historical town that had a tragic aftermath during the War of the Triple Alliance when it was the general headquarters of the Paraguayan army. On the road to Tobati, famous for its tile and brick kilns, its pottery, artesian leather products and its wood carving craftsmanship, there is a visit to Caacupe, the Catholic spiritual capital and pilgrimage centre.

In order to pay tribute to the miraculous Blue Virgin, that is the Patron Saint of all Paraguayans, every 8th of December (Day of the Virgin) at least a fourth of the inhabitants undertake a pilgrimage to Caacupe. Then there is a visit to San Bernardino, a town founded in 1881 by German emigrants. It is situated by the shores of the Ypacarai Lake which has always been a week-end pleasure resort for the rich Asuncion dwellers. Even today it is called the “Côte d’Azur” of Paraguay, with sumptuous residences and folk that are out to have a good time during the summer months. Nevertheless it is recommended not to take a dip in the lake.

The tour continues by passing Ypacarai in order to arrive in Itaugua, best known for being the centre of the Ñanduti (Ñanduti means spider web in Guarani and is the name given to the fine lace) craftsmanship. We shall pass Cerro Koi, a geological phenomenon because of the formation of crystalline columns of volcanic origin (there being only three places in the world where this has been found). Next stop is Aregua where in colonial times the rich used to spend their holidays. Today it is best known for its ceramic works. The tour ends with a visit to the “Guido Boggiani” Ethnological Museum in San Lorenzo that has managed with much patience to harbour artesian workmanship pertaining to daily use by the different Indian tribes. In the fair that is part of the museum, visitors will have the opportunity of purchasing authentic Indian tools

The itinerary…

Click on the map in order to enlarge the size.
There you will see the tour itinerary.

 

 

1.d “Hospedaje Gabriela” Ranch: Departure from Asuncion towards the south in the morning. On the way there will be some stops, such as the one that will include a visit to the Franciscan Church of Yaguaron.

Arrival before noon in Paraguari. A short visit of the town. A few kilometres from the town’s centre there awaits the visitor a Paraguayan farm where they can enjoy some of Nature’s gifts. One will be able to talk to the German proprietors who will be glad to prepare a succulent lunch with refreshing drinks. Their specially prepared potatoes are truly irresistible.

Later one can either indulge in watching wild birds or simply go horse-riding. In summer it is advisable to take a bathing suite for there is an invitingly refreshing pool. The return journey is undertaken towards the evening. There is also the possibility of spending the night at the ranch.