The Department of Concepción showcases its natural and cultural attractions on different scales: from the protected Cerrado to the architecture of the city of Concepción and the riverbank landscapes near Belén. This variety is what makes it interesting when planning your trip. Natural areas are spread across different locations and administrative areas, while in Concepción you can discover historic houses, museums and a cultural route promoted by the municipality. Near Belén, river beaches and historic remains add to the picture; Yby Yaú preserves a patron saint tradition celebrated every year.
Natural Areas and the Cerrado
Paso Bravo National Park is located in the Department of Concepción and the Aquidabán region. Another protected landscape is the Estrella Saité Nature Reserve. This privately owned protected wilderness area was established by Executive Decree No. 2.602/24 and covers 25,209.05 hectares. It extends across parts of the district of San Lázaro and the Municipality of San Carlos del Apa; above all, the Cerrado ecosystem is protected here.
The Cerrado is also the focus of the Safari del Cerrado de Concepción: the tour takes you through the remarkable biodiversity of this ecosystem in the department. This offers different ways to explore natural attractions. At Estrella Saité, the area, its administrative extent and the protection of the Cerrado are defining features; the safari, by contrast, is a tour focused on biodiversity. Paso Bravo National Park, meanwhile, can be understood in terms of its location in the Aquidabán region.
City History and Cultural Discoveries
The historic center of Concepción covers about 25 city blocks. Colonial houses and European-style villas there preserve the architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Anyone interested in the city's architectural history will find a specific time frame for the houses and streets in the center.
Another option is the Siete Tesoros de Concepción route, promoted by the Municipality of Concepción. It comprises exactly seven selected sites and monuments in the city, described as particularly emblematic. The Museo del Cuartel de la Villa Real, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, the Museo al Aire Libre and the Casa de la Cultura also offer insights into local art, history and cultural expression. The route highlights a selected group of sites and monuments; the institutions named provide a thematic way to explore art and history.
A striking image of the Virgen María Auxiliadora stands on Avenida Pinedo: it is more than 20 meters tall. The cityscape thus brings together a range of cultural features—from historic houses and villas to the institutions mentioned above and a single, highly visible image.
Belén and Yby Yaú
Near Belén, white sandy beaches along the Río Ypané are suitable for relaxing, sport fishing and canoeing. The Ruinas de Purutue Ka'í, remains of a 19th-century site, also offer a historic connection. The riverbanks and ruins appeal to different interests: the former invite visitors to enjoy the activities listed on the water, while the latter point to the area's history.
In Yby Yaú, the patron saint festival in honor of San Francisco de Asís takes place every year on October 4. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the details for the year in question. This local tradition, together with the natural and cultural sites, adds to the picture of a department whose attractions are not limited to the capital.
Discover more destinations: Concepción, Lambare, Alto Paraná, Department of Misiones, Central, Boquerón, Cordillera, Amambay.
For the main travel overview: Paraguay.
