A waterfall and a specific building history told through stone offer two distinct perspectives on Trinidad. A natural waterfall is located in Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón. At the same time, the park was a former Jesuit quarry: approximately 80 percent of the stones used to build the Misión Jesuítica de la Santísima Trinidad del Paraná were extracted there. Visitors interested in nature and cultural heritage will find both at this named location—the waterfall and the story of the building material.

Museums and Collections at the Misión

The Misión Jesuítica Santísima Trinidad del Paraná complex includes two museums. The Museo Jesuítico displays stonework, niches, and altarpieces. The Museo Lítico features stone sculptures, including remains of angels and saints. The collections have different focuses: one museum highlights worked stone and decorative elements, while the other showcases stone sculptures. This lets you tailor your visit to what interests you most—craftsmanship and architectural work, or figurative art.

A museum with a collection of historical objects is also located in the former sacristy of the Misión Jesuítica Santísima Trinidad del Paraná. The cultural offerings therefore include historical objects as well as the works and sculptures described above. If you choose to visit the Misión primarily for its collections, these different focuses can help you distinguish between the themes rather than treating all the exhibitions as alike.

Crafts and Encounters Near the Misión

The Centro de Artesanía of the Mbya Guaraní Guavirami community is located near the Misión Jesuítica de Trinidad. Necklaces, bracelets, basketry, and wood and stone carvings made from natural materials from the region are exhibited and sold there. If you are interested in a particular item, check its current availability before your visit.

During guided tours, members of the Mbya-Guaraní Guavirami community share their customs, history, and worldview with visitors. Crafts and tours offer different ways to engage: the center focuses on handcrafted objects and materials, while the tours convey the community’s perspective and culture. Both are located near the Misión; the tours described are guided.

Which Focuses Suit Your Trip?

For a culturally focused visit, the museums offer specific distinctions to help you choose based on your interests: stonework, niches, and altarpieces at the Museo Jesuítico; stone sculptures at the Museo Lítico; and historical objects at the museum in the former sacristy. If you would also like to learn about crafts and the perspectives of the Mbya-Guaraní community, there is a center near the Misión with exhibitions and items for sale, as well as guided tours. Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón adds a natural waterfall to these themes, along with the connection between the former quarry and the Misión’s construction history. This makes it possible to choose what appeals to you most in Trinidad: collections, crafts, cultural encounters, or nature with a historical connection.

Discover more destinations: Obligado, San Cosme y Damián, Bella Vista Sur, Natalio, Capitán Miranda, Encarnación.

Return to the main travel overview: Itapúa.