Four suspension bridges are part of the 2,000-meter-long Yvaropy Trail at Ecoreserva Mbatoví; on the same route, zip lines cross the forest at a height of 40 meters. This contrast of trail, bridges and height makes a striking impression in Paraguari. Other highlights include the subtropical forests, clear streams and numerous waterfalls of Parque Nacional Ybycuí, as well as historical sites in and around Pirayú, Paraguarí and La Colmena.

Forests, waterfalls and history in Ybycuí

Parque Nacional Ybycuí protects extensive subtropical forests, clear streams and numerous waterfalls. If you want to experience nature not only as a forest backdrop but also through waterways and waterfalls, you’ll find several defining features in this protected natural area. The park’s historic area also includes a museum about iron smelting in that era. Camping is possible in the park; check the practical details with the park administration before your trip.

Trails and elevated views in Mbatoví

Ecoreserva Mbatoví brings together several specific trail features. The Yvaropy Trail is 2,000 meters long and crosses four suspension bridges; the route also includes zip lines 40 meters above the forest and a rope descent (rappel) down a natural rock wall in the mountain range. The Tapé Saingó trail includes activities at treetop level. Specialized instructors and internationally certified equipment are used. This gives you a clear distinction when choosing the focus of your experience: Yvaropy combines a trail, bridges, zip lines and rappelling, while Tapé Saingó focuses on treetop activities, instructors and equipment.

Traces of history around Pirayú

Pirayú brings together cultural and historical points of interest with natural scenery. The Church of Pirayú dates back to 1761. The historic Campamento de Cerro León is located near the city. There, Marshal Francisco Solano López assembled and trained more than 30,000 soldiers. The site can be visited; if you plan to go, check the specific visiting arrangements in advance. Cascada Madama is also located near Pirayú, by a stream a few kilometers from the city center.

Cultural highlights in Paraguarí and La Colmena

The former Paraguarí railway station has been restored and turned into a cultural center with a library and museum rooms. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether the rooms are currently open to visitors. In La Colmena, festival history and settlement history go hand in hand: the Expo Frutas de La Colmena is considered one of Paraguay’s most important festivals; the Museo Doctor Hideho Tanaka preserves the history and memory of La Colmena’s first Japanese settlers.

The historical themes are clearly distinct: the church points to the history of religious architecture, Cerro León to a military-historical chapter, the railway station to cultural reuse, and the museum in La Colmena to Japanese settlement history. This lets you choose cultural sites based on the subject that interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Paraguari, Ybycuí, Misiones Department, Lambare, Boquerón, Alto Paraná, Central, San Pedro Department.

For the broader travel overview: Paraguay.