Ybycuí brings together two distinctive sides: the historic iron foundry and the Minas Cué Arsenal, known as “La Rosada,” are located in the town. The Parque Nacional Ybycuí is also located in the Ybycuí district. It preserves the ruins of the former iron foundry and includes waterfalls and hiking trails. This distinction is useful for planning your trip: La Rosada is a named cultural site in the town; the natural attractions and trails are part of the national park in the district.

A national park with waterfalls and history

The Parque Nacional Ybycuí was designated a 5,000-hectare national park in the Ybycuí district, Departamento de Paraguarí, in 1973 by Decree No. 32.772. Its varied waterfall destinations include Salto Guaraní, one of the park’s main attractions. Salto Escondido is in a wooded area; Salto Minas is in an area with a rich mining history. You can choose according to a specific interest: the main attraction at Guaraní, the woodland setting at Escondido, or the historic landscape connection at Minas.

Hiking trails: comparing lengths and destinations

The trails also differ in both length and destination. Yvaga Rape is 550 meters long and offers expansive views across the park. The La Rosada trail runs for 2,500 meters through a wooded area. The Minas trail, which leads into an area with a rich mining history, and the Guaraní trail, which leads to Salto Guaraní, are each one kilometer long. The Escondido trail leads to Salto Escondido. This gives you different points of interest to choose from when selecting a route: panoramic views, a wooded trail, mining history, or a waterfall as your destination. Trail conditions may vary; check before setting out.

La Rosada and the history of the iron foundry

The historic iron foundry and Minas Cué Arsenal, known as La Rosada, are located in the town of Ybycuí. La Rosada was built in 1849 during the administration of Carlos Antonio López to ensure the supply of weapons. The foundry produced cannons, projectiles, bladed weapons, and agricultural equipment. The site is a restored iron foundry and arsenal from the War of the Triple Alliance and has been declared a National Monument. The ruins of the former foundry preserved in the Parque Nacional Ybycuí also connect the park to this industrial past. The structures visible today in the park’s historic zone were reconstructed according to the original plans and on the original foundations. Thus, the history of La Rosada encompasses both 19th-century production and the later reconstruction of the historic structures.

Saltos Mina in the surrounding area

Near Ybycuí is Saltos Mina, an eight-meter-high waterfall. At its base is a natural pool suitable for swimming. The waterfall carries more water especially during the rainy season; water levels and access conditions at the pool may vary. The spelling is also relevant for orientation: Saltos Mina near Ybycuí should not be confused with Salto Minas in the national park. Check current conditions before visiting.

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