Things To Do
in Caacupé
Caacupé is a small, religious city in Paraguay’s Cordillera Department best known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles and the large annual pilgrimage on December 8. The town sits among rolling, green hills and offers panoramic views from nearby high points, with a strong mix of Guaraní and Spanish cultural traditions visible in daily life. Streets around the basilica bustle with vendors selling religious souvenirs, traditional foods like chipa, and crafts made in nearby towns.
Caacupé is a quiet, affordable destination that is busiest during pilgrimage season and otherwise provides a peaceful base for exploring central Paraguay.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the iconic Basilica of Caacupé, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. After soaking in the serene atmosphere, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, stopping at local artisan shops selling handmade crafts. Enjoy a traditional Paraguayan breakfast at a nearby café, sampling fresh chipa or mbeju with your coffee.
Spend the afternoon at the local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and taste various local delicacies. Engage with friendly vendors and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs to take home. Afterward, visit the nearby Parque de la Virgen, a peaceful park with beautiful gardens and sculptures, perfect for a leisurely walk.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to enjoy authentic Paraguayan cuisine, such as asado or sopa paraguaya. The lively atmosphere of the town in the evening is perfect for enjoying good food and local music. Conclude your day with a quiet evening stroll, reflecting on the beauty of the town under the stars.
Begin your day with a trip to the nearby Ybycuí National Park, where you can explore the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Hike along well-marked trails, keeping an eye out for unique bird species and local flora. The morning light filtering through the trees creates a magical atmosphere, making your hike even more enjoyable.
After exploring the park, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of the forest. Continue your adventure by visiting the Parque Nacional Serranía San Luis, where you can witness stunning rock formations and breathtaking views. This area is perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture the wild beauty of Paraguay.
Return to Caacupé for a relaxing evening at a local café, where you can unwind with a refreshing tereré and chat with locals. Consider attending a cultural event or local music performance if available, to immerse yourself further in the vibrant community. Reflect on your day of adventure and the natural beauty you’ve experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🍺Local beer at a bar | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich religious and cultural traditions, especially the famous basilica and pilgrimage.
- Affordable, welcoming local atmosphere with authentic Paraguayan food and crafts.
- Scenic hilltop views and easy access to nearby artisan towns and lakes.
- Less crowded outside pilgrimage season, offering a peaceful, small-town experience.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared with larger cities.
- Public transport and tourist infrastructure are basic; many services close during major religious events due to crowding.
- Medical facilities for serious emergencies are limited locally; severe cases require transfer to Asunción.
- During the December pilgrimage the town becomes extremely crowded and noisy, with inflated prices and scarce accommodation if not booked in advance.
- "Hola / Buen día" - Hello / Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está la basílica?" - Where is the basilica?
- "Mba'éichapa?" - How are you? (Guaraní greeting)
- "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Caacupé
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic neoclassical church with a grand facade, interior votive displays and processions—especially photogenic at dawn or during the December pilgrimage.
Central square with statues, market stalls and daily activity—great for street photography and capturing local life.
Several nearby hills provide panoramic views of Caacupé and the Cordillera range, best at sunrise or late afternoon for golden light.
Crowded, colorful processions and pilgrim camps offer powerful documentary photography—prepare for close, emotional scenes and respect participants.
If you visit the lake, sunrise and sunset over the water produce reflective landscapes and calm compositions.
Food in Caacupé
Caacupé Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A dense, cheesy cornbread made with manioc starch and Paraguay cheese; widely available from street vendors and bakeries near the basilica.
Must-Try!
A baked cornbread-like casserole with cheese, onions and cornmeal; a comforting regional staple served in most local eateries.
A traditional starch-and-cheese pancake made from manioc, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack—try it fresh at morning stalls.
A chicken and corn dumpling soup, warming and popular in family restaurants around town.
Paraguayan-style barbecue—grilled beef and sausages available at local parrillas and family-run eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vendors lining the plaza and streets near the basilica sell chipa, mbejú, empanadas, fresh juices and religious-themed sweets—best for quick, authentic bites.
Small indoor market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and prepared dishes; a good spot to sample regional ingredients and homemade foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The basilica and pilgrimage-related areas are sacred—dress modestly, speak quietly and follow any rules for photography or access.
A handshake and eye contact are common on first meetings; many people are bilingual in Spanish and Guaraní—using a polite 'buen día' or 'mba’éichapa' is appreciated.
Social events may be relaxed about time; hospitality is warm—if invited to a home, bringing a small gift is polite and remove shoes if hosts indicate.
Safety
Tipping in Caacupé
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Paraguay but appreciated for good service; in restaurants 5–10% is acceptable if service is good, small change is fine for taxi drivers and hotel porters, and pilgrims often give small donations at churches.
Local currency is the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG). Cash is widely used, especially at markets and small shops; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels but expect limited card acceptance in small vendors—carry enough cash for market purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(October–March) Hot and humid, with heavy rains and thunderstorms likely, especially Dec–Feb. Pack lightweight clothing, rain gear and insect repellent; morning excursions are more comfortable than mid-afternoon.
(April–May) Temperatures start to cool and rainfall decreases—pleasant for outdoor activities, and landscapes remain green after the rainy season.
(June–August) Mild to cool nights and dry days; temperatures can drop in the early morning—bring a light jacket, especially for hilltop views.
The city becomes extremely crowded around December 8 with pilgrims, vendors and traffic—book accommodation early, expect limited transport, and allow time for queues and crowd navigation.
Caacupé at Night
Hiking in Caacupé
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local trails leading to viewpoints above the city—moderate climbs, good for morning hikes, and panoramic photos of the Cordillera range.
Gentle lakeside routes near Lago Ypacaraí ideal for relaxed walks, birdwatching and sunset photography; combine with a visit to lakeside towns.
Rolling hills and rural paths around Tobatí offer quieter hikes and opportunities to visit artisan workshops and rural communities.
Airports
How to reach Caacupé by plane.
Main international airport serving Asunción, roughly 45–60 km from Caacupé depending on route—accessible by bus, shuttle or taxi and the primary gateway for international travelers.
Located near Ciudad del Este on the eastern border, much farther away (several hours’ drive); useful if combining Caacupé with an eastern Paraguay itinerary but not practical for short trips.
There are limited domestic air services in Paraguay; most visitors arrive via Asunción and continue to Caacupé by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, blending Spanish colonial and indigenous Guaraní cultures; bilingualism in Spanish and Guaraní is common.
Strong cultural influence visible in language, crafts, music and religious traditions, though most residents identify as mestizo rather than members of distinct indigenous groups.
Nearby towns like Tobatí and Areguá contribute artisans and craft traditions; many residents are involved in agriculture, craftwork or religious tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Paraguay; local and national matches draw strong interest and informal games are common in town fields.
A widely played recreational sport, especially among youth and in school competitions.
Cycling is popular on rural roads and hills for both commuting and leisure, with opportunities for scenic rides in the Cordillera region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caacupé.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—look for dishes based on corn, cheese and eggs (sopa paraguaya, mbejú) and vegetable sides; ask staff for meat-free preparations and carry snacks if you have strict dietary needs.
Many traditional Paraguayan items use manioc (cassava) starch and are naturally gluten-free (e.g., chipa, mbejú), but cross-contamination can occur—ask vendors about ingredients and cooking methods.
Vegan options are scarce in traditional kitchens; fresh produce markets and simple salads can work, but plan ahead and bring staples if you require fully plant-based meals.