Things To Do
in Villarrica

The central square with colonial buildings and the cathedral is ideal for architectural and street photography, especially in the early morning or golden hour.

Short hikes to nearby hill viewpoints reward photographers with sweeping views of Villarrica's red roofs, farmland and distant ridgelines—best at sunrise or sunset.

Vibrant market scenes, colorful produce, baked goods and local vendors provide excellent candid and food photography opportunities.

Quiet country lanes, farm gates and small rivers or natural pools near town offer pastoral scenes and intimate landscape shots.

A cheese and manioc flour bread baked into a dense, chewy ring—find it at bakeries and markets, especially fresh in the morning.

Must-Try!

A savory cornbread made with cornmeal, cheese and onions; often served as a side at family meals and asado gatherings.

A starchy cheese pancake made from manioc starch and cheese, common for breakfast or snacks at local vendors.

Paraguayan-style barbecue—grilled beef and sausages—available at parrillas and family restaurants.

Bustling market with fresh produce, baked chipa, cheeses and small food stalls selling empanadas and local snacks—great for tasting authentic flavors and photographing daily life.

Evening and midday vendors often sell pastries, chipa, grilled meats and cold tereré; excellent for quick bites and people-watching.

A handshake is a common greeting; among friends a light kiss on the cheek may occur. Use polite Spanish greetings like 'buenos días' and ‘muchas gracias’.

Show respect for older people and community traditions; ask before photographing people in rural or Indigenous contexts and be polite when declining offers of hospitality.

Tereré is a shared social ritual—if offered, accept politely; don’t grab the cup without being invited, and follow the host’s cues about passing it around.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or formal events; public displays of rowdy behavior are frowned upon in smaller communities.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; rounding up a bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common in more tourist-oriented places. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small extra is fine.

Cash (Paraguayan guaraní) is king in Villarrica—use local currency for markets, small shops and taxis. Larger restaurants and hotels may accept cards, but always carry cash for smaller vendors and rural excursions; ATMs are available but may dispense limited amounts.

December to February is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; expect high temperatures and lush green countryside. Bring light clothing, sun protection and be prepared for sudden rain showers.

March to May brings slightly cooler days and less intense rain—pleasant for walking and outdoor activities with golden light and harvest-time markets.

June to August is cooler, especially at night; temperatures can be mild to cool but rarely freezing. This is a comfortable season for exploring without heavy rain.

September to November sees warming temperatures and blossoming trees; it's a good time for countryside hikes, though occasional showers appear.

Main international airport serving Paraguay, about 150–200 km from Villarrica; regular long‑distance buses or a private transfer connect to Villarrica (journey ~3–4 hours by road depending on traffic).

Located further east near the Brazil/Argentina border; an option for international flights depending on routing but requires a long overland transfer to Villarrica (several hours).