From Asunción to Encarnación: Paraguay’s 6 Picturesque Towns

If you’re looking for things to do between Asunción to Encarnación, travel through these six picturesque towns. Discover culture, folklore, history and waterfalls along this Paraguayan route.

Paraguay is definitely one of the lesser known Latin American countries (if not the least). Many of my backpacker friends have asked, “What even is there to do in Paraguay?“

Those new to backpacking through the country might be a bit stumped on where to visit in Paraguay due to the lack of clear travel information available online. Often, people will only visit Asunción, or decide to make a direct path from either Asunción to Ciudad del Este or Asunción to Encarnación, before crossing into Brazil or Argentina.

At this point, you may be asking, “So… what things are there to do between Asunción and Encarnación?” 

Between Asunción and Encarnación, there are so many beautiful towns with hikes, waterfalls, arts, folklore, colonial churches and culture to explore. Just outside of Asunción is a route called the El Circuito del Oro (the Golden Circuit) where many tour companies offer day trips from Asuncion.

But my favourite route to backpack/roadtrip between Asunción and Encarnación was the lesser known Ruta del Pueblos Pintorescos (the route of the Picturesque Towns).

The Route of Paraguay’s Picturesque Towns

In 2022, the Paraguayan Government established this route made up of six towns within the Department of Paraguarí. 

The six towns that make up Paraguay’s Pueblos Pintorescos are Yaguarón, Pirayú, Paraguarí, Escobar, Sapucai and General Bernardino Caballero. Each of these towns contributes to the culture, history, legends and customs that makes this state so interesting.

With the exception of Yaguarón, these towns are connected by the first railroad that was built in Paraguay. Construction began in 1856 and multiple English engineers came to Paraguay for the project. The train was functioning 5 years later, making it the first functional train service in South America. However, the train tracks were destroyed and the locomotives taken during the Triple Alliance War (1864-1870). 

These towns make a perfect roadtrip that incorporates Paraguayan history, culture and nature. It is also the perfect way to break up a roadtrip from Asuncion to Encarnación, passing through Villarrica.

Yaguarón – Attractions and Highlights

Known as the birthplace of Guaraní mythology, Yaguarón is a great place to stay for a few days and get to know local Paraguayan myths including the seven Guaraní monsters, explore the colourful streets, and learn about Guaraní astronomy. I adored the charm and community of Yaguarón and found it so easy to make friends with the creative locals. Read my Yaguarón article for more information about the town, its attractions, activities and accommodation options.

Top activities to do in Yaguarón include:

• Learn about Guaraní mythology and the town’s folklore:
  • The Paseo de los Mitos (Myths Walk)
  • Museo Tava Jaguaru on Cerro Yagúaron.
  • The shrine of Bruja Micaela Yahari.
• Explore and/or camp on Cerro Yaguarón.
• Visit the Templo de San Buenaventura, a church with Baroque and Guaraní influences.
• Learn about Greek and Guaraní astronomy with a local astrotourism guide.
• Visit the Museum of Dr. Francia, an important leader in Paraguay’s history.

Getting to Yaguarón from Asuncion: Drive east along PY01 or take a bus from Asuncion’s terminal heading to Paraguarí (Company: many options, including Paraguarí and San Buenaventura). 

See my Yaguarón blog post for my accommodation, travel and food suggestions.

Pirayú – Attractions and Highlights

While most of the Picturesque Towns are on the same highway, Pirayú is off PY01, about 9km north of Yaguarón. 

If you love bicycle adventures, the road between the two towns has beautiful views, and in parts, the road is lined with flowers on both sides. It is a relatively easy ride in both directions. 

The main attractions of Pirayú are:

• The magenta and white Capilla San Juan Pirayú in the south of the town.
• The Pirayú Train Station Museum for more history of its importance during the Triple Alliance War.
• The Campamento Cerro Leon Museum where thousands of Paraguayan soldiers were stationed during the Triple Alliance War. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday.
• Hiking to Cascada Madame Lynch. It’s a 3km hike through private property to the waterfalls. The entrance is open Wednesday to Sunday.
• Go searching for Electra C, an old abandoned plane that supposedly was used by the Paraguayan dictator, General Strossneggeer.

Getting to Pirayú from Yaguarón: Drive north along Ruta Yaguarón-Pirayú or take a bus a few blocks up from the north-east corner of the temple, e.g. outside the Museum of Dr. Francia (Companies: General Diaz S.R.L or Mario Decoud). 

By bike: You can rent a bike in Yaguarón for 10,000 PYG ($2 USD) an hour, or 50,000 PYG ($7 USD) for the day: +595 981 613321.

Paraguarí – Attractions and Highlights

Paraguari is one of the largest towns on this route, and is definitely the town to visit if you’re a fan of nature. The town boasts three lookouts and is close by to many 

• Hike to one of Paraguarí’s lookouts:
  • Cerro Perõ: a lookout with a 360 degree view. It’s a short walk from the centre of town and can also be accessed by car. 
  • Cerro Hu: a 45 minute steep climb over rocks to a lookout over the region. Space to camp. For free entry, enter through the ecological park. Remember to take water. 
  • Cerro Santo Tomas: a difficult hike with trails that are sometimes unclear, however definitely worth it. Access is through the Cabaña Maria Selva, who ask for a 15,000 PYG ($2 USD) fee. 
• The General Enrique Duarte Alder Artillery Historical Museum provides more insight into the Triple Alliance War and the Chaco War and exhibits original cannons and arms.
• Visit the Mbatoví Eco Reserve, where you can walk on suspension bridges, do zip lining and rappel. Book in advance via their Whatsapp – 150,000 PYG ($21 USD) per person. 
• Visit the Paraguarí Train Station. 

Getting to Paraguarí from Pirayú: Drive south-east along Ruta Pirayú-Paraguarí. I could not find any information on a bus that connects the two towns (I rode a bike here), so I would recommend asking around when you’re there or returning to Yaguarón first.

Getting to Paraguarí from Yaguarón: Drive east along PY01 or take a bus from the traffic lights on the corner of the PY01 and Pantaleón Arce outside Supermercado Amadito, heading to Paraguarí (Company: many options, including Paraguarí).

Escobar – Attractions and Highlights

Escobar is one of the smallest of Paraguay’s picturesque towns, with only 6,000 residents. The town is named after Paraguay’s President from 1886 to 1890, who helped to extend the railway line. 

This town does not have a large array of tourist attractions, however, things to do in Escobar include:

• Just outside of the town is a collection of volcanic baths with medicinal properties. You can purchase a day pass for 50,000 PYG ($7 USD) for Rancho las Marias to experience a bath in the volcanic waters.

• The old Escobar train station.
• The Parroquia Santa Teresita de Jesús.

Getting to Escobar from Paraguarí: Drive east along PY10 or take a bus from the Paraguarí bus terminal heading towards Caballero (Company: Paraguarí). 

Sapucai – Attractions and Highlights

While each of these towns has an old train station, Sapucai is definitely a highlight of this Paraguay adventure. The town boasts a large workshop for trains that has been converted into a museum. Because of the workshop, Sapucai was the first town to have water and lighting systems in the region.

During the 1800s engineers from England resided in this town, which is why there are multiple attractions with the name “Inglés”.

The main tourist attractions of Sapucai include:

• The Sapucai Railway Historical Museum, which demonstrates how the trains were made using the heavy machinery on display.
• The Entrance to Sapucai mural highlighting the town’s major features.
• Cafe Inglesa which is British themed and has a traditional English menu of scones and cakes. The house was one the residences of the English engineers and has spaces to learn about the history.
• The nearby Cerro Rokẽ and Salto Inglés. It’s a 1.5km hike to this waterfall.

Getting to Sapucai from Escobar: Drive east along PY10 or take a bus from the main road heading towards Caballero (Company: Paraguarí). 

General Bernandino Caballero – Attractions and Highlights

General Bernandino Caballero is the final of the picturesque towns on our route before Villarrica. This small town is surrounded by hills and has many old colonial buildings, including the old train station and many colonial houses.

General Bernandino Caballero was named after an important Commander that led his troops during the Triple Alliance War. His government also purchased the railway back from an Italian private investor, purchased more locomotives and wagons, and invested in construction stations in Villarrica and Paraguarí. 

However, General Bernandino Caballero’s main tourist attraction is not train related. It is a house that has been overtaken by nature. The Casa del Arbol is aptly named, due to the impressive tree roots which grow up and through the abandoned house’s walls. It is a brilliant spot for photography.

Getting to General Bernandino Caballero from Sapucai: Drive east along PY10 or take a bus from the main road heading towards Caballero (Company: Paraguarí). 

Finishing the Route of the Picturesque Towns and onwards to Villarrica

Now that you’ve visited Paraguay’s six Picturesque Towns, you’re ready to continue your journey across Paraguay. 

If you’ve got time, I would recommend checking out Villarrica, the city where things are upside down and inside out. From there you can take buses to Independencia, Encarnación, or to one of the central bus hubs for your next destination.

Getting to Villarrica from General Bernardino Caballero (or Paraguarí): Drive east along PY10 or take a bus from the main road to Villarrica (Companies: Ybyturuzu or Guaireña). This bus also stops at the Paraguarí Terminal too, which is helpful if you’re planning on using that town as your base. There are only 4 buses a day so I would message them to double check hours (+595 982 717202).