Things to see and do Central East Region

This national park is one of the most visited in Paraguay. Access is fairly easy from the capital, 150 km away. With an area of 5,000 hectares, it was created in 1973 and offers varied landscapes, with hills and vegetation characteristic of the Atlantic Forest of High Paraná. Orchids and bromeliads can be admired, and it is easy to spot coatis or armadillos. The main attraction of the park is its waterfalls, especially Salto Mina and Salto Guaraní. Salto Mina is also called Salto Cristal by locals, but should not be confused with the "real" Salto Cristal, much higher up, located towards La Colmena. It is a bucolic place, with several waterfalls and pools, where you can refresh yourself. Quiet during the week, it's very crowded on weekends. A short (indicated) steep walk takes you to a watchtower, which offers a beautiful view of the tropical selve. As for the Salto Guarani, it is located on the Arroyo Mina, 900 metres from the camping area, along a path popular with butterflies. Also in the park is the old foundry La Rosada (or Minas Cue). It is the first ferrous metal foundry in South America. Put into service in 1856, under Carlos Antonio López, it was destroyed by allied troops in 1869. It produced tools, horseshoes, precision parts for the naval industry and especially weapons during the war. A museum explains how it works.

An elegant 42-metre high waterfall amidst lush vegetation. Downstairs, a deep natural swimming pool, with very fresh water (it is advisable to come between 11am and 4pm to get some sun while bathing!). A quiet place during the week, minus the weekends. The descent of a hundred meters, once very sporty, is now done by a staircase. Following a dispute between two neighbours (access to the waterfall is via private property), please check before going to the site whether it is open to the public.

The highest waterfall in the country, at 60 m high. It is more beautiful after a few days of rain, but it is precisely there that the track is the most difficult (1 hour in 4x4). So the best way to get there is by bike. In the dry season, the waterfall is just a trickle, a little disappointing. The site has been laid out with iron stairs and guides available on site. A zip line (200 m long and 80 m high) awaits the most daring (another is planned). The viewpoint of Cerro de la Cruz (555 m high) is 1 km away.

A municipal park in the middle of which is the lagoon of Ykua Pytá, "quiet lagoon" in Guarani. The park is named after the author of the famous guarania Panambi verá, who grew up in Villarrica. A monument shows the poet Manuel Ortíz Guerrero resting against a tree, under the wings of a huge butterfly, panambi in Guarani. Keep your eyes open, you may see one of the capybaras that live around the lagoon. The capybara, or carpincho, is the largest rodent in the world.