Travel Guide San Cosme Y Damián

This city of about 10,000 inhabitants, with its rural areas, is famous for its Jesuit mission founded in 1632, but also for the work of Buenaventura Suárez, one of the most brilliant astronomers of his time. In addition to a stone sundial that still works, the Jesuit father made his own telescope with materials from the Río Paraná and created a lunar calendar with incredible precision over more than a century. In homage to the great astronomer and the Guaraníes, who also knew how to interpret the movements of the stars, San Cosme y Damián has a modern astronomy centre for a beautiful celestial journey, with well-trained guides. San Cosme y Damián is also a popular destination for its famous sand dunes in the middle of Lake Yacyretá. Enough to stay one night (or two if you arrive late on the first day). There are several guesthouses of varying comfort. The tourist office (Senatur - +595 73 275 315 - +595 985 732 956), located in front of the central square at the entrance to the observatory, will be able to give you an updated list. It is open every day from 7am to 9pm. Its director, Rolando Barboza, will inform you about everything: transport, accommodation, excursions to the dunes, astronomical centre and historical information. Be careful, the only bank machine in the village, at the observatory, does not accept all international cards, take your precautions.