In this guide
In Altos, the things to do are watching woodcarvers at work, walking Plaza de los Héroes and San Lorenzo Mártir church, stepping into the green of Arroyo Saldívar and, if you can pick your date, coming back from 28 to 30 June for the Kamba ra'anga festival. It is a small town about 60 km from Asunción, high in the Cordillera de los Altos (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so you can see it all without rushing.
Where can you see and buy woodcarvings in Altos?
Crafts are the number one reason to stop in Altos. The town is known for figures and masks carved from timbó wood and painted in bold colours (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- The Escobar family workshop. The first one you reach driving up from San Bernardino, full of carved parrots, macaws, pombero goblins, chipa sellers and musicians (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In 2023 ABC Color placed it at the Yvu turn-off on the edge of Altos, open daily 7:00–20:00 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). In 2025 small pieces cost around G. 20,000 and large ones up to G. 100,000 (La Nación (opens in a new tab)).
- Workshops in the rural communities. Several homes in Altos' outlying compañías make woodcarvings, ñandutí lace, costume jewellery and ceramics (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). To watch someone at work, ask at the plaza or at the entrance workshop who is open that day.
- The festival craft fair. During San Pedro y San Pablo, the Altos artisans' association runs a fair with timbó masks, carvings, ñandutí and crochet; in 2023 the masks were the best sellers (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Bring cash. If you buy a mask, ask for good wrapping: it is painted wood.
What is there to see in the centre of Altos?
Everything is a few blocks apart:
- Plaza de los Héroes. Shaded by lapacho trees over fifty years old (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A good spot to sit in the shade with a tereré.
- San Lorenzo Mártir church. The parish church by the plaza; San Lorenzo is Altos' protector saint (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- José Asunción Flores monument. A tribute to the Altos-born musician (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Luis Alberto del Paraná's house. In the historic centre (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Is there nature to explore?
- Arroyo Saldívar. A nature reserve of more than 4 hectares about 800 m from the centre (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Wear closed shoes and bring repellent.
- The view. Altos sits at 207 m, about 9 km from Lake Ypacaraí, hence its nickname "Terraza del País", the country's terrace (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Which festivals are worth seeing?
Kamba ra'anga (28–30 June). Altos' big festival, at the San Pedro y San Pablo chapel in the Itá Guazú community, 1.5 km off the main road, signposted from town (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). The guaicurú performers come out covered in dried banana leaves and wearing cloth or timbó masks, and the masked Kamba ra'anga re-enact the fight against them; inside a ring, a mock abduction of women is played as a game with the crowd. In 2024 the main acts started at 19:00, and on the 29th there was mass at 10:00, a procession, a karu guasu (community lunch) at noon and a music festival at 13:00 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). It runs at night and June is cold, so wrap up and bring a torch.
Kurusu Rape Rendy (Good Friday). A 3 km torchlit walk accompanying the image of the Virgen de la Soledad, from the church plaza to the cemetery. In 2025 it started at 18:30 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Tips for your visit
- Getting there: by car, via the Luque–San Bernardino road or the PY02 to the San Bernardino turn-off (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)); from San Bernardino the road climbs to Altos.
- What to try: Altos is sausage country; locals are even nicknamed "choriceros" (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Weather: summer highs reach 39 °C and winter lows drop to 3 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Walk early in summer; in June, pack warm layers for the Kamba night.
- Combining: Atyrá, Caacupé and San Bernardino are nearby (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). Add one, not three.
- Payments: cash in guaraníes at workshops and fairs.
FAQ
What is there to do in Altos, Paraguay?
Visit the timbó woodcarving workshops, walk Plaza de los Héroes and San Lorenzo Mártir church, explore Arroyo Saldívar and, in late June, watch the Kamba ra'anga.
Where can you buy timbó masks in Altos?
At the family workshops at the town entrance on the road from San Bernardino, and at the artisans' association fair during the San Pedro y San Pablo festival.
When is the San Pedro y San Pablo festival in Altos?
From 28 to 30 June, at the chapel in the Itá Guazú community, 1.5 km off the main road. The main acts take place at night.
Why is Altos called the Terraza del País?
Because of its height: it sits at 207 m in the Cordillera de los Altos, about 9 km from Lake Ypacaraí.
