In this guide
Entertainment in Filadelfia means Mennonite-colony museums, Chaco War forts, salt lagoons with flamingos and a short calendar of big events, led by the Expo Rodeo Trébol in August, held in neighbouring Loma Plata district. There are no clubs or malls, so plan around the heat: outdoors early or at sunset, museums and the pool at midday.
What to do in town during the day
The centre is flat and walkable along Avenida Hindenburg, the main street (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Centro de Interpretación del Gran Chaco. At the town entrance, covering Chaco wildlife, plants, Indigenous peoples and the Chaco War. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00, free entry (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). One of the few things open on Sunday.
- Jakob Unger Science Museum. Mounted Chaco wildlife with about 210 bird species, glyptodont and mastodon fossils and pre-Columbian objects (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)). It is the only co-op museum with regular opening; the rest are booked through the tourist office (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)).
- Fernheim museum circuit. Knelsen-Haus (a 1948 settler home), the Colony House and the School Museum. The Cooperativa Fernheim tourist office runs the circuit (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)), so stop there first and ask what is open that day.
- Parque de las Memorias and the "Gatter" sawmill, the colony's first saw (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), for a short walk after the museums.
Most businesses close 12:00 to 14:00 on weekdays, Saturday afternoon and all Sunday (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)).
Day trips outside town
You need a car or a hotel tour; everything is tens of kilometres away.
- Fortín Boquerón. One of the best-preserved forts, with a museum of weapons and photos, trenches and a cemetery (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Some forts need booking, so call ahead.
- Fortín Toledo and the Chacoan peccary. The CCCI conservation centre breeds the taguá and gives talks to visitors; it is 30 km from Filadelfia, about 9 km off the Transchaco, with a museum, trenches and dugouts (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Arrange the visit in advance.
- Fortín Isla Po'i. Estigarribia's former command post, with a lookout for sunset (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
- Laguna Capitán. Salt lagoons with flamingos and coscoroba swans; Filadelfia hotels sell the excursion (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)). Bring binoculars, a hat and repellent.
Events worth timing your trip around
- Expo Rodeo Trébol (August). The country's oldest agricultural show (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). It is held at the Asociación Rodeo Trébol grounds in Loma Plata district (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In 2022 it ran 13 to 21 August with more than 600 animals and a criollo endurance ride (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). The 49th edition in August 2025 lasted five days, drew 41,688 visitors and featured Chaco lasso contests, barrel and pole racing, riders, music and food (InfoNegocios, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Book accommodation early.
- Fiesta de las Tradiciones (late June or early July). Performances by the region's different peoples, traditional games and food (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- December. Christmas markets and classical concerts at the local conservatory (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- Transchaco Rally. Mostly run around Mariscal Estigarribia, where hotels were fully booked in 2023 (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). The date changes every year: the 2026 edition runs from 30 October to 1 November (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Book as soon as the date is announced.
Evenings and the hottest hours
Filadelfia goes to bed early and nights are quiet (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). The reliable dinner is the co-op's Hotel Florida restaurant at Avenida Hindenburg 165-S, with buffet and à la carte, open every day including holidays (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab); Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab); Hotel Florida (opens in a new tab)). Its pool is for guests and is the best midday escape if you stay there (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)).
Summer heat tops 40 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). On 35 to 40 °C days, Paraguay's health ministry advises activity between 6:00 and 10:00 or 18:00 and 22:00 and drinking water often (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). So: fort or lagoon first thing or at sunset, museum mid-morning, rest after lunch.
A weekend plan
- Saturday morning: Interpretation Centre, Jakob Unger Museum and Parque de las Memorias. Eat lunch before 12:00.
- Saturday afternoon: pool or siesta; leave at 16:00 for Fortín Toledo or Laguna Capitán and return in daylight.
- Sunday: Fortín Boquerón early, then head back. The centre is closed.
Getting there
About 470 km from Asunción on the PY09 Transchaco; the centre is 15 km off the highway (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). Buses from Asunción's terminal take about 7 hours (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)). Carry cash: few shops take cards.
FAQ
What is there to do in Filadelfia, Paraguay?
Visit the Gran Chaco Interpretation Centre and the Jakob Unger Museum, take a sunset trip to a Chaco War fort or Laguna Capitán, and in August catch the Expo Rodeo Trébol in neighbouring Loma Plata district.
When is the Expo Rodeo Trébol?
In August, at the Asociación Rodeo Trébol grounds in Loma Plata district. In 2022 it ran 13 to 21 August, and the 2025 edition lasted five days. Check the current year's dates and book early.
Is there nightlife in Filadelfia?
Very little; the town goes to bed early. The Hotel Florida restaurant on Avenida Hindenburg opens every day and is the safest dinner option.
What is open on Sunday in Filadelfia?
Not much. The Gran Chaco Interpretation Centre opens Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00, free, and the Hotel Florida restaurant opens daily.
