In this guide
Going out in Ñemby starts in the afternoon at Cerro Ñemby, a hill with trails, sports pitches and a lagoon in the old quarry; in the evening, life gathers in the centre around Plaza Fulgencio Yegros and the San Lorenzo parish church. Below is what to do at each place, where it is and how to get there without losing time on the PY01.
Cerro Ñemby: the afternoon plan
The hill is in Barrio Caaguazú, about 15 to 17 km south of Asunción (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab); Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). It opens 07:00 to 20:00 and covers about 70 hectares, with trails and paths to the summit, which looks over central Ñemby and Ruta PY01 (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- What to do: walk the trail of about 7 km, climb to the top, and use the sand and paved football pitches, the playground and the chess tables by the pitch (Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). There is also space to camp (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- How to get in: from the Acceso Sur (PY01) near the San Antonio turn-off, or from two points on Avenida Manuel Ortiz Guerrero (Última Hora, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Tip: go in the late afternoon when the sun drops, and bring water. The quarry lagoon is pretty for photos, but the water is stagnant and full of algae, so stay out (Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
About 2,500 people visit each week, with the biggest crowds at Easter (Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
What to do in central Ñemby
- Plaza Fulgencio Yegros and the San Lorenzo parish church. The square faces the main church, with a fountain and a fish pond (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The natural meeting point to start on foot.
- Casa de la Cultura. The city's main museum, on Calle 9 de Agosto (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Drop in by day and ask about upcoming events.
- Plaza Virgen de Schoenstatt. Home to a skate park built to official dimensions (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); in 2016 Ñemby opened Paraguay's first public skate park (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)). Busy with skaters in the afternoon; bring a board or just watch.
- Mercado Municipal. In the centre, with fruit, food and clothes (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A morning stop for breakfast or a quick lunch.
Football and weekends
- Estadio Pablo Patricio Bogarín. The largest stadium in the district, holding about 2,500 people, home of Club Cristóbal Colón (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Check the club's fixtures for a local football outing.
Date to plan around: Easter on the hill
Ñemby's big date is Holy Week. In 2023 the municipality staged, on the hill beside the quarry lagoon, Jesus's entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (15:00 to 19:00) and the Stations of the Cross along the "path of lights" on Good Friday (19:00 to 21:00), with traditional singers and free entry (Última Hora, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). The city's patron saint is San Lorenzo (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Getting there and around
Ruta PY01 (formerly Acceso Sur) runs through the city and links it with Asunción (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Buses run to Asunción, San Lorenzo, Lambaré, Fernando de la Mora and other towns, including lines 2, 15-2, 18 Lince, 38 and 47 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Driving on a Friday evening, avoid the PY01 rush and reach the hill via Avenida Manuel Ortiz Guerrero. To add another outing nearby, Villa Elisa's Paseo Parque has paths, gardens and parking, with free entry (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
FAQ
What is there to do in Ñemby?
In the afternoon, walk or climb Cerro Ñemby (open 07:00 to 20:00); then stroll Plaza Fulgencio Yegros and the San Lorenzo parish church, or watch the skaters at Plaza Virgen de Schoenstatt.
What are Cerro Ñemby's opening hours?
According to ABC Color (2025), 07:00 to 20:00. Enter from the Acceso Sur near the San Antonio turn-off or from Avenida Manuel Ortiz Guerrero.
Can you swim in the Cerro Ñemby lagoon?
It is not advisable: the old quarry lagoon has stagnant water with algae. It is a place for walks and photos.
Where can I grab a bite in Ñemby?
For a quick daytime bite, the Mercado Municipal in the centre has fruit and food; it works as a morning stop before walking the squares.
