In this guide
Cerro Corá National Park has four things to do: hike up to the Cerro Muralla lookout, walk the history trail where the War of the Triple Alliance ended, see the museum and the rock paintings, and take a break on the banks of the Aquidabán River. The park is in Amambay department in north-east Paraguay, about 40 km from Pedro Juan Caballero (sources range from 35 to 45 km), and according to La Nación (2023) (opens in a new tab) it is open daily from 8:00 to 15:00.
Hike up Cerro Muralla
This is the park's natural lookout, with views over the Amambay range (La Nación, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). A park ranger quoted there describes two ways up: from Route PY05, with a walk of just over 2 km, or along the trail that starts at the monument to the last battle, about 7 km (same source; Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)).
- Before you go up: register at the main entrance (Última Hora, 2019 (opens in a new tab)).
- Note: rock climbing was stopped because of falling rock; the summit is reached on foot (same source).
- Tip: short on time, take the short access. The 7 km trail needs an early start, as entry closes at 15:00.
Walk the history trail
Marshal Francisco Solano López died here on 1 March 1870, in the last battle of the war, by the Aquidabán Nigüí stream (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- The route: it starts at the visitor centre and passes the spot where López died, the place where his son Panchito was executed, the monument and the marshal's grave (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)). La Nación describes a stretch of about 300 metres with both headstones and a large white cross (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Who it suits: short and flat, fine for children and older visitors.
- Busiest day: 1 March, Heroes' Day, when official ceremonies are held in the park and visitor numbers peak (same source). Avoid it for quiet; go then if the history is what draws you.
See the museum and the rock art
- Museum: in the visitor centre, with remains of weapons and utensils from the war plus stuffed local animals (Última Hora, 2018 (opens in a new tab); Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)). Start here: half an hour gives you the context for everything outside.
- Rock paintings: the park has stones and caves with pre-Columbian paintings and inscriptions, with traces of the Pa'i Tavyterã culture (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); Última Hora, 2018 (opens in a new tab)). Ask a ranger which ones are open that day, and don't touch them.
Rest by the Aquidabán and look for wildlife
There are recreation areas along the Aquidabán (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In 2021 the Environment Ministry stated the park may not be used as a beach or bathing spot (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)), so ask before going in the water.
The park mixes cerrado savanna, tall forest and gallery forest, with about 594 plant species recorded; deer and crab-eating foxes (aguara'i) are still seen, and birdlife is rich enough that binoculars are recommended (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Early morning is best.
Hours, fees and rules
- Hours: daily 8:00 to 15:00 (La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). In 2021 visitors could stay until 17:00 (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)).
- Entry: G. 20,000 for adults and G. 5,000 for minors, per La Nación (2023). In 2021 a car paid G. 15,000 and a motorbike G. 5,000. Bring cash.
- Camping: in 2016 camping by the Aquidabán was free (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab)); it was banned in 2021, and in 2023 the camping area was listed again among the activities (La Nación). Check with the rangers before bringing a tent.
- Rules: follow ranger instructions, take your rubbish with you, don't remove plants or animals and keep out of restricted zones (La Nación, 2023).
- Where to sleep: there is no lodging in the park; hotels are in Pedro Juan Caballero (Última Hora, 2018 (opens in a new tab)).
Getting there and what's nearby
The park lies on Route PY05 between Concepción and Pedro Juan Caballero. Asunción is more than 450 km away, so the usual plan is to sleep in Pedro Juan and set off early. For an hour-by-hour plan see our Cerro Corá day trip.
About 15 km from central Pedro Juan is Chacurrú, a private reserve with waterfalls, hanging bridges, a zip line and a rappel beside the falls (Última Hora, 2016 (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). For the rest of the trip, see our Pedro Juan Caballero travel guide.
FAQ
How much is entry to Cerro Corá National Park?
According to La Nación (2023), G. 20,000 for adults and G. 5,000 for minors. Bring cash and check at the gate.
What are Cerro Corá's opening hours?
Daily from 8:00 to 15:00, according to La Nación (2023). Arrive early if you want to hike Cerro Muralla.
How long is the hike to Cerro Muralla?
Just over 2 km from the Route PY05 access, or about 7 km on the trail that starts at the monument to the last battle.
How far is Cerro Corá from Pedro Juan Caballero?
About 40 km along Route PY05; sources range from 35 to 45 km.
