In this guide
From Encarnación, Hohenau works well as a day trip: it is about 35 km up Route PY06, and the plan is to stop at the Trinidad ruins on the way, see the Edwin Krug museum, have lunch and spend the afternoon at Parque Manantial, then finish with sunset at the port on the Paraná. From Asunción it is not a day trip: the area is over 400 km away (neighbouring Obligado is 414 km), so sleep in Encarnación or in the colonies.
Getting there: car, bus and from Asunción
- By car (easiest). Head north on PY06; Hohenau is at km 35 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)) and the road runs through the town centre (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A car gets you to the port and parks on your own schedule.
- By bus. Buses head north on PY06 from Encarnación's terminal (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)); ask to get off in central Hohenau. For the port and parks, take a remís (local taxi) in town.
- From Asunción. It is about 7 hours by bus just to Encarnación (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab)), and Obligado is 414 km from the capital (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Arrive the day before.
A one-day plan, stop by stop
8:00 – Trinidad ruins (optional). They sit on the same PY06 a few kilometres before Hohenau and open at 7:00 (Pilgrimaps (opens in a new tab)). In April 2026 entry was G. 40,000 for foreigners and G. 25,000 for Paraguayans (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Allow one to two hours, or skip it if you have been. More in things to do in Trinidad.
10:30 – Edwin Krug museum. Edwin Krug's former home, donated to the town, with objects from the first immigrants, period radios and a film camera that still works (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Hohenau's tourism office is here (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)): pick up maps and ask about the road to the port.
12:30 – Lunch at Parque Manantial. On Avenida Elsa Graf (Parque Manantial (opens in a new tab)), with a large restaurant serving regional food (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab); Visit Colonias Unidas (opens in a new tab)).
14:00 – Pool or walk. In summer, stay for Manantial's pools; on cooler days, walk the Parque Ecológico Municipal Ing. Alfredo Sitzmann, 25 hectares with an eco-museum and green areas (Visit Colonias Unidas (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). For pool access, message +595 985 842795 beforehand (Parque Manantial (opens in a new tab)).
17:30 – Sunset at Hohenau port. Where the first families landed: a beach, Paraná views and fishing (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). Then drive back to Encarnación.
With more time: Bella Vista and yerba mate
Bella Vista is 13 km further north, at km 48 of PY06 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Swap the pool afternoon for the Guyra'í Rape tour at Yerba Mate Pajarito: factory, nursery, organic yerba field and museum in about an hour and a half; it cost G. 15,000 per person and they ask for about 24 hours' notice at (0981) 259 659 (Pajarito (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). Full plan in things to do in Bella Vista.
When to go
- Late September: the Fiesta Nacional de las Colectividades at the Parque de las Naciones; in 2025 it ran 26–28 September (Visit Colonias Unidas (opens in a new tab)). Busier, with fewer beds.
- Summer: highs reach 37–38 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Pool at midday, port in the late afternoon.
- After heavy rain: many roads outside town are dirt (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); swap the port for more time at the museum and Manantial.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel for the pool.
- Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water.
- Cash in guaraníes for entry fees, remís and small purchases.
- Closed shoes for the Sitzmann park or the riverbank.
Staying longer? Things to do in Hohenau covers the rest of town, festivals and where to sleep.
FAQ
Can you do Hohenau as a day trip from Asunción?
No: the area is over 400 km away and Encarnación alone is about 7 hours by bus. Sleep in Encarnación or in the colonies.
How far is Hohenau from Encarnación?
About 35 km on Route PY06; by bus, take one heading north from the terminal and get off in central Hohenau.
What can you see in Hohenau in one day?
The Edwin Krug museum, Parque Manantial or the Sitzmann park, and sunset at the port. Leave early to add the Trinidad ruins on the way.
Is it worth combining Hohenau with Bella Vista?
Yes, if you have time: Bella Vista is 13 km further north and the Pajarito yerba mate tour takes about an hour and a half, booked ahead.
