In this guide
For time outdoors in Villarrica, head to Parque Manuel Ortiz Guerrero, with its lagoon and capybaras right in the centre; for walking or running with more room, Parque del Guairá at the edge of town. Add the downtown squares and the old railway quarter, and in summer go before 10 am or after 5 pm.
When should you go out?
Paraguay's Health Ministry advises exercising in summer before 10:00 or after 17:00, with water and light clothing (MSPBS, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). In Villarrica that matters: in December 2017 the high hit 37 °C, that year had 19 days above 35 °C, and the record is 40.4 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- November to February: park early or at dusk; midday in the shade or indoors.
- September and October: the rainiest months; check the forecast.
- Winter: the best time for a midday walk. Mornings can be cold: 2017 had 11 days below 5 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Parque Manuel Ortiz Guerrero: lagoon, capybaras and boats
The big green space downtown. It wraps around the Ykuá Pytã lagoon, with trees and trails, home to capybaras, ducks, fish and birds that visitors can feed (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). You'll also see herons and geese, plus the Panambi Vera monument, where poet Manuel Ortiz Guerrero is buried (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
- Where: enter on Dr. Bottrel street from Mayor Bullo or Azara (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). The Ykua Pytã stadium is next door.
- Swan boats: in 2022 the town added two-seat pedal boats shaped like swans, G. 5,000 per person for a ride of about 10 minutes, life jackets included (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Ask at the lagoon whether they still run and what they cost.
- Fuente de los Enamorados: the fountain was restored along with new park lighting, and the park became a favourite photo spot in the afternoon and evening (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
- Tip: a lap of the lagoon with a flask of tereré is the local classic. More ideas with kids in family places in Villarrica.
Parque del Guairá: walking, running and cycling
It sits at the entrance to town (Última Hora, 2026 (opens in a new tab)) and is the park for moving: good for walking and cycling, with an outdoor gym and sports courts (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). If you want distance without ten laps of the lagoon, this is it. As it's on the way into town, drive or ride there from the centre and head back before dark.
Squares and short downtown walks
- Plaza de los Héroes and Plaza de la Libertad. The two central squares: Héroes in front of the town hall, Libertad beside the cathedral (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). The Feria Amistad farmers' market sells on Plaza Libertad two days a week (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)), a good time to buy fruit and sit in the shade.
- Barrio Estación. The old Carlos Antonio López railway station has no locomotive, but people come for photos, a rest and tereré; beside it stands a legally protected 1940s silo covered in murals (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Best late in the day.
- Paseo Manú and the Chiquitunga gardens. Part of the town walking circuit along with old houses and murals; you can go on your own or with local guides (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Nature within an hour: river and hills
- Playa Ysoró, Itapé. On the Tebicuarymí river, packed in hot weather (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Itapé is about 20 km away, and the paved road via Loma Hovy works even after rain (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Salto Suizo, Independencia. A waterfall of about 40 metres with natural pools (La Nación, 2020 (opens in a new tab)), 38 km from Villarrica; the last 8 km from Melgarejo are dirt (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). The final 300 metres are on foot over streams and rocks.
- Cerro Akatí. A viewpoint at 600 metres, with a trail to Itá Letra, pre-Columbian rock carvings. From Melgarejo it's 15 km of road, and the last 2 km are tough for small cars (La Nación, 2020 (opens in a new tab)).
- Cerro Tres Kandú. Paraguay's highest point at 842 metres, in General Eugenio A. Garay district (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The climb from the visitor reception takes 2 to 3 hours over 15 stations (La Nación, 2020 (opens in a new tab)). A full-day trip.
After heavy rain, leave the dirt roads for another day. The full itinerary is in our Villarrica travel guide.
What to bring
- Water or a tereré flask, a cap and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent, especially by the lagoon and in the woods.
- Shoes with grip for the waterfalls; flip-flops only for the river.
- Small cash for boats, entry fees or a snack.
FAQ
What is the main park in Villarrica, Paraguay?
Parque Manuel Ortiz Guerrero in the centre, with the Ykuá Pytã lagoon and capybaras. Enter on Dr. Bottrel street from Mayor Bullo or Azara.
Where can I walk or run in Villarrica?
Parque del Guairá at the entrance to town has room for walking and cycling, an outdoor gym and courts. For something short, loop the lagoon at Parque Ortiz Guerrero.
What time is best for the park in summer?
Before 10:00 or after 17:00, as the Health Ministry advises. Villarrica tops 35 °C on many summer days.
Are there hills to hike near Villarrica?
Yes: Cerro Akatí, 15 km from Melgarejo, and Cerro Tres Kandú, Paraguay's highest point at 842 metres, in General Eugenio A. Garay; both are in the Ybytyruzú range.
