In this guide
In Pilar, the capital of Ñeembucú, the best things to do are in the walkable historic centre: the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, the Museo Cabildo and the riverside promenade on the Ñeembucú stream. Add a river-fish lunch and, if you can pick your dates, the January Fiesta Hawaiana or the Holy Week fishing tournament. The town sits about 230 km south of Asunción (opens in a new tab), so plan at least one night.
What to see in the centre
Park near the main square and walk; early morning or late afternoon is easier in the heat.
- Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar. The only church in Paraguay ranked as a minor basilica (opens in a new tab), a title granted by John Paul II in 1979; the interior is clad in Italian marble (opens in a new tab). The town's patron saint day is 12 October.
- Plaza de los Héroes. Right in front of the basilica, with the two monuments everyone photographs: the Giant Bicycle and the Giant Guitar (opens in a new tab).
- Museo Cabildo. The only colonial cabildo (town hall) still standing in Paraguay (opens in a new tab). It keeps belongings, photos and trophies of Marshal Francisco Solano López, who gave speeches from its balcony (La Nación (opens in a new tab)); newer rooms cover everyday life of the period, not just battles (Última Hora, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). No opening hours are published, so ask at the town hall first.
- Old houses and themed walks. More than 30 colonial-era houses have been lit at night since 2024, and the Fish Mural and Teatro San Alfonso stand side by side (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). ABC Color also lists umbrella, light and flag walks and a cultural walk with murals of Paraguayan poets and musicians (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
The promenade and the Ñeembucú stream
Pilar sits between the Paraguay River and the Ñeembucú stream, and its flood walls double as the costanera (opens in a new tab), the place for a sunset walk or bike ride.
- The stretch along the stream has a 1,120 m path with lookouts, for pedestrians and bikes only (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- The locals' traditional beach is on the same stream, near the Deportivo Pilarense club and the local sport-fishing association (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Work continues: phase C, with linear parks and bike lanes, was under construction in April 2026 (La Nación (opens in a new tab)), so some sections may be closed.
Nature inside the town
- Howler monkeys can be seen and heard in the morning and early afternoon (opens in a new tab), mostly in the trees of the squares.
- Birdwatching at the Cnel. Felipe Toledo cavalry regiment, which ABC Color recommends for its woodland on the Ñeembucú stream (opens in a new tab). It is a military base, so ask at the gate whether visitors are allowed.
What to eat
River fish is the thing: surubí, corvina, pacú and dorado (opens in a new tab), served in the town's restaurants and hotels (La Nación (opens in a new tab)). Ask for the catch of the day and how it is cooked: fried, grilled or in a soup (caldo).
Dates worth planning around
- Fiesta Hawaiana (January). Held since 1988 on the Ñeembucú stream on the first Saturday of January (opens in a new tab); organisers report more than 20,000 people on the beach. Book a room early.
- Holy Week. The traditional boat fishing tournament for corvina, run by Deportivo Pilarense and Copa Puku, reached its 49th edition in 2025 (opens in a new tab) and draws anglers from across Mercosur (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- October. The patron saint day and town anniversary on the 12th, with the Pilar Vive festival (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Getting there and how long to stay
- By car: from Asunción take the PY19 via Villeta and Alberdi (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). It saves about 130 km (opens in a new tab) over the old route, and the 90 km Alberdi–Pilar stretch has been paved since December 2023 (opens in a new tab).
- By bus: ask at Asunción's main bus terminal for departures to Pilar and the return times.
- How long: one night covers the centre, the promenade and a fish dinner. With two nights, add Humaitá, about 40 km away (opens in a new tab) on a dirt road; see our guide to things to do in Humaitá. Only have one day? Read our day trip to Pilar.
FAQ
What is there to do in Pilar, Paraguay?
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, Plaza de los Héroes, the Museo Cabildo and the old colonial houses, then walk the promenade on the Ñeembucú stream. It is all walkable.
Why is Pilar's basilica special?
It is the only church in Paraguay ranked as a minor basilica, a title granted by John Paul II in 1979.
When is the Fiesta Hawaiana in Pilar?
In early January, on the first Saturday of the month according to Wikipedia, on the banks of the Ñeembucú stream. Book accommodation early.
How far is Pilar from Asunción?
About 230 km south, via the PY19 through Villeta and Alberdi. Plan to stay at least one night.
