Around 80 percent of the stones used to build the Misión Jesuítica de la Santísima Trinidad del Paraná came from Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón, a former Jesuit quarry in Trinidad. This connection makes the landscape itself part of Itapúa’s history. The region also offers missions, astronomical exhibitions and experiences involving mate, honey and nature. Its varied attractions make it easy to shape your stay around your interests.
Jesuit Missions: History and Design
The Misión de la Santísima Trinidad in Itapúa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for its exceptional state of preservation and historical significance. Together with the missions of Jesús de Tavarangüe and San Cosme y San Damián, it brings history and technology together: immersive experiences include light and sound shows. Alongside the historic site, modern ways of presenting its history also take center stage.
Two museums in the Misión de la Santísima Trinidad complex offer further insights. The Museo Jesuítico displays stone sculptures, niches and altarpieces. The Museo Lítico houses carved stone pieces, including remains of angels and saints. The collections emphasize different aspects: one focuses on furnishings and sculptures, the other on worked stones and their figures.
Stargazing and Guaraní Knowledge
The Centro de Interpretación Astronómica o Planetario Buenaventura Suárez in San Cosme y San Damián combines astronomical observation with Guaraní knowledge of the sky. Its observatory has solar and night-sky telescopes for detailed observations. A multimedia presentation room focuses on Guaraní astronomy, while the planetarium projects constellations according to the Guaraní worldview.
Other features illustrate different astronomical concepts: a gnomon is used to measure solstices and equinoxes. An armillary sphere illustrates the Earth’s movement around the Sun, and a scale model depicts the solar system. The “Tobogán Galáctico” represents our galaxy with a black hole at its center. Those interested in astronomy will find several ways to explore it here, from observation instruments to a depiction of the sky from a Guaraní perspective.
Nature Trails and Outdoor Activities
At Parque Ecológico Ita Cajón, hiking trails and cycling routes complement the story of the former quarry. The park also has a natural waterfall. Those who prefer to focus on physical activity can explore the hiking and cycling options; the waterfall, trails and historic connection to the mission also give the park several points of interest.
Nature and activities also go hand in hand in Carlos Antonio López, where visitors can enjoy hikes, horseback rides, sport fishing and adventure tourism. Streams and rivers with clean water also make water sports and refreshing swims possible. The options range from exploring on foot or horseback to activities on the water.
Experiences with Mate, Honey and Culture
In Bella Vista, the “Yerbatero por un día” tour takes visitors through the production facilities of the Aventura Selecta yerba mate factory. Visits require advance reservations. In northeastern Itapúa, visitors can sample a variety of dishes featuring yerba mate as the main ingredient along the Ka’a-Rape route; the specific food offerings may vary. Both experiences feature mate from different perspectives: as part of the production process and as an ingredient in cooking.
The Circuito de la Miel in Nueva Alborada shows how honey and its by-products are made. A different kind of knowledge exchange takes place on the forest trail through the Comunidad Mbya Guaraní Pindó in San Cosme y San Damián: local hosts share their spiritual connection with nature and their knowledge of traditional medicine, passed down through generations, with visitors.
When choosing what to do, you can weigh up the options of mission history, astronomy, outdoor activities, and insights into local production and knowledge. The places and experiences appeal to different interests; there is no need to squeeze every theme into a single itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Encarnación, Capitán Miranda, Trinidad, Bella Vista Sur, Obligado, San Cosme y Damián, Natalio and Lambare.
For the broader travel overview: Paraguay.
