Hidden gems in Paraguay

Waterfalls, natural pools, viewpoints and beaches that most itineraries skip — cheap or free, with what you need to know before you go.

11 places · 5 free to enter

1. Cerro Koi

   🌿 Nature 📍 Areguá Free entry

   A rare geological phenomenon: sandstone rocks crystallised into almost perfect hexagons, something found in only two other countries in the world. Free, with a short path of about 1.5 km to a viewpoint at the summit overlooking Lake Ypacaraí. Worth combining with a visit to the artists' town of Areguá. Most enjoyable in the morning, before the heat.

   On the map Source: geoparque.facen.una.py

2. Cerro Chorori

   ⛰️ Viewpoint 📍 Areguá Free entry

   The lesser-known twin of Cerro Koi, with the same unique hexagonal rocks and marked trails of varying difficulty. Free, and the viewpoints look out over the valleys and the glint of Lake Ypacaraí: an excellent place for birding and photography. Bring water and good shoes, and pair it with Cerro Koi on the same day.

   On the map Source: apps.mades.gov.py

3. Salto Cristal

   💧 Waterfall 📍 La Colmena

   A spectacular waterfall of about 45 metres plunging into a deep natural pool of crystal-clear water, surrounded by Atlantic forest and small streams: one of the most beautiful in Paraguay and still off the tourist trail. Entry is a token (a donation at your discretion, since it is on private land), so it is very cheap. The trail is long and mostly exposed to the sun, so set out early, carry plenty of water and download a map in advance.

   On the map Source: lanacion.com.py

4. Salto Suizo

   💧 Waterfall 📍 Colonia Independencia

   Paraguay's highest waterfall, about 60 metres of falling water in a green ecological park with birds and native forest. Entry is very cheap (about 10,000 guaraníes, under US$2) and there is a camping area at the entrance. Most beautiful in the rainy season, when the flow is strong, while the road is most pleasant in the dry season (May–September). Wear good shoes: there is some climbing.

   On the map Source: alltrails.com

5. Laguna Blanca

   🏞️ Lagoon 📍 Santa Rosa del Aguaray

   A lagoon with completely transparent water over white sand, the closest you will find in Paraguay to a Caribbean beach, and you can even snorkel in it. There is a family campsite and prices are low, but look after the place: there is a limit of about 100 visitors a day, so it is worth booking ahead. The water is clean and calm, perfect for a day in nature far from the city. Keep it quiet and clean; that is part of the magic here.

   On the map Source: en.wikipedia.org

6. Mirador de Tobatí

   ⛰️ Viewpoint 📍 Tobatí Free entry

   A free viewpoint on a rock outcrop at the entrance to the craft town of Tobatí, with a panoramic view of the hills and the town. Access is especially easy, with steps and ramps, so everyone can get up. At the foot of the rock are three sculptures with Indigenous faces honouring the area's first inhabitants. A short, rewarding stop on the Golden Circle route, most beautiful towards sunset.

   On the map Source: visitparaguay.travel

7. Salto Piraretã

   🌊 River 📍 Piribebuy

   A waterfall and a series of natural swimming pools among eucalyptus trees, one of the places Paraguayans themselves love for escaping the heat. One of the cascades works like a natural hydro-massage: real fun. Entry is cheap, and it is most refreshing in the morning. There are several other balnearios nearby (such as Pinamar and the Piraretã garden) to combine on the same day.

   On the map Source: abc.com.py

8. Salto Chololó

   🌊 River 📍 Piribebuy

   A wide, low waterfall on a stream named after the sound of water breaking over rocks, in a green area with springs and small cascades. A pleasant, family-friendly spot for a lunch stop on the way, at a low price. Note: water quality for swimming varies by season and is not always approved, so enjoy the view and the atmosphere, and check before going in.

   On the map Source: abc.com.py

9. Cerro Yaguarón

   ⛰️ Viewpoint 📍 Yaguarón Free entry

   A rocky hill in the heart of the town of Yaguarón with a free viewpoint at the top and a panoramic view over the towns of Pirayú, Itá and Paraguarí. You climb stone steps worn over the years, and at the top a cross and a small chapel wait. Combine the visit with Yaguarón's famous Franciscan church at the foot of the hill, one of the most beautiful in Paraguay.

   On the map Source: es.wikipedia.org

10. Cerro Santo Tomás

    ⛰️ Viewpoint 📍 Paraguarí Free entry

    A beautiful climb through pasture, forest with lapacho and cedar trees, and rock formations, up to the small Santo Tomás cave and a viewpoint over the town and the plains. The route takes about 3–4 hours there and back and is best done with a local guide the first time. Access crosses private land: sometimes a token fee is charged, but usually you just talk to the caretaker and go through. Bring plenty of water.

    On the map Source: abc.com.py

11. Saltos Mina y Guaraní - Parque Nacional Ybycuí

    💧 Waterfall 📍 Ybycuí

    A forested national park with several waterfalls and natural swimming pools: Salto Mina, with two water steps and a pool at its base, and the small, sweet Salto Guaraní a short walk away. Entry is very cheap (around 5,000–10,000 guaraníes), and well-marked trails lead through the forest, the streams and the historic ruins of the old ironworks. Most fun in the rainy season, when the flow is strong.

    On the map Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Written by the TravelOS team from the sources linked on each card. Prices, hours and access change — check the source or ask locally before you set out.