Things To Do
in Itacurubí de la Cordillera
Itacurubí de la Cordillera is a tranquil town in eastern Paraguay within the Cordillera Department, known for its rural charm and warm hospitality. Surrounded by rolling plains, farms, and small waterways, the area offers a genuine glimpse into the region's agricultural life. Visitors are welcomed by friendly locals, simple streets, and a pace of life that invites slow exploration.
It serves as a convenient base for day trips to nearby markets, nature trails, and regional cultural experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with the gentle buzz of the central plaza as you arrive in Itacurubi de la Cordillera and check into a cozy guesthouse. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and admire the colorful tiled roofs that dot the streets. Take a short orientation walk around town to get your bearings and enjoy the greeting smiles of local vendors.
Head to a family-owned restaurant for your first taste of sopa paraguaya served with a side of freshly brewed terere. Explore the nearby wooden sculptures and handicraft shops that give the town its nickname "Bienhechora." Feel the rhythmic hum of carving tools while chatting with artisans about their traditions and techniques.
Attend an informal folklore performance in the town square as dusk paints the sky in warm hues. Savor empanadas filled with local cheeses and herbs at a street-side stand. Wind down by sipping hot mate bajo the stars while listening to gentle guitar melodies drifting through the air.
Stroll into the heart of the artisan district where wooden carvings line every corner and the scent of fresh sawdust fills the air. Observe master carvers as they transform blocks of lapacho wood into intricate sculptures, mate gourds, and figurines. Engage in friendly conversation and learn about the cultural significance of each piece.
Participate in a hands-on workshop to step by step shape your own mini wooden bowl under the guidance of a local craftsman. Feel the grain of the timber beneath your fingertips as you sand and polish your creation to a gentle sheen. Gain insight into the sustainable methods used to source local wood and preserve natural resources.
Gather around a communal bonfire near the artisan center where neighbors share stories of legendary craftspeople from past generations. Enjoy a simple yet hearty meal of mandioca fries and grilled chorizo as you soak up the warm glow of the fire. Sip on homemade fruit caña while sky lanterns drift overhead, illuminating the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍺Domestic beer | $1-3 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Hotel room (mid-range) per night | $25-60 |
| 🚕Taxi start fare | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and a genuine rural Paraguayan experience
- Affordability and easy access to nature and markets
- Compact town that is walkable and bike-friendly in places
- Limited nightlife and major attractions within town limits
- Healthcare options are basic in town; major facilities require travel
- Transportation to and from larger cities can be sparse and slow
- "Mba'éichapa?" - How are you?
- "Aguyje" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Itacurubí de la Cordillera
Visit one of these nice places.
Accessible riverbank with gentle water reflections during sunrise and golden hour.
Historic church with simple colonial architecture, ideal for dawn light and architectural shots.
Rolling fields, wooden fences, and grazing livestock create classic Paraguayan rural scenes.
Vibrant stalls with peppers, herbs, and local crafts—great for candid street photography.
Food in Itacurubí de la Cordillera
Itacurubí de la Cordillera Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A cheesy, mandioca-flour bread roll baked to be enjoyed fresh from local bakeries and stalls.
Must-Try!
A savory, cornbread-like dish with cheese and onions, commonly served as a side.
A crisp, starchy flatbread made from mandioca flour and fat; excellent with stews.
Grilled beef or pork, a staple for family meals and local parrillas.
Cold yerba mate infusion served in a gourd with a metal straw; a social staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small-town market where farmers bring produce, cheese, chipa, and fresh meat; ideal for sampling street snacks.
Chipa, empanadas, and pastelitos are commonly sold from portable stalls in the mornings and late afternoons.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite hello, shake hands, and maintain friendly eye contact. Using Spanish or Guaraní greetings is appreciated.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or farms; avoid loud behavior in religious spaces; show respect to elders and hosts.
Many locals speak Guaraní and Spanish; attempting basic phrases is appreciated and friendly.
Safety
Tipping in Itacurubí de la Cordillera
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service is good; many smaller places don’t include a service charge.
Cash (Guaraní) is common; some places accept USD and major cards in towns; rural markets are typically cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with frequent late-afternoon storms; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and schedule outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Mild days with drying fields and comfortable evenings; excellent for outdoor walks and photography.
Cooler temperatures, especially at night; light layers and a jacket are sufficient; some days can be crisp and misty.
Green landscapes and regular showers; great for hiking and birdwatching, though trails can be slick after rain.
Itacurubí de la Cordillera at Night
Hiking in Itacurubí de la Cordillera
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle to moderate hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains and farmlands; suitable for a couple of hours.
Natural reserve nearby with forested trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Itacurubí de la Cordillera by plane.
Main international gateway for the region; roughly a few hours’ drive from Itacurubí depending on route and road conditions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Paraguayan families; a mix of Guaraní and Spanish heritage; bilingual in Guaraní and Spanish in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Paraguay, with local youth and adults regularly playing on village fields.
Common in schools and community centers, especially in larger towns nearby.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Itacurubí de la Cordillera.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy mbeju, salads, beans, and cheese-heavy dishes; ask for egg-free options and request light oil use where possible.