The Asunción Rift Valley,
Paraguay
- The Asunción Rift Valley is Paraguay's most scenic geological feature and an important part of the Earths geological history. It extends approximately 200 kilometers from Lago Ypacaraí to the Ybytyruzú mountain range.
- The rift valley is a visually striking landscape that formed 130 million years ago when the continent of Gondwana divided into two separate continents: South America and Africa.
- An arrangement of unusually shaped natural monuments, mountains and hills are some of the distinct visual elements that are connected to its origin.
I. How to See the Valley
How To See It
Best locations for the Best Views
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1. El Monumento Observation Tower
Views:
Distance from Asunción: 75 kilometers
Time from Asunción: 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty: None / Drive to destination
Altitude: 450 meters
Price: $25 per person
The best views of the valley with the easiest access. The most complete view of the valley from the lake to the mountains. The only option with vistas of all three sections of the valley. Binoculars and digital visitor guides are provided to visitors. Note: The tower is located in a private club that issues tourist guest passes on certain days of the month. Only by request and by reservation. Visit their website for reservations or information.
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2. Cerro Acahay
Views:
Distance from Asunción: 120 kilometers
Time from Asunción: 2 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty: Medium / Hiking access only
Altitude: 425 meters
Price: --
This is not a developed tourism location. The trails are on private lands so access is unauthorized, but not enforced. Not recommended for non Paraguayan tourists or persons that do have knowledge of the area. Good views of the central segment of the valley. Approximately a 45 minute hike to the top.
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3. Cerro Perõ
Views:
Distance from Asunción: 70 kilometers
Time from Asunción: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: None / Drive to destination
Altitude: 196 meters
Price: free
A public lookout point on top of a hill. Reasonable lower but partial views of the western and central sections of the valley.
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4. Cerro Hú
Views:
Distance from Asunción: 72 kilometers
Time from Asunción: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium / Hiking access only
Altitude: 366 meters
Price: US$ 6
A marked rough trail to the top that is open to the public. About a 1.5 hour hike to the lookout area. Good views of the central segment of the valley and partial views of the western segment. Parking at the bottom.
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4. Cerro Tres Kandú
Views: --
Distance from Asunción: 190 kilometers
Time from Asunción: 2 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty: High / Hiking access only
Altitude: 842 meters
Price: US$ ??
A very rough and unmaintained trail to the top. About a 2.5 to 3 hour difficult hike to the lookout area. Excellent southern views but no views of the rift valley or any natural monuments due to the orientation of the lookout point. None of the three segments of the valley are visible. Parking at the bottom.
II. Sections of the Valley
Sections of the Valley
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Western section, Lago Ypacaraí to Paraguarí
Length: 80 kilometers
Geological features: Lago Ypacaraí. Cerro Mbatoví. Cerro Hu. Serranías de Paraguarí.
This section begins in the Lago Ypacaraí area which is within 45 minutes of Asunción and continues to Paraguarí, a small city with food service options as well as the Cerro Perõ observation point. The El Monumento Observation Tower is about 20 minutes farther than Paraguarí. Features of the second section become visible about 15 minutes after Paraguarí.
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Central section, Paraguarí to Villarrica
Length: 70 kilometers
Geological features: Cerro Acahay. Sierras de Ybycuí. Cerro Porteño.
The most scenic and geologically diverse section of the valley. The vistas become more open as you cross the plains. Hills and mountains become visible on the horizon and there are an abundance of geological features throughout the areas of Sapucaí and La Colmena, especially from higher points. This is also where the valley makes a 90 degree change in direction from North to South, to East to West. The most notable features are Cerro Acahay, a circular mountain, and the Sierras de Ybycuí.
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Eastern section, Villarrica to the Ybytyruzú Mountains
Length: 40 kilometers
Geological features: Ybytyruzú mountain range (Cordillera del Ybytyruzú).
The Ybytyruzú (Yvytyrusu) mountain range is comprised of the highest peaks in Paraguay, including Cerro Tres Kandu. The areas near and around the base are a scenic drive but there are few sections of the mountain range that are accessible with a normal vehicle.
III. Where To Eat
Where To Eat
Tourist Friendly Restaurants
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1. Fruteria Paraguarí
Pricing:
Distance form Asunción: 55 kilometers
Best for: All
An easy option for eat-in or take-out food. A full menu of typical Paraguayan foods. Located on route 1 in the central section of the valley.
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2. Tropicana Paraguarí
Pricing:
Distance form Asunción: 58 kilometers
Best for: All
An easy option for eat-in or take-out food. Pizzas, homemade ice cream and a full menu of typical Paraguayan foods. Located within 5 minutes of route 1 in the city of Paraguarí in the central section of the valley.
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IV. Where To Stay
Where To Stay
Hotels and Accommodations
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1. Pedazo de Cielo
Pricing:
Distance form Asunción: 78 kilometers
Best for: Couples
A nice option for a quiet getaway. Located at an elevation over the second segment of the rift valley and less than 2 kilometers from El Monumento Observation Tower. Excellent views of Cerro Acahay.
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2. Casa Arandu
Pricing:
Distance form Asunción: 76 kilometers
Best for: Couples, families or larger groups
A private setting located within 5 minutes of El Monumento Observation Tower. No valley views but provides pleasant outdoor space for activities.
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3. Hotel Paraguarí
Cost:
Distance form Asunción: 55 kilometers
Best for: Budget conscious
Located on route 1. Basic accommodations.
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