Caacupe

Caacupé is Paraguay's most important religious pilgrimage site, the heart of Catholic devotion in the country. The city is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros), which draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year, especially on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The city lies in a valley surrounded by low hills in Cordillera department, about 50 km east of Asunción. It is a pleasant, orderly town with a colonial-era centre and a strong artisan tradition. The climate is subtropical; the best time to visit is May–September, though December brings the main pilgrimage.

By Plane

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Luque is about 45 km west.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Caacupé is on Route PY02, about 50 km east of Asunción (45 min). Buses from Asunción run every 10–15 min (GS.5,000–8,000, 1 hr).

The centre is walkable. Taxis are available for outlying areas.

• Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros – The massive modernist basilica, Paraguay's largest church, with a striking blue-and-white facade. Open daily, free entry.

• Cerro Caacupé – A hill overlooking the town with a cross and viewpoints.

• Craft market – Shops selling religious items, ceramics, and ao po'i fine cotton embroidery.

• Pilgrimage – Visit during December for the full devotional atmosphere.

• Hike Cerro Caacupé – A short climb for panoramic views.

• Craft shopping – The town is known for high-quality Paraguayan handicrafts.

• Comedor del Peregrino – Inexpensive meals near the basilica, GS.15,000–25,000.
• Pizzería Caacupé – Pizza and empanadas, GS.20,000–35,000.
• Restaurant Cerro – Hillside dining with views, GS.30,000–60,000.

Tereré and bottled drinks. Cafés near the basilica.

• Budget: Hospedaje Caacupé, basic rooms from GS.50,000.
• Mid-range: Hotel del Peregrino, comfortable doubles, GS.120,000–180,000.
• Upscale: Hotel Cerro Corazón, boutique rooms with hill views, GS.250,000–400,000.

• Ao po'i – Fine cotton embroidered shirts and blouses, GS.50,000–150,000.
• Ceramics – Local earthenware and glazed pottery.
• Religious items – Rosaries, statues, and pilgrimage souvenirs.

• San Bernardino (15 km south) – Resort town on Lake Ypacaraí.
• Asunción (50 km west) – The capital.
• Tobatí (25 km east) – Craft town known for ceramics.