The historic district of Caapucú in the Department of Paraguarí is advancing its position as one of the new hubs of rural, cultural, and productive tourism in southern Paraguay apart from Encarnación. The city is getting support from the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur), local community, and private sector. They are promoting innovative initiatives that combine history, nature, and authentic experiences, among which the new “Explora Farmer” programme stands out.
Explora Farmer is a project is a rural and productive tourism programme that allows visitors to experience firsthand life in the countryside. People will be able to also experience agro-industrial innovation, and a connection with nature. The programme is based on the district’s productive identity, where rice production, livestock farming, and family agriculture coexist, integrating learning, sustainability, and local development.
History of Caapucú
Caapucú is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its name in Guaraní, meaning “grass forest,” recalls its origins linked to nature and the first trade routes in the interior. During the administration of Dr. Francia, the city was relocated to its current site due to water scarcity in the original settlement. Since then, the city is preserving its agricultural and artisanal identity.
Throughout its history, the district has maintained a deeply rooted productive culture based on livestock farming, rice production, and family agriculture. Caapucú continues to be present in the social organisation and daily life of the territory. Among quiet streets, old tile-roofed houses, and the living faith of its people, Caapucú keeps intact the spirit of traditional Paraguayan towns.
In addition to its heritage value, Caapucú is characterised by a strong productive identity based on rice production, livestock farming, and family agriculture. Those are activities that invigorate the local economy, preserve community ties, and revitalise rural work.
Must-see tourist sites in Caapucú
Among the tourist attractions are the Casa-Oratorio Cabañas Museum, a 17th century colonial building. The house has been declared a national historical landmark. The museum is located on Route PY01 at KM 154. Another attraction not to be missed is the historic centre and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. The church is the spiritual and cultural heart of the town. The Jaguaretekuá Quarry and Geological Core are unique rock formations (corestones) from Paraguay’s geological past.
Also worth visiting is Punta Arena Beach – Tebicuary River, with its expanse of white sand and calm waters. This place is located 12 KMs from the town centre. Cerro Pucú, a natural viewpoint surrounded by native vegetation, another interesting place, is located 15 KMs from the city. In addition to all this, there is the National Arriero Festival, held in February at the municipal fairgrounds. The festival is a rural tradition featuring horse breaking, parades, and typical cuisine.
Main Tourism Products
Explora Farmer’s tourism offerings include the “Rice Farmer for a Day” experience. This is a 2-hour guided tour of the rice processing plant: reception, drying, storage, polishing, and packaging. The objective is to understand the production process and appreciate Paraguayan agro-industrial work. They also offer the “Livestock Experience,” a 3-hour tour with visits to corrals and livestock management areas. The aim is to learn about the Brangus and Nelore breeds, promoting knowledge of sustainable livestock farming and animal welfare.
Similarly, the “Lookout Trail,” a one-hour guided or self-guided walk with interpretive stops. Those stops are about flora, birds, rocks, and the environment, fostering contact with nature and environmental awareness. Each circuit combines education, experiential tourism, and sustainability, strengthening local pride and positioning Caapucú as a destination for productive and environmental development.
Where history, nature and production meet
With this launch, Caapucú reaffirms its identity as a city of living history, lush nature and productive culture. The city is inviting Paraguayans and foreign visitors to discover a destination where the past and the future meet. Rice production, livestock and family farming coexist as pillars of its sustainable development.
