With Holy Week approaching, a nationwide initiative is placing the focus on cultural traditions and local tourism across Paraguay. The programme, launched by the National Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR), promotes domestic travel through a wide range of activities in different regions. Residents and visitors are being encouraged to explore the country from within through meaningful Holy Week getaways.
A nationwide programme
Under the theme “Guide your inner self”, the initiative encourages individuals to look inward while also rediscovering Paraguay’s traditions. The programme has been designed in coordination with tourism operators and private sector partners, offering structured experiences and Holy Week getaways throughout the holiday period.
In Asunción, activities will include guided tours and cultural workshops. Among them are the Chacatours, which focus on immersive cultural encounters. As well as traditional cooking sessions centred on chipa. The cassava-based staple food is closely associated with Paraguayan identity and often featured in local Holy Week activities. These cooking activities, often referred to as Chipa Apo (chipa making, in Guaraní), will take place in other several cities. The initiative highlights how gastronomy continues to link generations, preserving knowledge and cultural values while enriching Holy Week getaways.
Other notable activities include the Seven Churches cycling route, a practice linked to Holy Week traditions. Also, guided tours such as “Secrets of the Palace”. The last one offers insights into historical landmarks from a more accessible perspective, adding depth to urban Holy Week getaways.
Holy Week getaways with regional experiences
Beyond Asunción, the programme extends to various departments, each offering distinct Holy Week getaways. In Cordillera, the Chipa Rapé (route of the chipa) combines food tourism with storytelling, allowing visitors to explore local flavours alongside the histories that shape them.
In Ñeembucú, the focus shifts towards outdoor and historical tourism. Visitors can take part in jeep tours, explore sites such as Humaitá and Paso de Patria. Another one is to experience Pilar through walking and cycling tours, creating more dynamic Holy Week getaways connected to nature.
Additionally, the Ñandecine (Our cinema) initiative will bring open-air cinema to cities such as Juan de Mena, Emboscada, Tobatí, and Primero de Marzo. Meanwhile, cities such as San Bernardino, Areguá, Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero, Filadelfia, and Puerto Falcón will host live demonstrations of chipa preparation.
Connecting heritage and tourism
Holy Week in Paraguay is widely recognised for its combination of religious devotion and cultural expression. Traditions are often passed down through generations, blending faith with everyday practices such as cooking with social gatherings, which shape the essence of Holy Week getaways.
The current initiative seeks to strengthen that connection by positioning local tourism as a way to engage with national heritage. In addition to city-based events, travellers are encouraged to plan Holy Week getaways to destinations known for their historical and cultural importance, including Tañarandy, Encarnación, San Cosme y Damián, and Santísima Trinidad del Paraná.
The programme also highlights thematic routes such as the Sugar Cane Route and the Yerba Mate Route. Both experiences focus on traditional production processes and the cultural significance of these products, offering more immersive Holy Week getaways.
Encouraging domestic travel
SENATUR’s initiative reflects a broader effort to promote domestic tourism as a driver of economic and social development. By encouraging residents to take part in Holy Week getaways within the country, the programme aims to support local businesses and strengthen regional economies.
The full schedule of activities is available online, where participants can access detailed information about locations, times, and registration options. All materials have been made freely accessible to ensure wide participation in these Holy Week getaways. As the holiday period approaches, the campaign presents Holy Week as both a time of reflection and an opportunity for exploration.
