Forget what you think you know about South America. While Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, is famed for its elegant colonial and neoclassical architecture like the Palacio de López, there is more than that. There are castles in Paraguay! Wealthy dreamers, history enthusiasts, and architects with a flair for the dramatic have constructed a bizarre collection of faux-medieval fortresses and Gothic follies.
A new tourist route called the Route of the Castles (La Ruta de los Castillos) has opened this November 2025 in Paraguay. On top of that, The Asunción Times rounded up the top five castles in Paraguay that are worth a look. This shows that castles are not just for Europe anymore.
1. Castillo Echauri: The architect’s revenge
Imagine a formidable, towering stone castle, complete with crenellations, high terraces, and a distinct air of a European lord’s manor. Now, picture it in the middle of a stunning, green, and very Paraguayan mountain range: the Cordillera del Ybytyruzú.
The castle was built as recently as 1985-1990 by architect Guillermo Echauri. As a homage to his Spanish ancestors, the Castillo Echauri is a pure fantasy brought to life. Visitors can tour the sprawling 17-hectare estate and snap photos with medieval relics. People can often feel like they have stepped onto a forgotten set for a Game of Thrones’ spin-off. The castle is the ultimate architectural paradox. A modern homage to the Middle Ages!
Find Castillo Echauri on Instagram.
2. Castillo Caballero Templario: The cult castle
Nestled in the green hills of Tobatí, the Castillo Caballero Templario is the passion project of a local family who were inspired by the legendary medieval military order. This site is not just a building but also a full-on experience.
The castle transports tourists into a medieval fantasy world, complete with period architecture, themed grounds. Additionally, there is even a “portal of the Templars” where visitors are encouraged to make a wish (and presumably leave any bad energy behind!) For just a small entrance fee, you can explore the stone tower and enjoy the view. This proves that you do not need a time machine for a proper medieval escape, just a car ride to Tobatí.
See Castillo Caballero Templario on Instagram.
3. Castillo Saguazú: The ultimate romantic gesture
If a dozen roses and a box of chocolates feel a bit passé, take a page from the book of the Paraguayan man who built this in Yaguarón. The Castillo Saguazú was constructed in the mid-1980s by a devoted husband. He wanted to make his wife feel like a queen.
This castle, now a certified tourist inn (Posada Turística) with air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and barbecue areas, has a decidedly rustic charm. Even more sensationally, the castle is widely reputed to be haunted by the spirit of Micaela Yaharí. She was a powerful 19th-century sorceress from the region. Then, this is making it an essential stop for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts as well!
Find Castillo Saguazú on Instagram.
4. Castillo Carlota Palmerola: A real-life haunted convent
Situated near the popular Lake Ypacaraí in the city of Areguá, the Castillo Carlota is arguably the oldest and most historically important building on this list. Built at the end of the 1800s and early 1900s, this former lavish mansion was the home of Carlota Palmerola. She a prominent socialite and survivor of the devastating War of the Triple Alliance.
The neo-Gothic castle, slightly Italianate architecture gives it a genuinely dramatic appearance. Later converted into a convent, it has been declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation. This is the one you visit to see true history filtered through a fantastic, castle-like lens.
Look at Castillo Carlota Palmerola on Instagram.
5. Palacio García: The very odd castle
This castle is located in Villa Hayes in the Department of Presidente Hayes, in Paraguay’s Chaco area. However, the city is very close to Asunción, which means people can see it in a day! Unfortunately, there is not much to say about the Palacio García. The castle looks like a medieval restaurant you can eat at in Toronto, Boston, or any other city in North America.
Do you have more information about this castle? Let us know!
he ruins of Humaitá
And there is more! The small castle, and the fort
Located in between Villa Hayes and Limpio, Castillo el Peñon is probably the smallest castle in Paraguay, and possibly in South America. This castle can only be accessed by boat. Read more about it in this article by The Asunción Times about Castillo el Peñon, the castle floating on the Paraguay River.
Additionally, while not being a castle but really looking looking like onw, you can visit the ruins of Humaitá. Located in Southwestern Paraguay, this fort was the scene of several battles and wars, such as the War of the Triple Alliance.
