The Department of Cordillera has launched a new competition to identify its seven most emblematic places. The project invites residents, communities and tourism organisations to nominate attractions that showcase the department’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The initiative, called Las 7 Maravillas de Cordillera (The Seven Wonders of Cordillera), was launched by the Departmental Government of Cordillera under the slogan “Somos memoria, somos futuro” (We Are Memory, We Are the Future).
The campaign aims to promote tourism and strengthen recognition of the department’s historical, religious and cultural identity. Nominations opened on 16 October and will remain open until 30 November 2026. The final selection is scheduled for 10 December.
What places can be nominated?
The competition covers three categories: natural wonders; historical, religious and architectural heritage; and tourism and cultural attractions. Eligible sites include hills, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, nature reserves and viewpoints. Also churches, sanctuaries, monuments, museums, archaeological sites and historic buildings.
Cultural spaces, historic centres and distinctive tourism establishments can also be nominated. Although traditions, festivals, gastronomy, music and traditional crafts cannot be submitted independently, they may be included in a nomination to explain a site’s cultural significance.
Cordillera is home to a variety of destinations. From Caacupé, an important centre of religious pilgrimage, to San Bernardino, a popular lakeside destination on Lake Ypacaraí. The competition seeks to highlight places across the department, including those that could benefit from greater visibility among visitors.
How to participate
Individuals, communities, institutions, municipalities and tourism-sector representatives can submit nominations, provided the proposed attraction is a physical site located within the Department of Cordillera. Applicants must complete the official form with the site’s name, location, district, category and a description of its history and regional importance. Photographs and a video lasting between 30 seconds and one minute must also be provided.
Submissions will undergo an initial review to verify eligibility before being assessed by a technical committee. The evaluation will consider factors such as historical or natural value, uniqueness, conservation, accessibility and tourism potential, using a scoring system of up to 100 points. The public will also participate in the final selection, according to the competition rules.
Recognition for the winning sites
The seven selected attractions will receive commemorative plaques and official certificates. They will also be promoted through media coverage, digital platforms, maps and tourism circuits, helping introduce them to a wider audience. The initiative also mentions possible improvements to selected sites, including better accessibility, roads and tourist signage. These measures are intended to support the attractions’ long-term tourism potential.
The organisers also plan to offer prize draws for people who nominate sites and participate in the public vote, with prizes provided by participating businesses. People interested in participating can visit the official website of the Departmental Government of Cordillera.
