Caacupé: Paraguay’s holy pilgrimage site

Caacupé is the capital of the Cordillera Department and, with approximately 56,800 inhabitants, the second-largest city in the region. Located approximately 57 km east of Asunción, it is nestled on the edge of rolling hills and is considered a spiritual center of Paraguay. Its centerpiece is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros, a pilgrimage site that attracts over a million pilgrims annually on December 8th. In addition to its religious significance, Caacupé boasts historical museums, traditional pilgrimage routes, vibrant handicrafts, and a charming location near Lake Ypacaraí.

🌍 Geographical location and connections

Caacupé is located in central-eastern Paraguay, nestled between the hills of the Sierra de Altos and the shores of Lake Ypacaraí. The city covers approximately 145 km² and is the junction of Ruta II "Mariscal José Félix Estigarribia", which connects it to Asunción and San Lorenzo, and Ruta I "Mariscal Francisco Solano López" toward Encarnación.

☀️ Climate

The climate in Caacupé is subtropical humidwith

• Temperatures between 65 °F in winter and up to 97 °F in summer.
• Annual rainfall of around 1,500 mm, spread over wet periods throughout the year with slight peaks in summer.

Ideal for pilgrims and visitors who want to experience a green, lush environment beyond the main pilgrimage route.

💼 Economy & local crafts

Caacupé’s economy is strongly influenced by pilgrim tourism:

• Trade: Markets and souvenir stalls offer religious devotional items, candles and rosaries.
• Services: Hotels and guesthouses are growing around the basilica to serve the flow of pilgrims throughout the year.
• Crafts: Traditional skills in wood carving, weaving and ceramics are cultivated in the immediate vicinity and enrich the townscape.

⛪ Religious significance

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros, consecrated on December 8, 1765, is Paraguay's most important Catholic shrine. Every year, over 1 million believers make a pilgrimage to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) to participate in the candlelight procession. Caacupé is therefore considered the "spiritual capital" of Paraguay.

📸 Tourist offers & sights

• Pilgrim trails: Miles of walking from all parts of the country; organized tours offer cultural and historical insights.
• Museo de la Basílica: Local museum on the history of pilgrimage and Marian worship.
• Cerro Cristo Rey: Viewpoint with a small chapel, a meditation spot for pilgrims.
• Balneario La Garza: Recreation area at Lake Ypacaraí for swimmers and hikers.

🏙️ Important districts & infrastructure

• Centro Histórico: The historic center surrounds the basilica with traditional arcades and squares.
• Barrio San Blas: Known for craft workshops.
• Nuevo Caacupé: Modern residential areas and pilgrim accommodations.
• Transportation: Regular bus connections from Asunción (hourly) and shuttle services to the lake.

👉 Conclusion

Caacupé combines deep-rooted spirituality with historical depth and charming natural beauty. As a pilgrimage site of national importance and a vibrant small town, it offers authentic insights into Paraguayan culture year-round—a must-see for pilgrims, culture lovers, and nature enthusiasts.

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