◎ CAACUPé
Caacupé is the capital of the region of Cordillera and the spiritual heart of Paraguay, a place of pilgrimage and worship;
The white & blue Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles (Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de los Milagros) dominates the town centre and can be seen for many miles.
Every December 8th hundreds of thousands of pilgrims fill the town, make their way, on foot, on horseback, by ox-cart and bicyle from miles around and the town celebrates the festival of Our Lady of the Miracles.
WHAT TO SEE
IN CAACUPÉ
Caacupé is a pleasant town to wander, have coffee and ice cream (helado) in one of the cities cafes, or chipa (Paraguayan cheesy bread) from one of the stalls around the Basilica.
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The view from the top of the Basilica shows how verdant the countryside is. On the way up, you can follow the story of José the Indian, a carpenter, who carved the virgin, in a series of beautifully painted murals.
The surrounding streets are lined with sellers of brightly coloured souvenirs, rosary beads, palm-leaf fans, pots, baskets.
You can also buy a chipa (cheesy bread) at one of the many stalls.
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A beautiful pink church with a sacred ‘spring’. You can buy a virgin-shaped blue plastic bottle from one of the many vendors adjacent to the Plaza de los Hereos del Chaco, and fill with healing waters.
Polka of the Little Virgin of Caacupé (Polca de Virgencita de Caacupe)
WHERE TO STAY
CAACUPÉ
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Elegant hotel on the main road into Caacupe.
Large grounds with ostriches and ponies. Good breakfast included.
The Sierras restaurant at the Alta Gracia Park Hotel, is the most high-end in town.