Museo Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia

Childhood home of Paraguay’s first president, Dr. Francia, this museum houses many of his personal belongings. There are also paintings of the Karaf Guazu, as he was known, as well as other objects from the colonial era. The colonial house itself has been recently restored, repairing damages incurred when a tree fell on it during a rainstorm in 2010. Tel: 0981 912 920 or 0533 232 343, Calle Pirayu 325, Tues-Sun 7am-12pm, Dona Rosa (also known as Na Chocha) is the museum curator and can open the museum up in the afternoons by request. She lives down the street (towards the main road) at number 502 (gate next to corner house). If she is not around you can also try Antonia, the museum’s secretary in her home across the street from the side of the church

on Carmelo Peralta Paraguari

Continuing along Route 1 is the town of Paraguari, capital of the department of the same name. Paraguari is the turn off for several interesting sites. To the right is the Ruta General Rogelio Benitez which heads north past the historic town of Piribebuy and then connects with Route 2 (see Piribebuy). Next up on the right is the turn off that leads east to Villarica past the town of Sapucai, home to the old steam train workshop. The well-known Fruteria Paraguari, just before the entrance to town, is a good pit stop, whether you are headed down either turn off or continuing south along Route 1.

Monte Arami

Located 200 meters up on a hill this is a popular destination for religious retreats and offers a great view of the surrounding areas. There are basic dorms for large groups, seven small private rooms and the option to camp. There is no food service – bring your own or head out to the Fruteria Paraguari across the main road. The religious nature of the complex means bringing in liquor is not advised. Tel: 0531 432 117, 0981 439 444, km 62, 50 meters after Fruteria Paraguari and then 700 meters down a dirt and cobblestone road to the left-hand side (if coming from Asuncion), those walking in should note the last 50 meters or so are quite steep, Bungalows Gs. 100,000-120,000, camping Gs.

25,000 per person. Two pools, soccer court, bungalows have A/C.