Caaguazu stands for large forest and it is due to these once-vast natural resources that the city of Caaguazu is known as the Capital de la Madera (wood capital). The stretch of Route 7 that runs through is crammed with all manner of wooden furniture for sale – from children’s playhouses to bedroom sets. Similar to Coronel Oviedo, Caaguazu is a commercial hub for the department (also named Caaguazu). Although the city’s main drag is a jumble of commercial signs and billboards, the atmosphere is pleasant and tranquilo just blocks away as paved streets give way to cobblestone roads. There is not much for tourists here, but, should you be in the area, the small Ykua la Patria park is worth visiting as are the town church and plaza with their large murals. There are lodging options along Route 7 and in town itself. The latter are preferable as they are less noisy and closer to eating options.
Ykua La Patria
During the mid 1800’s Caaguazu’s first inhabitants settled at the edges of the Ykua la Patria spring. Today the spring winds through a small terraced park with a playground and mini amphitheater. Corner of Capitan Troche and Silvio Petirossi Church of Inmaculada Concepcion
Built in the 1960’s Caaguazu’s main church is surprisingly striking thanks to a recent renovation that included the addition of three large murals to the facade. The central mural is a copy of the painting Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepcion by Spanish Baroque painter Bartolome Murillo. To the left is a mural depicting St. Francis of Asis and to the right one showing a shining cross. The plaza across the street has a large mural by the same artist, Argentine Jorge Aguirre, depicting the history of Caaguazu. General Garay and Mariscal Lopez Lodging
Cesar Palace Hotel Centrally located and down the street from a large shaded plaza, the Cesar Palace is definitely the nicest hotel in town. It is run by the same company that owns Hotel Tajy Internacional on Route 7 but is a quieter option. Tel: 0522 43096, Avenida Manuel Godoy and Roberto L. Petit, across the street from the large Stock Supermarket, www.sosahoteles.com, Single: Gs. 80,000, double Gs. 100,000, triple Gs. 150,000, TV, A/C
Hotel Tajy Center A small and unassuming hotel, Tajy Center is a clean option with a friendly staff. Breakfast is decent. Just around the corner from the town’s church and adjoining plaza and a nice walk from Ykua la Patria. Tel: 0522 41801, Avenida. General. Bernardino Caballero and Yegros, Single Gs. 77,000, Double Gs. 100,000, triple Gs. 130,000, TV, A/C
Hotel Tajy Internacional Similar to Cesar Palace Hotel but with the benefit of an outdoor area in the back with a quincho and a pool. Tel. 0522 40118, Rt 7 km 177 on the left-hand side if coming from Asuncion, before the (right-hand) road to the center of town, www.sosahoteles.com, Gs. Single 90,000, Double Gs. 125,000, TV, A/C, pool
Food
Bamboo A nice juice and empanada joint just opposite the plaza on Caaguazu’s main drag. Basic empanada offerings are expanded to include sweet options – dulce de leche, mani con leche (peanuts and milk) and dulce de batata (sweet potato) on weekends and Friday nights. Interior courtyard has nice wooden furniture, although the street traffic can get a little noisy. General Bernardino Caballero between Juan O’Leary and Roberto L Petite across from the plaza, daily 7am-12am, Gs. 1,500-3000
Rustico’s Fare is about the same as Bamboo’s, minus the sweet empanadas. There are burgers and lomitos as well. Outdoor area is nice and quieter. Tel. 0982 942 927, San Lorenzo almost at Godoy, daily 7am-12am, Gs. 1,500-3000
Supermercado Stock The per kilo buffet is a dependably cheap option. Tel: 0522 41470, Avenida Manuel Godoy and Roberto L. Petit, Mon-Sat 6:30AM-9pm, Sun 6:30am-8:30pm, Gs.
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