Caacupé Travel Guide

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The main basilica in central Caacupe looks impressive from the outside. It is massive, white and stands above the trees and skyline of the city higher than anything else. However, upon closer inspection, the basilica is actually quite banal and new (built in 1980). It is however a new building for the Virgin of Caacupe, whose stories go back to 1600.

However many locals do come here to give their prayers since they believe that the Virgin of Caacupe does a very good job to answer their wishes.

But if you do come to Caacupe, even though the basilica itself may not be the most impressive, you should climb to the top and take a look at the city from above. In the side nave of the church, you can find the access stairs.

The stairs themselves have a pictorial storyboards of the church and the bible.

Cost is : 2000 GS
Times: 7am ~ 11am ; 1pm ~ 5pm

There are not many stores in Caacupe except for the street vendors which congregate around the Basilica. There is just about everything you can think of, from food kiosks, to hats, to belts and leather, to children's toys, etc.

What to buy: The most unique thing here would be the small homage of the Virgin of Caacupe. You will find many of them sold around the Basilica. The locals make a doll of the virgin, then place it in a plastic bottle and set the stage of presentation with flowers and ornamentation.

What to pay: the small ones are only a couple dollars, the large ones can be $20+