CERRO YAGUARÓN

This reddish rocky hill that dominates the town of Yaguarón, culminates at an altitude of 300 meters. It is located on the Tapé Avirú, the famous Guarani path that leads to the "Land without Evil". It is easily accessible from the town centre, to a car park, from where a Way of the Cross leads to the summit. During Holy Week, thousands of pilgrims climb to the summit, especially during Good Friday processions. This easy trail (20-30 minutes) takes you to three crosses, the Gamarra oratory, and the footprints of Santo Tomás (Saint Thomas), which are set in stone... For the Guarani, Santo Tomás is Tumé Arandú, or Paí Zumé, a blond man who came several centuries before the Conquest to evangelize the region. He is credited with having taught the Guaraníes the cultivation of cassava and corn, or the virtues and use of yerba mate... Beautiful views up there over Yaguarón and the Cordillera de los Altos. The villages of Pirayú, Itá, Paraguarí and Carapeguá can also be distinguished. The Catholic faith and Guaraní mythology have always lived together well in the Yaguarón region. The Cerro Yaguarón, or "Cerro del Jaguarû", is said to be the place where the first child monster of Tau and Kerana is hiding: Teju Jaguá (or Teyú Yaguá). We find his performance at the foot of the path, together with his brothers (Mbói Tui, Moñái, Jasy Jatere, Kurupi, Ao Ao and Luisón). The famous mitos are also represented in the murals of the nearby Paseo de los Mitos.