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Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé

Church

Caacupé's Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles is Paraguay's principal Marian shrine; each December pilgrims gather for the feast day, and year‑round visitors attend services and buy local handicrafts.

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé AsunciónEncarnaciónCiudad del EsteCathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé
In this guide

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé essentials

Address: Sanctuario Nacional Caacupé, Caacupé, Cordillera Department, Paraguay
Hours: Daily (typically early morning to evening) - local parish office manages detailed mass and visitation times
Admission: Free (entry to basilica); pilgrims often leave donations

About Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles in Caacupé is the main Marian shrine and basilica in the town of Caacupé, Cordillera Department, Paraguay. It is the national focal point for devotion to the Virgin of Caacupé.

The basilica contains the venerated image of the Virgin of Caacupé and facilities for large-scale devotional events, including processions and masses. The site functions both as a parish church and as the centre of one of Paraguay’s principal religious pilgrimages.

Devotion to the Virgin of Caacupé has colonial and post‑colonial roots and the basilica has been enlarged and adapted over time to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.

The basilica is located in the town of Caacupé in the Cordillera Department, roughly east of the capital Asunción and within easy driving distance for regional pilgrims.

  • Major annual pilgrimage: The annual feast day on 8 December draws very large pilgrimages, with hundreds of thousands of devotees attending processions and services.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé

For atmosphere, visit at the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8; for quieter visits, spring and autumn offer fewer pilgrims and easier access.

Spring (Southern Hemisphere)
Sep-Nov · 18-26°C
Warm days and fewer pilgrims than in December.
Early December
Dec · 20-28°C
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8) draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims; expect crowds and processions.

Weather & Climate near Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé

Climate

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 12°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1486 mm/year), wettest in December.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 22° - 32° 29° 164 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.4h
February Very Good 21° - 32° 26° 158 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.8h
March Very Good 20° - 31° 25° 153 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 17° - 28° 22° 164 mm some cloud 76% 2.5 m/s 1.5 high 11.4h
May Very Good 14° - 24° 19° 105 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.8h
June Very Good 13° - 22° 17° 78 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
July Excellent 12° - 23° 18° 54 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.6h
August Excellent 13° - 24° 19° 52 mm some cloud 72% 3.3 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.1h
September Excellent 14° - 26° 20° 91 mm partly cloudy 68% 3.4 m/s 1.3 high 11.8h
October Very Good 17° - 29° 23° 140 mm partly cloudy 71% 3.1 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
November Very Good 19° - 30° 24° 155 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.2h
December Good 21° - 32° 26° 172 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé

Caacupé is about 50 km southeast of Asunción. Regular buses run from Asunción’s main terminals; private shuttles and taxis also serve the route. Once in town the basilica is a short walk from the main squares and the bus stops.

Tips for Visiting Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupé

  • If visiting for the big feast on December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), book accommodation well in advance - the city fills with pilgrims.
  • Climb the basilica's viewing areas for panoramas of Caacupé and the surrounding hills; the pilgrimage atmosphere is as much about the town as the church.