Itapua: Paraguay's Melting Pot

Asuncion Expat Meetings: EXPAT LUNCH: Sunday, May 20, 2012 EXPAT DINNER: Thursday, SOON These meetings are organized in the same style as our Montevideo meetings which have been going on for 6-1/2 years.

Paraguay Expat and Travel Articles

Itapua: Paraguay's Melting Pot

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The department of Itapua in southern Paraguay is among the most cosmopolitan of all Paraguayan departments. This is mainly due to its characteristic as the "melting pot" f Paraguay. Over the years, various groups of people from all over the world have made Itapua their home. Among them are Italians, Germans, Russians, Japanese, Polish, and the French. This mixture of nationals from all over have cultural diversity a core component of the soul of this department.

The name of Itapua is Guarani in origin and refers to the original position where Encarnacion, the capital of the department, was established. It derives its name from "ita" (rock) and "punta" (tip). This gives Itapua the literal name of "Tip of the Stone." The capital of Encarnacion happens to be situated at the southern tip of the country.

Despite its status as the melting pot of Uruguay, the department also has a rich colonial heritage. The Jesuits, for example, have made extensive efforts to spread its ideals in the country. They are also responsible for some of the most beautiful historical sites in Itapua, with the Jesuit Ruins of Jesus and Trinidad as the most prominent. Created in 1609 and developed over a period of 150 years, the remains of thes religious forts have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993. Going there will allow you to reflect on your spirituality and about the Jesuits who once walked down the hallways of these forts.

For those looking for a bit of nature adventure, there's also the National Park Cordillera San Rafael, a 73,000-hectare national park that protects over 600 species of mammals, invertebrates, birds, and reptiles, as well hundreds of other plant species.

A combination of a rich history, paradise-like surroundings, and a healthy mix of cultures is what sets apart this department from the rest of Panama. For the first-time traveler to this country, Itapua may be among those that you need to go to.

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Tags: • adventure • nature • unesco • trinidad • ruins • jesuits • heritage • diversity • san rafael • national park • world heritage • jesuit ruins • historical sites • cultural diversity • melting pot • itapua •

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