San Cosme y Damián: Mission, Astronomy and Landscape by the Water

San Cosme y Damián brings together the heritage of a former Jesuit mission, astronomy, and landscapes by the water. The white sand formations in the Yacyretá Reservoir, Playa Municipal on the Río Paraná, and a nearby nature reserve each offer a different experience. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these separately: mission history and astronomy are just as much a focus as relaxation by the river and natural areas.

Jesuit Mission and Astronomical Heritage

The former Jesuit mission of San Cosme y Damián is considered one of Paraguay’s best-preserved missions. The Centro de Interpretación Astronómica Buenaventura Suárez is located at the former mission. The history of the church of the Reducción de la Misión Jesuítica Guaraní de San Cosme y Damián includes a fire that damaged it in 1899. It was restored in 1977 with support from Adveniat and the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The history of astronomy is also part of the story: Padre Buenaventura Suárez and Indigenous people worked together to build a rudimentary telescope, an astronomical quadrant, and a sundial. The three instruments represent different ways of observing the sky. A quadrant is used to measure angles, while a sundial indicates the time based on the sun’s position. This historical work with instruments is a distinct aspect alongside the exhibitions and observation opportunities at the astronomy center.

At the Centro, visitors can explore a scale model of the solar system. The observatory has solar telescopes and night telescopes for observing the sky by day and night. A gnomon is used to measure the solstices and equinoxes; an armillary sphere illustrates the Earth’s movement around the sun. The exhibits each have a different focus: the model covers the solar system, while the gnomon and armillary sphere illustrate particular solar and terrestrial movements. The center also includes a galaxy slide depicting our galaxy with a black hole at its center, and a presentation room about Guaraní astronomy.

Landscapes by the Water and Nature in the Surrounding Area

The Dunas de San Cosme y Damián are white sand formations in the Yacyretá Reservoir and can be reached by boat. Access arrangements may vary. If reaching them by boat is important to your plans, check the available options in advance.

Playa Municipal de San Cosme y Damián is a recreational area on the banks of the Río Paraná. During the summer season, it serves as a gathering place for leisure activities, water sports, and community events. If you are planning to visit for a particular event, check its date in advance.

Another natural destination nearby is the Guasu Puku Nature Reserve, 22 kilometers from the city. One section of the trail in the reserve crosses a natural waterway via a suspension bridge. The natural sites therefore differ in their features: the Dunas are characterized by sand formations in the reservoir, the Playa by its riverside setting, and the reserve by a trail section with a bridge.

Discover more destinations: Obligado, Bella Vista Sur, Encarnación, Capitán Miranda, Natalio, Trinidad.

See the regional travel overview: Itapúa.