Loma Plata Travel Guide

Learn about the culturally and naturally rich Loma Plata in Paraguay, enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic views on hiking/biking routes, tour museums and historical places, taste local delicacies, and explore nearby destinations.


If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path and explore a lesser-known destination, Loma Plata in Paraguay is a perfect choice. This Gran Chaco town is rich in both cultural and natural attractions, as well as mouth-watering food and drink. Here’s a comprehensive tour guide to Loma Plata to help you plan your trip.

Introduction to Loma Plata

Loma Plata is a town located in the western region of Paraguay, surrounded by the vast Gran Chaco landscape. Home to over 10,000 inhabitants, the town is known for its Mennonite community, which makes up a significant part of the population. Loma Plata is an agricultural hub, with soybean farming one of the main industries.

List of Places to Visit in Loma Plata

Here are the top places to visit in Loma Plata:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Mennonite Heritage Museum: offers insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the Mennonite community that settled in Paraguay over a century ago. Collections include photographs, artifacts, and period clothing.
  • Historical Downtown Loma Plata: take a walk through the town’s central square to appreciate its architecture and urban design that blend Mennonite and Hispanic influences.
  • The Archivo Historico Centro Educativo Los Cedros: this library and archive contains over 60,000 documents, including books on Mennonite history, church records, and family genealogy.

Natural Attractions of Loma Plata: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cerro Leon: the highest hill in the Gran Chaco region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from its peak.
  • Estancia Golondrina: a working cattle farm where visitors can join horseback riding tours, bird watching trips or trail hikes.
  • Arroyo Aguas Blancas: a seasonal stream that is popular with visitors during the summer months for swimming and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Loma Plata

For outdoor enthusiasts, Loma Plata offers several excellent hiking and biking routes:

  • La Colmena Trail: a 17km biking trail that starts from the town center and takes you through soybean fields, forests, and past tiny ranchos.
  • Trail to Cerro Leon: a 9km hike to the peak of the hill, with views of the stunning Loma Plata landscape.
  • Loop Trail to Estancia Golondrina: a 10km hike that takes you through forests and grasslands to the farm’s main gate.

Best Things to Do in Loma Plata: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Mennonite Fair: a food festival with dishes like shoofly pie, verenike, and borscht. Held annually in July.
  • Tour a soybean plantation: Loma Plata is one of the most crucial soy-producing areas in Paraguay. Take a guided tour to learn about the farming process and the plant’s impact on the region.
  • Go on a bird-watching excursion: Loma Plata has over 400 bird species. Hire a local guide to take you on a tour to spot the unique and colorful birds.

Week-Long Itinerary for Loma Plata

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Loma Plata:

Day Plan
1 Arrive in Loma Plata, explore the town
2 Hike the La Colmena Trail
3 Horseback riding tour at Estancia Golondrina
4 Visit the Mennonite Heritage Museum
5 Go on a bird-watching excursion
6 Tour a soybean plantation
7 Relax and enjoy the town’s food and drink

Food and Drink Scene of Loma Plata

No trip to Loma Plata is complete without savoring its local delicacies. Here are the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Verenike: pasta pockets filled with mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and bacon bits.
  • Sopa Paraguaya: a cornbread prepared with a mixture of cheese, cornmeal, onions, and milk.
  • Chipa: a variation of cheese bread that is served as breakfast, snack, or as an accompaniment to meals.

Local Beverages

  • Mate: a traditional South American beverage made by brewing an herb called yerba mate.
  • Terere: a cold version of mate, served in a gourd with a metal straw.

Where to Stay in Loma Plata: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

For visitors, there are several accommodation options in Loma Plata, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury stays. Here are some of the top picks:

  • Hotel Florida: located in the town center, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms and essential amenities.
  • La Quinta Eco Hotel: a mid-range option, located in a tranquil natural setting, with an outdoor pool and restaurant on-site.
  • Hotel Mandu’ara: a luxury option, the hotel boasts spacious rooms, a beautiful garden, and an excellent restaurant.

What to Buy in Loma Plata: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The following are unique souvenirs and local products to buy in Loma Plata:

  • Mennonite handcrafted goods like baskets, hats, and hand-sewn quilts.
  • Honey produced by local beekeepers.
  • Mate cups and gourds.

Local Culture and Customs of Loma Plata

Loma Plata is known for its Mennonite culture, with many visitors drawn to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. Visitors are advised to dress modestly, as the Mennonite community adheres to strict dress codes.

Best Time to Visit Loma Plata

The best time to visit Loma Plata is between June and September, during the dry season. The weather is mild, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Loma Plata

Do:

  • Respect the conservative Mennonite community’s customs and dress codes.
  • Learn some Spanish or Guaraní phrases, as they are the most common languages spoken in the region.
  • Take note of opening times of local attractions and businesses, as many may be closed on Sundays.

Don’t:

  • Photograph people or their property without permission.
  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Leave valuables unattended.

Safety and Health

Safety in Loma Plata

Loma Plata is a generally safe town, with low levels of crime. However, visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling in unknown places. Keep your valuables secure at all times, and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Loma Plata

The town has basic medical facilities, but visitors with pre-existing medical conditions should bring their medications. Drink only bottled or filtered water. Pack insect repellent as the Gran Chaco region is known for mosquitoes, potentially carrying tropical diseases.

Getting to Loma Plata: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Loma Plata

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción is the nearest major airport, approximately 370 km (230 miles) away.

Bus Stations Near Loma Plata

Loma Plata has a small bus terminal with connections to nearby towns and cities in Paraguay. There are regular buses to Asunción and nearby Villamontes in Bolivia.

Other Options

Renting a car is another option, although there are limited car rental companies in the town. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber.

How to Get Around in Loma Plata:

The town’s central area is easily explored on foot. Bikes and motorcycles can also be rented from local shops. Taxis are available but can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Loma Plata: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Filadelfia: Paraguay’s Mennonite “capital,” with a fascinating history and unique culture.
  • The Jesuit ruins of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangué, UNESCO World Heritage Sites that tell the story of the Spanish colonial era.
  • Villamontes, Bolivia: located across the border, the town’s nature reserves, and national parks are perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.

Conclusion

Loma Plata in Paraguay is a fascinating destination, offering a unique blend of culture and nature. Visitors can expect stunning views, outdoor adventures, tasty local food, and the opportunity to learn about the fascinating Mennonite community. Whether you’re exploring nearby villages or relaxing in Loma Plata, this South American town will leave you with unforgettable memories.

The Transchaco highway approaching Loma Plata The Transchaco highway approaching Loma Plata Museo de la Colonia Menno Museo de la Colonia Menno