Altos: Discover arts, crafts and culture

Altos combines a long history with a vibrant craft tradition. Colorful wood carvings, a recurring arts and crafts market, and cultural activities at Centro Cultural Espacio Expresión offer different ways to get to know the town: through design, local history, and community learning. If you are looking for a holiday rental, these themes can help you assess whether Altos could be a suitable destination for your stay.

Crafts made from timbo wood

In Altos, colorful carvings of animal figures, masks, and mythological beings are made from timbo wood. Their motifs give the pieces a distinctive visual style; if you are interested in crafts, you can pay attention both to the material and to the world of figures they depict. The carving tradition began in connection with the festivities of San Pedro and San Pablo. This historical connection offers another point of reference if you want to consider the works not only for their motifs but also in the context of local history.

Market at Plaza de Romerías

A market is held every second Saturday at Plaza de Romerías in Altos. Members of the Asociación de Artesanas display wood carvings, openwork pieces, textiles, crochet, encaje ju, and ñandutí. Different forms of craftsmanship are represented side by side, from carved works to textiles and crochet. Confirm the date locally before visiting.

History and orientation

Altos was founded in 1538 on the site of the Indigenous settlement “Yvytyrapy.” The town is also the birthplace of the artist Luis Alberto del Paraná. The story of its founding and this biographical connection offer two different ways to explore the cultural history of Altos: one leads to the town’s early roots, the other to a figure from the arts. Altos is also known as San Lorenzo de la Cordillera de los Altos and is located about 60 km from Asunción.

Cultural and educational activities

Centro Cultural Espacio Expresión is a free, open space for the community and visitors. There, you can learn, experience art, and discover cultural and educational initiatives in the region. Activities include courses, workshops, seminars, and educational programs for children, young people, professionals, and socially disadvantaged groups. If you would like to take part in a specific activity, check in advance what is currently on offer.

These themes offer different perspectives: the market brings together various crafts at a recurring event, the cultural center offers an opportunity to learn through educational activities, and the town’s founding and an artist’s biography deepen your understanding of its history. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can consider Altos for a culture-focused stay. Think about which of these aspects you would like to focus on; this will give your choice of destination a clear direction.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Atyra, Nueva Colombia District, Arroyos Y Esteros, Caacupé, Tobati, San Bernardino, Itacurubí de la Cordillera, Piribebuy.

For the broader travel overview: Cordillera.