Candelaria Between Nature and History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Candelaria, the area’s natural and cultural attractions can help shape your travel plans. Parque Ecológico El Puma offers a connection with nature; historical links range from the Candelaria reduction to Manuel Belgrano.

Nature and Sustainable Use

Parque Ecológico El Puma is a 25-hectare multipurpose nature reserve in Candelaria. Its activities include nature conservation, sustainable production, scientific research, environmental education, and recreation. The area therefore combines several ecological, scientific, and recreational functions.

Since 2000, the park has been home to the Centro de Rehabilitación y Cría de Animales Silvestres. Native species are cared for, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild there; many of these species are threatened or endangered. The work ranges from caring for the animals to returning them to the wild.

Recreational tourism is also encouraged in the park’s integrated management from an ecological perspective. Another focus was added in 2007: the Estación de Hidrobiología y Piscicultura was established in Parque Ecológico El Puma. It produces native fish for restocking and promotes sustainable fish farming. In addition to nature conservation and animal care, the park also focuses on research and sustainable production.

History and Culture

After repeated relocations following attacks by the Bandeirantes, the Candelaria reduction was moved to its final site in 1665. The year and relocation mark a specific period in the area’s history.

At the white Sarandí tree in Candelaria, freedom fighter Manuel Belgrano rested and meditated before crossing the Paraná toward Paraguay. The tree is another historical landmark in Candelaria.

The Centro Cultural Manuel Belgrano was inaugurated in 2023 as a publicly run cultural center. At its opening, singing, drawing, painting, and dance workshops, as well as other performances for the whole family, were announced as new opportunities for Candelaria.

Nature Trails in the Candelaria Department

Parque Federal Campo San Juan is also located in the wider destination of Departamento Candelaria. The Sendero del Bañado Yacutinga is an 850-meter loop of moderate difficulty, with two birdwatching spots on the edge of the wetlands. The Sendero al Ingenio can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The round trip is 2,700 meters in total and leads to a viewpoint with the remains of a chimney from Ingenio Azucarero San Juan.

In Departamento Candelaria, the Sendero Ombú in Cañadón de Profundidad takes approximately 20 minutes. This gives you a rough idea of how long the trail takes.

Also within the wider destination of Departamento Candelaria, Parque Temático de la Cruz offers a 600-meter trail through native forest. You can choose between an interpretive route and a religious route with seven Stations of the Cross. At the park’s butterfly house, you can watch butterflies in flight and learn about their complete life cycle.

Discover more destinations: Santa Ana, San Ignacio.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Departamento Candelaria.