Arroyos y Esteros
Encyclopedia
Arroyos y Esteros is a district
of the Cordillera Department
, Paraguay
.
Its founder, Governor Pedro de Melo de Portugal called it "Chapel Duarte", but in 1849 Carlos Antonio López named it "Arroyos y Esteros".
, as having a lot of streams and swamps. The most valuable resources in the town are its citizens.
Once quite isolated, Arroyos now sits on the International Highway 3, which allows for rapid transit to Asuncion
and the possibility of round trip travel in the same day. Historically Arroyos has close ties to the larger and more prosperous Tobati
, approx. 23 km to the south, but this is slowly eroding as the bright lights of Asuncion draw more and more of the townspeople to the capital for business and study. An ongoing feud between the town's mayor currently threatens the fragile link with the capital.
The principal economic activity in Arroyos y Esteros is agriculture
, especially sugarcane
. Pineapple
and melons are other important crops. Sesame
was introduced a few years ago and is slowly making inroads, despite some early crop failures. There are several large ranches in the area with cattle, and some other lesser animals (sheep, goats). The arrival of a sugar factory dedicated to producing organic sugar changed the face of the arroyense economy as many former small molasses factories shut down to deliver the raw material to the more efficient large factory.
The international leisure circuit now makes a stop in Arroyos y Esteros at the Carlos Franco Country & Golf Club, an internationally renowned 18 hole course, owned by the eponymous PGA golfer, Paraguay’s own Carlos Franco
. Employing literally hundreds of people in the maintenance and development of the course, as well as in the first class dining establishment, administration, and attention to clients, CFCGC is bringing visibility and, more importantly, buckets of money to the region.
The town's fiesta patronal is October 4- San Francisco, however each company has its own fiesta patronal, also the Foundation Day, March 9, celebration invented by the current mayor to boost tourism in Arroyos y Esteros. The fiesta de la piña (Pineaplpe Festival) and alike are not to be missed.
The churrascaria Boa Vista, once nationally renowned, has suffered greatly from the owner’s absence after she married soccer star Gabriel “Loco” Gonzalez
. Once the pinnacle of the Arroyos dining experience, with over four kinds of meat available at one time, and a complete salad bar, Boa Vista has been relegated to minimal offerings of milanesas, hamburgers and lomitos, and the occasional chorizo
and overcooked beef rib, although with its ever-changing hours of operation one should call ahead for a reservation if expecting to entertain business clients or other important persons.
Across the street, one can break his fast at the more dependable Churrascaria Manduvira, although arrive early to enjoy a selection of food that is not hamburger
or empanada
. Also, due to the owner’s religious beliefs no alcoholic beverages are sold on the premises, although he does not object to the consumption of such beverages bought elsewhere and does not charge a corking fee. There is something to eat here 24 hours a day, good for a late night pick-me-up after putting in long hours at the office.
Former head chef of Manduvira, Edgar Benegas, left thatched roof of Manduvira behind to launch his solo venture, “Edgar’s Bar and Grill”, a VIP establishment, currently ranked number one among the Arroyense foodie circles. Edgar serves up slabs of ribs and beef every night accompanied by his charming wife, Rocio.
If looking to savor traditional Arroyense cooking, do not overlook ña Ramona’s bistro, located in downtown Arroyos by the plaza. Said to be the house of the very same Father Fidel Maíz
, with its rumors of buried treasure and the ghosts that guard it, ña Ramona’s offers the very best of classic Paraguayan favorites such as so’o apua, vori vori de gallina, and my personal favorite, guiso de mondongo. Call ahead for daily specials, reservations are a must.
Not for nothing is Arroyos y Esteros known as the Valle Organico (Organic Valley). At the full-service farmers market every Saturday morning, one can buy the freshest, organic produce direct from the small farmers. Find here a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, from acelga to zucchini
, homemade jams, cheese
, milk
, eggs
, and traditional Paraguayan snack foods cooked in the tatakua on the premises.
Arroyos y Esteros is a city of Paraguay
, it was founded in 1767 and is 67 km away from the capital city Asunción
.
and Manduvirá River, which are mouths of many swamps and streams before these important rivers flow into Paraguay River
.
According to a local legend, two images of the Mother Virgen were found, one of those is the one in Caacupé, the faithful capital city of Paraguay
, and the other one is in Tobatí.
Arroyos y Esteros is a very wealthy region in vegetation because of its privileged location.
Because of not enough job opportunities, young people migrate to search for better life conditions.
who gave the name “Capilla Duarte”, Carlos Antonio López named it “Arroyos y Esteros” in 1849.
Since there is no exact date on the foundation, it was established Priest Fidel Maiz
birth and death as the date the town celebrates its foundation, which is March 9.
People who live there say that when the first President, Carlos Antonio López, went to visit Priest Maíz, said to the priest: "I had to cross rivers, streams and swamps to get here", and that is the reason this city was named Arroyos y Esteros.
, connect the city with the capital city of Asuncion
. Another way to get to Arroyos y Esteros is going from Caacupe through Tobati.
Ype Kuá is a resource where people can stay and enjoy nature, go horseback riding, or go boating and see wild animals.
Arroyos y Esteros is also known as "La Esmeralda de las Cordilleras", because of the special green of its vegetation and farming.
Some streams nearby are:
The rivers that surround the city are:
Some hills are:
. One could take a longer, but more scenic route by Route II, via Caacupé and Tobatí, passing important natural rock formations to reach the ecological paradise of Arroyos y Esteros.
, was born in Arroyos y Esteros and was a very important character during the War of the Triple Alliance
.
District
Districts are a type of administrative division, in some countries managed by a local government. They vary greatly in size, spanning entire regions or counties, several municipalities, or subdivisions of municipalities.-Austria:...
of the Cordillera Department
Cordillera Department
-History:During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries this area of the country was going through a serious crisis due to population bellicosity of the Indians from Chaco. The villagers from Tobatí located north of the river Pirapo then called, had to migrate south for the continue attacks by...
, Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
.
Etymology
Its name describes exactly the real aspect of this place, which is surrounded by swamps and streams. It was also named Tobatí Tuyá, which is one of the rivers of this region.Its founder, Governor Pedro de Melo de Portugal called it "Chapel Duarte", but in 1849 Carlos Antonio López named it "Arroyos y Esteros".
Information
Arroyos y Esteros is a small town, growing economically as well as in population. There are approximately 20,000 people living in the district, but these are found mostly in 13 outlying satellite communities, with only 8,000 inhabitants in the center of town. The topography can best be described in the words of the towns founder, Father Fidel MaízFather Fidel Maíz
Father Fidel Maíz was a priest in Paraguay. He is considered one of the best speakers of his time. He also had a great writing ability, brilliant and rich, he had a great participation in the important moments of the history of his country...
, as having a lot of streams and swamps. The most valuable resources in the town are its citizens.
Once quite isolated, Arroyos now sits on the International Highway 3, which allows for rapid transit to Asuncion
Asunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
and the possibility of round trip travel in the same day. Historically Arroyos has close ties to the larger and more prosperous Tobati
Tobatí District
Tobatí is both a city and a district in the Cordillera Department, Paraguay. It is the second largest district of Cordillera with 23,191 inhabitants. The population of the city proper is 9,688.- History :...
, approx. 23 km to the south, but this is slowly eroding as the bright lights of Asuncion draw more and more of the townspeople to the capital for business and study. An ongoing feud between the town's mayor currently threatens the fragile link with the capital.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
, especially sugarcane
Sugarcane
Sugarcane refers to any of six to 37 species of tall perennial grasses of the genus Saccharum . Native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, they have stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sugar, and measure two to six metres tall...
. Pineapple
Pineapple
Pineapple is the common name for a tropical plant and its edible fruit, which is actually a multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries. It was given the name pineapple due to its resemblance to a pine cone. The pineapple is by far the most economically important plant in the Bromeliaceae...
and melons are other important crops. Sesame
Sesame
Sesame is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods....
was introduced a few years ago and is slowly making inroads, despite some early crop failures. There are several large ranches in the area with cattle, and some other lesser animals (sheep, goats). The arrival of a sugar factory dedicated to producing organic sugar changed the face of the arroyense economy as many former small molasses factories shut down to deliver the raw material to the more efficient large factory.
The international leisure circuit now makes a stop in Arroyos y Esteros at the Carlos Franco Country & Golf Club, an internationally renowned 18 hole course, owned by the eponymous PGA golfer, Paraguay’s own Carlos Franco
Carlos Franco
Carlos Daniel Franco is a Paraguayan professional golfer. He is the brother of golfer Angel Franco.Franco was born in Asunción, Paraguay. He comes from a poor background and grew up in a one-room, dirt-floor home. His father was a greenkeeper and caddy, and he has five brothers, all of whom...
. Employing literally hundreds of people in the maintenance and development of the course, as well as in the first class dining establishment, administration, and attention to clients, CFCGC is bringing visibility and, more importantly, buckets of money to the region.
The town's fiesta patronal is October 4- San Francisco, however each company has its own fiesta patronal, also the Foundation Day, March 9, celebration invented by the current mayor to boost tourism in Arroyos y Esteros. The fiesta de la piña (Pineaplpe Festival) and alike are not to be missed.
The churrascaria Boa Vista, once nationally renowned, has suffered greatly from the owner’s absence after she married soccer star Gabriel “Loco” Gonzalez
Gabriel González (footballer)
Gabriel González Chaves is a former football player from Paraguay that used to play as a forward or attacking midfielder....
. Once the pinnacle of the Arroyos dining experience, with over four kinds of meat available at one time, and a complete salad bar, Boa Vista has been relegated to minimal offerings of milanesas, hamburgers and lomitos, and the occasional chorizo
Chorizo
Chorizo is a term encompassing several types of pork sausages originating from the Iberian Peninsula.In English, it is usually pronounced , , or , but sometimes ....
and overcooked beef rib, although with its ever-changing hours of operation one should call ahead for a reservation if expecting to entertain business clients or other important persons.
Across the street, one can break his fast at the more dependable Churrascaria Manduvira, although arrive early to enjoy a selection of food that is not hamburger
Hamburger
A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground meat usually placed inside a sliced bread roll...
or empanada
Empanada
An empanada is a stuffed bread or pastry baked or fried in many countries in Latin America, Southern Europe and parts of Southeast Asia. The name comes from the verb empanar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread. Empanada is made by folding a dough or bread patty around the stuffing...
. Also, due to the owner’s religious beliefs no alcoholic beverages are sold on the premises, although he does not object to the consumption of such beverages bought elsewhere and does not charge a corking fee. There is something to eat here 24 hours a day, good for a late night pick-me-up after putting in long hours at the office.
Former head chef of Manduvira, Edgar Benegas, left thatched roof of Manduvira behind to launch his solo venture, “Edgar’s Bar and Grill”, a VIP establishment, currently ranked number one among the Arroyense foodie circles. Edgar serves up slabs of ribs and beef every night accompanied by his charming wife, Rocio.
If looking to savor traditional Arroyense cooking, do not overlook ña Ramona’s bistro, located in downtown Arroyos by the plaza. Said to be the house of the very same Father Fidel Maíz
Father Fidel Maíz
Father Fidel Maíz was a priest in Paraguay. He is considered one of the best speakers of his time. He also had a great writing ability, brilliant and rich, he had a great participation in the important moments of the history of his country...
, with its rumors of buried treasure and the ghosts that guard it, ña Ramona’s offers the very best of classic Paraguayan favorites such as so’o apua, vori vori de gallina, and my personal favorite, guiso de mondongo. Call ahead for daily specials, reservations are a must.
Not for nothing is Arroyos y Esteros known as the Valle Organico (Organic Valley). At the full-service farmers market every Saturday morning, one can buy the freshest, organic produce direct from the small farmers. Find here a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, from acelga to zucchini
Zucchini
The zucchini is a summer squash which often grows to nearly a meter in length, but which is usually harvested at half that size or less. It is a hybrid of the cucumber. Along with certain other squashes, it belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo. Zucchini can be dark or light green...
, homemade jams, cheese
Cheese
Cheese is a generic term for a diverse group of milk-based food products. Cheese is produced throughout the world in wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms....
, milk
Milk
Milk is a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for young mammals before they are able to digest other types of food. Early-lactation milk contains colostrum, which carries the mother's antibodies to the baby and can reduce the risk of many...
, eggs
Egg (food)
Eggs are laid by females of many different species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, and have probably been eaten by mankind for millennia. Bird and reptile eggs consist of a protective eggshell, albumen , and vitellus , contained within various thin membranes...
, and traditional Paraguayan snack foods cooked in the tatakua on the premises.
Arroyos y Esteros is a city of Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
, it was founded in 1767 and is 67 km away from the capital city Asunción
Asunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
.
Geography
The land is completely surrounded by rivers, PiribebuyPiribebuy
Piribebuy is a district in the Cordillera Department of Paraguay. It is of spontaneous origin, though some attribute its founding to Martin Ledesma de Valderrama in 1636. Since its founding documents were burned during the War of the Triple Alliance, 8 March, 1636, was later appointed as its Day of...
and Manduvirá River, which are mouths of many swamps and streams before these important rivers flow into Paraguay River
Paraguay River
The Paraguay River is a major river in south central South America, running through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina...
.
According to a local legend, two images of the Mother Virgen were found, one of those is the one in Caacupé, the faithful capital city of Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
, and the other one is in Tobatí.
Arroyos y Esteros is a very wealthy region in vegetation because of its privileged location.
Weather
The weather is mild and dry. Temperature ranges from 23 to 27 Celsius (73.4-80.6 F) during winter 3 Celsius is the minimum.Demography
Arroyos y Esteros has 22.723 inhabitants, who 12.052 are men and 10.670 women, according to the census (2002). There are 2.049 people in the urban area and 16.592 in the rural area.Because of not enough job opportunities, young people migrate to search for better life conditions.
History
This city was founded by the Governor Pedro de Melo de PortugalPedro de Melo
Pedro de Melo de Portugal y Vilhena was a Spanish soldier and politician, who sered as viceroy in the Rio de la Plata-Biography:...
who gave the name “Capilla Duarte”, Carlos Antonio López named it “Arroyos y Esteros” in 1849.
Since there is no exact date on the foundation, it was established Priest Fidel Maiz
Father Fidel Maíz
Father Fidel Maíz was a priest in Paraguay. He is considered one of the best speakers of his time. He also had a great writing ability, brilliant and rich, he had a great participation in the important moments of the history of his country...
birth and death as the date the town celebrates its foundation, which is March 9.
People who live there say that when the first President, Carlos Antonio López, went to visit Priest Maíz, said to the priest: "I had to cross rivers, streams and swamps to get here", and that is the reason this city was named Arroyos y Esteros.
Economy
Arroyos y Esteros is best known as the “World's Cradle of Organic Sugar” and famous because it is the main sugar cane producer of Paraguay, honey and rum are other products gotten from the sugar cane. People also grow pineapple, banana and some other crops. The city economy is also based on cattle raising.Transportation
Route III “Gral. Elizardo Aquino” is the first way to get there. Buses from “Empresa Fidel Maiz”, which pass by EmboscadaEmboscada District
-Etymology:“San Agustín de la Emboscada” refers to the ambush before the Spanish Conquest, against Carios tribe made by Guaicurú. It is also known as the Stone City because most of the people's job is mining.-Weather:...
, connect the city with the capital city of Asuncion
Asunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
. Another way to get to Arroyos y Esteros is going from Caacupe through Tobati.
Tourism
The peaceful, bucolic resort Piro'y sits 8 kilometers from the highway, on the sandy banks of the Manduvirá River. Here, families gather to enjoy volleyball, barbecues, fishing, and the occasional outdoor concert. Sundays are highly recommended for an unforgettable day in the countryside.Ype Kuá is a resource where people can stay and enjoy nature, go horseback riding, or go boating and see wild animals.
Arroyos y Esteros is also known as "La Esmeralda de las Cordilleras", because of the special green of its vegetation and farming.
Geography
- Yhaguy
- Yhú
- Capiatá
- Hondo
- Tobatiry
The rivers that surround the city are:
- Manduvirá
- Piribebuy
Some hills are:
- Mainumby
- Ypecuá
- Olivares
- Lomas de Acevedo
- Cordillera de los Altos
How to get there
Route Nº III “Gral. Elizardo Aquino” connects the city with AsuncionAsunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
. One could take a longer, but more scenic route by Route II, via Caacupé and Tobatí, passing important natural rock formations to reach the ecological paradise of Arroyos y Esteros.
Important People from Arroyos y Esteros
Priest Fidel MaizFather Fidel Maíz
Father Fidel Maíz was a priest in Paraguay. He is considered one of the best speakers of his time. He also had a great writing ability, brilliant and rich, he had a great participation in the important moments of the history of his country...
, was born in Arroyos y Esteros and was a very important character during the War of the Triple Alliance
War of the Triple Alliance
The Paraguayan War , also known as War of the Triple Alliance , was a military conflict in South America fought from 1864 to 1870 between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay...
.