San Lázaro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Lázaro
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| San Lázaro | |
 San Lázaro
Location in Paraguay
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| Country | Paraguay |
| Department | Concepción |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founded by | Captain Lázaro Aranda |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,005 km2 (388 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 112 m (367 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 11,509 |
| • Density | 11.452/km2 (29.660/sq mi) |
| Postal code |
8940
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| Area code(s) | (595)(351) |
| Climate | Am |
San Lázaro is a small town in the Concepción area of Paraguay. It is located about 660 km from Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay. The town is also 190 km from Concepción, which is the capital of its department. In 2002, about 9,060 people lived there.
San Lázaro is special because it sits where the Paraguay River and the Apa River meet. The main activity in this town is making lime, which is a material used in building.
Contents
Exploring San Lázaro's Location
San Lázaro is found exactly where the Apa River flows into the Paraguay River. This area is right on the border with Brazil. It is 660 km away from Asunción.
San Lázaro's Climate and Seasons
The weather in San Lázaro can get quite warm. In summer, the highest temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. In winter, it can get cold, sometimes dropping to -2 degrees Celsius. The average temperature throughout the year is around 24 degrees Celsius.
The town gets a lot of rain from November to January. However, the months from June to September are usually very dry. Winds in San Lázaro mostly come from the north, east, and southeast.
Who Lives in San Lázaro?
According to a 2002 study, San Lázaro had 9,060 residents. Out of these, 4,719 were men and 4,382 were women.
San Lázaro's Main Activities
The main town in this area is Vallemí, which is about 14 km south of San Lázaro. Vallemí is home to the biggest cement company in Paraguay, called the National Cement Industry (INC).
The main jobs in San Lázaro involve taking out limestone and marble from the ground. There are about 40 factories that do this work. Because of this, San Lázaro is often called the "City of Calera," which means "City of Lime." The area is also known for having many grapefruit trees.
A Look at San Lázaro's Past
San Lázaro was founded in 1930 by a person named Captain Lázaro Aranda. He established the town right where the Apa River meets the Paraguay River. San Lázaro was the first small town in the area to be named its own district capital.
Things to See and Do in San Lázaro
San Lázaro offers many interesting places to visit, especially for those who love nature and history.
River Fun and Scenic Views
Along the Apa River, you can find several nice swimming spots. There is also a special lookout point in Vallemí where you can enjoy beautiful views of the area. The Paraguay River is great for boat trips. You can also go fishing, camping, and relax on the beaches.
Local Art and Landmarks
In honor of the town's founder, you can visit the Church of Saint Lazarus and a monument in the main town square. A local artist named Sebastian Amarilla creates sculptures in different styles. You can see his "Monument to the Supreme" near the lime factory and "Children Martyrs Acosta Nu" in the town center. The Church of the Our Lady of Fatima has walls covered with beautiful marble and limestone.
Exploring Nature's Wonders
The 'Mountains of Fifteen Tips' have forests and hills that are still mostly unexplored. Some hills reach heights of 500 m. Streams and rivers start from these high points. From Hill St. Helena, you can see the natural beauty of San Lázaro and Vallemí.
Discovering Ancient Caves
San Lázaro is home to several limestone caves.
- The "Cambá hopo" Cave is about 300 meters from the factory, south of Vallemí, near the Paraguay River.
- "Itá Cajón" Cave looks like a box, with a height of 5 to 6 m and a depth of 9 to 11 m. You can reach it by boat or by walking with a guide.
- The San Lazaro Cave, also known as "Cantera 54," is northeast of Vallemí. It has more than 15 deep wells. You can even see tree roots growing into the cave walls.
- "Tres Cerros" Cave is 12 km southeast of Vallemí. It is easy to get to and features old tree roots, stalactites (rock formations hanging from the ceiling), stalagmites (rock formations growing from the floor), and columns.
- The "Holy Cave" is on the west side of Three Hills. It's called "Holy" because locals believe a stalagmite inside looks like a virgin. This cave has a vertical entrance that drops about 6 meters. It is very impressive with huge stalactites over 6 m long. Many visitors, including researchers and students, come to explore it.
- The "Calera Rusa" is on private land but open to visitors. It is 16 km from Vallemí and 4 km from Tres Cerros. This is an open-pit area with 70-meter high walls. Inside, you can see a huge tree root, stalactites, and small rocks.
Festivals and Local Life
In September or October, San Lázaro hosts the "Festival Apa River." On December 17, the town celebrates its patron saint, San Lázaro, with a special feast.
The Estancia Tres Hermanas is a ranch located 6 km from the main road. It offers beautiful views of the Apa River, surrounded by forests and grasslands. At the ranch, you can go camping, ride horses, and even try milking cows.
See also
In Spanish: San Lázaro (Paraguay) para niños
