Itapúa department is preparing to host, for the second consecutive year, the World Rally Championship (WRC) stage, which will take place from August 27 to 30. The competition, named "Red Earth Rally," will be the longest stage of the 2026 calendar, with 356.04 km of competitive route distributed across 22 special stages in ten districts.
The Local Organizing Committee expects an economic impact of $200 million and the presence of at least 400,000 spectators, surpassing the 210,000 recorded in the inaugural 2025 edition, which generated $133 million in economic activity. Tickets for the symbolic start at the Encarnación sambadrome are nearly sold out, with an expected attendance of 15,000 people for the ceremony.
The event boosts the local economy, generating around 10,000 temporary jobs, mainly in the service sector. Hotel infrastructure grew 10% compared to 2025, totaling 6,000 beds in formal lodging and 5,000 in informal lodging, with current occupancy near 95%.
Beyond sports, the rally serves as a showcase for Itapúa's tourism. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore attractions such as Encarnación's beaches, the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yerba mate culture in Bella Vista, immigrant heritage in Hohenau, and natural tours in various districts.
To ensure security, the Paraguayan Volunteer Fire Corps (CBVP) will mobilize 270 personnel and a fleet of specialized vehicles, including 18 fire engines and 10 rapid response vehicles. The operation will be coordinated with the National Police, the Army, the Red Cross, and the National Emergency Secretariat.
As an additional attraction, the Paraguayan Navy sent two historic vessels to Encarnación: the Training Ship Gunboat Paraguay (C-1) and the Patrol Boat Captain Cabral (P-01). They departed from Villeta and are expected to arrive on Saturday, August 22, remaining open for public visits during the event. Onboard, cadets and midshipmen from naval schools are conducting practical training.