Paraguay Travel Guide (South America)

Paraguay Travel Guide
Introduction to Paraguay
List of Places to Visit in Paraguay
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Paraguay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Paraguay
Best Things to Do in Paraguay: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Paraguay
Food and Drink Scene of Paraguay
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Paraguay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Paraguay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Paraguay
Best Time to Visit Paraguay
Safety and Health
- Safety in Paraguay
- Health in Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Paraguay
Where to Go Next from Paraguay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Paraguay Travel Guide

Welcome to Paraguay, known as the ‘Heart of America’ for its unique geographic location. This beautiful country in South America is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination. Paraguay is a melting pot of cultures and offers visitors a chance to experience dynamic architecture, stunning natural landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant traditions.

Introduction to Paraguay

Paraguay is a landlocked country, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Its population is around 7 million, and the official languages spoken are Spanish and Guarani. The country is famously known for the Guarani culture, which has an evident influence on art, music, and dance.

Paraguay is a budget-friendly destination, which is an added bonus for travelers looking for experiences without breaking the bank. With our Paraguay travel guide, explore the rich culture of this charming country and discover hidden gems.

List of Places to Visit in Paraguay

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Paraguay has a rich history and culture, which is evident in its many museums and historical sites.

Museum of the ‘Indigenous Memory’: Located in Asuncion, this museum reflects the indigenous culture of Paraguay. Here visitors can learn about the Guarani way of life, community, and their spiritual and religious beliefs.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the ancestral culture of the Chaco people who are native to Paraguay. Visitors can see the ruins of ancient settlements and learn about their social, political, and religious beliefs.
Casa de la Independencia Museum: This historical museum located in Asuncion has an exhibition of artifacts and documents about the country’s struggle for independence in 1811.

Natural Attractions of Paraguay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Paraguay has a diverse natural landscape with its many rivers, forests, and national parks.

Itaipu Dam: This hydroelectric dam located on the Parana River is the largest in the world, shared by Paraguay and Brazil. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about its fascinating history and how it generates electricity.
Ybycui National Park: This park is a nature lover’s paradise with its exotic flora and fauna. Visitors can hike, birdwatch or swim in natural pools.
Saltos del Monday Waterfall: Situated near Ciudad del Este, this waterfall is a beautiful sight with its cascading waters. It’s the perfect spot to picnic or enjoy a refreshing swim.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Paraguay

Paraguay has several hiking and biking trails ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cerro Llororo Hiking Trail: Located in Paraguay’s capital city, Asuncion, this trail offers scenic views of the city landscape.
Cerro Akati Hill Trail: This biking trail stretches 20 km and is situated in the Misiones region of Paraguay. It is a challenging trail perfect for experienced bikers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path routes.

Best Things to Do in Paraguay: Activities and Tours

Paraguay offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to every traveler’s preference.

Shopping and Leisure Tour: Asuncion is a hidden gem for shoppers looking for unique products. There are several markets, such as the Mercado 4, where visitors can buy traditional Paraguayan crafts and souvenirs.
Nightlife Tours: Asuncion has a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs and bars that are always packed with locals and tourists alike. The Paseo Carmelitas is a popular spot for drinks and dancing.
Iguazu Falls Day Trip: Paraguay shares the Iguazu Falls with Argentina and Brazil. Visitors can take a day trip to these falls and marvel at their breathtaking beauty.

Week-Long Itinerary for Paraguay

For travelers looking to experience Paraguay in a week, we recommend the following itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Asuncion Day 2: Museums and Historical Attractions Day 3: National Parks and Natural Attractions Day 4: Hiking and Biking Trails Day 5: City Tour of Asuncion Day 6: Day trip to Iguazu Falls Day 7: Culinary and Shopping Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Paraguay

Paraguay’s cuisine is a fusion of Guarani, Spanish, and Argentinean influences.

Must-Try Dishes

Sopa Paraguaya: This is a traditional cornbread dish made with cheese, onions, and cornmeal.
Chipa: This mouth-watering snack is made with cheese and cassava flour and is similar to bread.
Asado: This is a traditional barbecue-style dish made with grilled meat.

Local Beverages

Terere: This is a famous traditional drink made from cold water and yerba mate, served in a cup made from calabash gourd.
Cocido: This is a tea made from brewed black tea leaves and served with milk and sugar.

Where to Stay in Paraguay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Paraguay is budget-friendly and offers a range of accommodation options to choose from.

Hotel Excelsior: This hotel is an iconic landmark in Asuncion and offers luxury rooms and suites with excellent service.
Black Cat Hostel: This hostel is perfect for budget travelers looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay. It’s located near the city center and offers dorm rooms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Paraguay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Paraguay is famous for its traditional crafts, handmade textiles, and jewelry.

Nanduti Lace: This is a traditional Paraguayan art form that involves weaving fine lace by hand and is ideal for souvenirs.
Embroidered Blouses: These blouses are intricate and elegant, a reflection of the country’s traditions and culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Paraguay

Paraguay is famous for its culture of ‘solo parties’, where only one person celebrates their birthday. Social events are family-oriented and inclusive, and hospitality plays a significant role.

Best Time to Visit Paraguay

The ideal time to visit Paraguay is from April to September when the weather is mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paraguay

Do:

Try the local cuisine and traditional drinks.
Learn some basic Guarani phrases.

Don’t:

Don’t wear revealing clothes in religious or conservative areas.
Don’t litter or disrespect national monuments or historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Paraguay

Paraguay is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of pickpocketing in busy areas and to avoid unlit areas at night.

Health in Paraguay

It’s essential to take the necessary precautions when traveling to Paraguay, such as getting vaccinated for yellow fever and hepatitis A and B. It’s advisable to drink bottled water and use insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Paraguay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Paraguay

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion: This is the largest airport in Paraguay and has flights to and from major South American cities and other international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Paraguay

Asuncion Bus Station: This station has bus services to and from cities in Paraguay and neighboring countries in South America.

Other Options

Train: Paraguay does not have an active train service, but there are plans to introduce a train line that will connect Asuncion with nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Paraguay

Public transportation, taxis, and car rentals are widely available in Paraguay.

Where to Go Next from Paraguay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Buenos Aires, Argentina: A vibrant city with excellent cuisine, dance, and music options.
La Paz, Bolivia: A culturally rich city, with mountain ranges offering breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Paraguay is a hidden gem in South America, with beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This comprehensive Paraguay travel guide provides the perfect itinerary and recommendations to make your trip an unforgettable one. Pack your bags and embark on a journey of a lifetime!