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15 Best Places to Visit in Paraguay

Set right in the heart of South America, Paraguay is a land formed from the interfaces of Europe and Guarani Indians, where traces of earthy indigenous life still lurk in the jungles, colonial megacities rise on the winding rivers, and the Gran Chaco dominates the north. It’s a truly fascinating place.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Paraguay :

1. Asuncion

A curious metropolis of more than two million people, Asuncion is the beating political, economic and cultural heart of modern Paraguay.

The center clings to the eastern banks of the Paraguay River, which meanders around the downtown along the border with Argentina to the west.

Here, visitors delve into what is – believe it or not – actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas.

First raised by the conquistadores, Asuncion was actually the base from which the Spanish ventured out westwards, to the wilds of Peru and Patagonia.

Today, the town is gilded with the great National Pantheon of the Heroes, along with one throbbing nightlife along up-and-coming Paseo Carmelitas.

2. Encarnacion

The so-called ‘Pearl of the South’ reclines carefree on the banks of the Parana River, drawing crowds of Asuncenos (people from the capital) during the summer with the promise of pristine riparian beaches and the country’s most up-and-coming boardwalk boulevard.

The best sands are found at the end of Curupayty, groomed and managed and dotted with bikini-clad fashionistas and sunbathers alike.

Water sports are popular too, with jet skis buzzing around the meanders of Parana, below the shimmering high-rises of the city’s all-new residential neighbourhoods across the bay.

And when the relaxation is done and dusted, be sure to get a culture hit at the UNESCO-attested Jesuit ruins on the edge of the town.

3. Cerro Cora National Park

This pint-sized natural reserve is unquestionably one of the most dramatic and breathtaking sections of backcountry in all of Paraguay.

Only recently established, it encompasses a great swathe of undulating savannah and highland terrain, where otherworldly hills peak above the swaying grasses and mosquitoes buzz around the shuffling carapaces of armadillos.

Muralia peak is a great place to start here; offering sweeping panoramas of the region’s arid forestry and plains, while there are also curious cultural encounters to be had with the indigenous tribespeople and a smattering of mysterious ancient petroglyphs to evoke the curiosity.

4. Ciudad del Este

Like a Moroccan bazaar, the markets of Ciudad del Este sprawl out along the courses of the Parana River, the sounds of Middle Eastern hagglers and Taiwanese electronics hawkers echoing between the rows and rows of blinking electronics and branded clothes.

Yes sir, there’s a reason why this unashamed hub of the Paraguayan black market is hailed as the ‘Supermarket of the Americas’. Thousands of Brazilians cross over to the town every day to catch bargains amidst the emporiums of Camilo Recalde, while visitors typically make a beeline for the colossal engineering masterpiece that is the Itaipu Dam – another of Paraguay’s major economic generators.

5. Ybycui National Park

Capuchin monkeys swing through the canopies while howlers scale the tree trunks at Ybycui National Park, a small and tight-knit protected section of what’s remaining of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest.

Most travelers make the relatively short 150 kilometer drive here straight from the capital, eager to see the gushing waterfalls that cascade down through the rocky undergrowth of the forests in steps and plunge pools.

Another attraction are the ruins of a onetime iron foundry, where the forces of the hard-fought Paraguayan War once created weaponry and munitions while hidden in the hills.

6. Yaguaron

This small backwater town set in the shadow of the bulbous cliffs and rocky hills just south of the capital at Asuncion began life as a Spanish mission intended as a settlement spot for the Guarani natives back in the early decades of the 1600s.

Today, and the striking church that was raised by the Europeans here to make their mark still stands on the grassy fields where it did all those centuries ago.

It’s one of the prime examples of the Franciscan tradition in the country, and is a fine cultural addition to an exploration through the exhibition rooms of the nearby Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia Museum – the onetime home of the Paraguayan dictator, located just a stone’s throw away down the road.

Just a short drive from the heart of the buzzing downtown streets of Asuncion, and now almost contiguous with the capital thanks to the ceaseless expansion of its outer suburbs, little, lakeside Aregua is a fine place to go to escape the heat and energy of Paraguay’s only real metropolis.

Travelers can expect a pretty maze of cobbled streets and alleyways where the lingering facades of colonial Spain still stand tall.

This all abuts the waters of Ypacarai Lake, sail boats and ferries heading to San Bernardino forever bobbing on its sky-blue waters.

Then there are the fascinating hexagonal geological formations of the Koi and Chorori hills, looming just on the edge of the city.

Famed for its distinctive tribal art and traditional Paraguayan folk music scene, the small city of Itaugua is a great place to while away a few days as you make your way through the very heart of South America.

Its inner streets come lined with swaying, shady eucalyptus trees and there are countless workshops where it’s possible to buy nanduti – a beautiful and intricate form of Paraguayan embroidery that originated in this region long ago.

Meanwhile, the looming hill of Cerrito offers viewpoints on the edge of town and a smattering of colonial houses offer a glimpse at Itaugua’s deeper, Spanish-influenced past.

9. Filadelfia

Filadelfia sits just on the edge of the Gran Chaco, where the forests and undulating hills of the Region Oriental give way to the great boreal plains that form the very heartlands of the continent as a whole.

That makes this far-flung town – the so-called ‘Capital of the Chaco – a very different place to the small southern cities of Aregua and Itaugua.

But the curiosities don’t stop there either.

Filadelfia is also German speaking, and plays host to the people of the Fernheim Colony, a transplanted Mennonite community that fled here from Stalinist Russia in the 1930s.

Add to that a dairy farm and an earthy agricultural vibe, and you’ve got yourself a truly interesting spot smack bang in the middle of the nation!

10. San Estanislao

Named after a Polish saint, founded by Spanish Jesuits, intended to convert the native Guarani Indian peoples of San Pedro in central Paraguay, and infused with the cultures of immigrants from Italy, Germany and Eastern Europe throughout the last two centuries, the pint-sized yet interesting little stop-off of San Estanislao is like the history of the country writ small.

In the 1800s it boomed with tobacco production, while today soy and pulses are the main crop raised in the surrounding fields.

Travelers can come and see pretty tree-lined plazas and wallow in the bucolic feel of the place, all whilst meeting a lively crowd of students, beers in tow, during the later hours.

11. Concepcion

Located just on the cusp of the Grand Chaco and benefitting from great river connections to the larger cities of the south, Concepcion enjoyed an economic golden age before being plunged into conflict during the Paraguayan War.

Today, its central streets and cobbled alleys still bear all the hallmarks of a colonial outpost that did very well indeed from its various agricultural pursuits.

Visitors embark and disembark from their hop-on, hop-off river cruises up the meanders of the Paraguay River, wonder at the elegant facades and painted Spanish-style churches, and enjoy the sultry tropical airs as they go.

12. La Santisima Trinidad de Parana

Paraguay’s historical piece de resistance can be found set just north of the fun-loving southern hub of Encarnacion, rising from the rolling hills just a stone’s throw from the Parana River.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (the most-visited in the country no less), the spot is a fine example of a South American Jesuit Reduction.

These would once have peppered the Latin lands from Argentina to Bolivia, and worked to convert the local Indian populations to Christianity in a non-invasive (at least as non-invasive as possible) way.

Nowadays, the site showcases crumbling churches and priests’ living quarters, many adorned with European art works, others complete with a curious intermingling of Indian and Italianesque styles.

This one’s simply not to be missed!

13. San Cosme y Damian

Jutting its way out into the colossal oxbow lakes and flooded plains that swell where the Parana River weaves along the borderline with Argentina to the south, the village of San Cosme y Damian is a real sight to behold.

It comes encompassed by shimmering, palm tree-spotted, yellow-sanded dunes, which ebb and flow across the landscape before plunging down directly into the waters.

There is also an interesting old Jesuit mission situated nearby, while boat trips and hiking excursions across the shores are a great way to explore the otherworldly vistas and shifting sands.

14. San Bernardino

Barred off from the chaos of the capital by the great liquid curve of Lake Ypacarai, San Bernardino has firmly established itself as one of the prime gateways for the moneyed jet setter Asuncenos.

Ferries buzz across several times a day from the outer districts of Aregua, depositing folk on the waterside boulevards of Bernardino, between swaying palm trees and the artificial sand stretches that have been set up there.

Of course, the town has oodles of pubs and discos to let loose in, and partiers flock to the plazas with beers and salsa-ready hips right throughout the summer high season (typically running from December to March).

15. Villarrica

Set in the shadow of the rugged Ybyturuzu highland ridges, Villarrica is a proud and historically rich Paraguayan town; a place where monuments to national heroes pepper the plazas, and some of the country’s most important cultural institutions and traditions are on the line-up.

Take the Maestro Fermin Lopez Museum in the heart of town, which showcases collections of old munitions and arms from the Chaco War next to ancient Indian weaponry.

Then there are the booming Easter celebrations, which erupt on the squares and between the gorgeous Spanish-style towers of the Franciscan church – one seriously handsome relic of the colonial era to say the least!

15 Best Places to Visit in Paraguay:

• Encarnacion
• Cerro Cora National Park
• Ciudad del Este
• Ybycui National Park
• San Estanislao
• La Santisima Trinidad de Parana
• San Cosme y Damian
• San Bernardino

From waterfalls to chipas, everything you need to know for your first trip to Paraguay

Feb 3, 2020 • 5 min read

Saltos del Monday is one of Paraguay's best-kept secrets © Jan-Schneckenhaus / Getty Images

Surrounded by rainforest, the Gran Chaco plains and broad, meandering rivers, Paraguay lies right in the middle of South America . From its natural landscapes and architecture to Guaraní indigenous culture and tasty street food, it feels emblematic of its continent, a melting pot of indigenous heritage and colonial history. Few Western tourists visit, but those that do will find an authentic nation of understated beauty and complex, fascinating culture.

Cradled by a bend in the meandering Paraguay River, central Asunción is an intimate, walkable district of cobbled streets, low-slung colonial architecture, and little plazas basking in the dappled shade of the trees. The outskirts have been paved over with glitzy malls, capitalizing on the country’s reputation for cheap shopping. 

Café Consulado (O’Leary between Palma and Presidente Franco) is a trendy, LGBT-friendly cafe with great food, Paraguayan craft beer and local art. Perfect for a coffee after wandering through Plaza de la Democracia and Plaza Uruguaya.

From Asunción, take an overnight or day trip to the surrounding towns. San Bernardino, on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí, is a luxuriant lakeside retreat of verdant parks and squares, where rich Asunceños decamp to spend long weekends. Nearby Itaugua is famous for ñandutí, Paraguay’s emblematic spiderweb lace. Keep an eye out for intricate mandalas blooming with color and delicate white shawls on sale at artisans’ stands. 

Encarnación

This cheery river beach city is popular with locals in the summer. Sun yourself on San José beach, which faces across the Paraná river to Posadas in Argentina .

A bus ride away lies the Most Holy Trinity of Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue Jesuit ruins. These former Jesuit missions are Unesco world heritage sites, monuments to the role the Jesuit order played in the history of Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. Crumbling and covered by a fine patina of lichen, these secluded, gloriously atmospheric ruins comprise the remains of the settlements, including an old church. 

San Rafael Park is a reserve of pristine Atlantic forest a couple of hours from Encarnación and a brilliant place to disconnect. You can stay in wooden lodges administered by environmental NGO PROCOSARA if you arrange it in advance. Stroll along the short, well-marked woodland paths and cool off afterward with a swim in a cool lake fringed by forest. 

Ciudad del Este

This city near the Iguazú Falls is popular among Argentines and Brazilians looking to pop across the border for some retail therapy.

If shopping isn’t your thing, visit the Itaipú Dam . This vast binational hydroelectric dam between Paraguay and Brazil is one of the world’s largest generators of hydroelectric power. Marvel at the sheer scale of this engineering project on a guided tour.

Paraguay’s best kept secret might be Saltos del Monday ( Monday Falls) and surrounding park. The Iguazú Falls steal their thunder, but these lush woodland cascades deserve a visit in their own right. Unlike the hyper-developed tourist paradise of Iguazú, Monday hasn’t made its mark on the international tourist trail yet, so you can explore the forest in peace.

The Gran Chaco

The Gran Chaco is a huge plain spanning central and northern Paraguay. Dotted with just a few small towns, this wilderness is a place to contemplate the landscape and spot native wildlife. The little towns of Loma Plata and Filadelfia make good bases. There are buses from Asunción, but given the sheer remoteness of the area, bringing your own vehicle is a good idea. If you’re into birdwatching, arrange a visit to Chaco Lodge , which looks out over a lake of flamingos. Check conditions before you go: the birds migrate, and access depends on the weather.

What to eat and drink 

Paraguayan cuisine is famously hearty, with plenty of cheese, cassava and meat. Chipa is a chewy little cheese bread often made with cassava starch. You’ll find vendors enthusiastically hawking it everywhere from street corners to public buses. It’s so filling that it appears to defy the laws of physics, which makes it great for long journeys. A delicious variant is chipa kavure, which is wrapped around a stick and grilled.

Sopa Paraguaya translates to “Paraguayan soup”, but don’t let the name fool you: it’s actually a cheesy baked dish made with corn and onions. Either way, it’s mouth-watering. If you’re a strict vegetarian, be aware that these dishes might contain animal fat. If you’re vegan, do your research and be prepared to cook.

Yerba Mate was originally drunk by the Guaraní indigenous people, so it’s no surprise Paraguayans love it. To make mate cocido , yerba (an herb) is poured onto smoking coals and burnt with sugar, resulting in a smoky, caramel-flavored tea. If the stifling heat has you craving something cooler, tereré is a cold mate, sometimes made with citrus juice. You’re more likely to be offered it by friendly hostel staff than find it on a menu at a cafe.

Pakuri (Eusebio Lillo 902) is an excellent Paraguayan fine dining restaurant in the well-heeled, leafy Asunción district of Villa Morra. 

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Before you go

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan need a tourist visa to go to Paraguay. If you’re flying to Pettirossi airport, you can get the visa on arrival. Otherwise, head to your nearest Paraguayan consulate before you travel. Citizens of many Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries also need a visa – check with the consulate for details.

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25 best tourist attractions in Paraguay to visit in 2023

• Post author: Traveler Magazine
• Post published: November 23, 2020
• Post category: South America

Traveling to Paraguay implies getting lost in its forests, exploring its caves and observing its waterfalls that are the anteroom to great lakes. Enjoying Paraguay tourist attractions means traveling along the tranquil Paraná River and contemplating the Iguazú Falls .

It also means seeing the engineering work of the Itapú dam, the second largest hydroelectric plant in the world. Without a doubt, this country is much more than nature .

It is a culture that advances at a less frenetic pace than that of Brazil, Chile (we have Machu Picchu guide too) or Colombia, but for this reason it preserves its traditions more firmly. It is the country of the Guarani and the indigenous tribes that still fight against globalization so that they do not lose their essence.

So without further ado, let’s start with the list of the best tourist attractions in Paraguay .

1. Salto Cristal (Paraguarí)

2. saltos del monday (alto paraná), 3. san bernardino (cordillera), 4. the dam of itaipú (alto paraná), 5. the lopez palace (asunción), 6. lake ypacaraí (cordillera), 7. ybycuí national park (paraguarí), 8. museum of mud (asunción), 9. basilica of caacupe (cordillera), are 10 of the best places to visit in paraguay not enough, 11. dunes of san cosme y damián (itapúa), 12. caves of vallemí (concepción), 13. eco reserve mbatovi (paraguarí), 14. asunción botanical garden (asunción), 15. villa florida (paraguarí), 16. cerro cora national park (amambay), 17. ojo de mar (amambay), 18. triple frontera (alto paraná), 19. beach of san josé (itapúa), 20. international bridge of friendship (ciudad del este), 21. yacyretá hydroelectric dam (misiones), 22. pantanal paraguayo (alto paraguay), 23. asunción zoo (asunción), 24. costanera de encarnación (itapúa), 25. laguna blanca (san pedro).

Salto Cristal is one of the tourist places of Paraguay, it is located in the Department of Paraguarí, 150 kilometers from the well-known city of Asunción . It is 45 meters high and falls in love with all tourists for its majestic crystal clear waterfall.

This is one of the Paraguay tourist attractions in which since 2015 improvements have been made so that travelers can easily access . Previously, the descent was done among stones, but now the site has stairs and a marked path to enjoy nature.

This place also has streams and forests. It is a perfect place for tourists who want to do eco-adventure. The extreme sports that are practiced in this area are: rappel, snorkel, streams and climbing . The air there could be pretty humid, so if you are a cigar aficionado you will need the best travel humidor if you want to keep your cigars fresh and in a perfect condition.

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Saltos del Monday are one of the most important natural wonders of Paraguay. It is located in the district of Presidente Franco, department of Alto Paraná . This place was an old station of the pre-Hispanic road of the Guarani people.

The Saltos del Monday are one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Paraguay . They have a drop of 40 meters and its name comes from the Guarani language and means “water that steals”. It has viewpoints, a circuit of ecotourism (arborism), guided tours and a bar-restaurant with exquisite food.

If you have your own car in this place you can park without any problem and do tourism in Paraguay and visit this beautiful place. The park also has a thick vegetation with unique species of flora and fauna , very characteristic and representative of the region.

San Bernardino is one of the main tourist sites of the high Paraguay, was known for a long time as “The city of the Summer”. It was founded in 1880 by German immigrants after the War of the Triple Alliance . It is located in the Department of Cordillera, on the shores of the famous Lake Ypacaraí and 40 kilometers from Asunción.

This city has its tourist peak from the month of December until mid-February. In this time this is one of the best places of Paraguay where the young people of the neighboring towns agglutinate around the main points of meeting : clubs, public spaces and discos.

San Bernardino offers many options such as beautiful views, colonial houses, bike paths and pedestrian streets. Currently, the Municipality of this city launched the project “San Bernardino 365” so travelers frequent it every day of the year to enjoy with family, friends or a couple.

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The Itaipu dam is shared by Paraguay and Brazil and is located on the Paraná River, which is the border between those countries. The Itaipu hydroelectric dam is the second largest in the world, after the Three Gorges Dam in China .

To visit the Itaipu Dam you can come from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay or from Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. The dam is the combination of concrete, rock and earth structures that serve to dam the water and obtain the 120 m difference in level. (the nominal gross drop) that drives the operation of the turbines.

This is one of the Paraguay tourist attractions where travelers can take an educational and entertaining tour . This tour begins at the visitor center, where a film with the history and technical data of the dam will be shown. Finally, the tour ends at the power plant, the spillway and the sites where the turbines are installed.

If you still don’t know what to do in Paraguay, you have to visit El Palacio de los López, considered one of the icons of Asunción . It is known as the Government Palace or the Presidential Palace and is located on the banks of the Paraguay River in front of the Asuncion Bay.

To travel to Paraguay and to visit this site to contemplate it is an unforgettable experience. The construction of the palace required materials from the interior of the country .

The stones were extracted from the quarries of Emboscada and Altos, the woods and works of Ñeembucú and Yaguarón. In addition, the elaboration of the bricks of Tacumbú and the iron pieces were cast in Ybycuí

The decoration of one of the places to visit in Paraguay was left in the hands of European artists who came to the country hired by Francisco Solano López. The style that represents this construction is the neoclassical with certain Palladian influence.

Ypacaraí is a lake located between the Central and Cordillera departments of Paraguay. It is known as “The City of the Lake” because its waters were immortalized in one of the most famous and beautiful guaranias in the country, written by Zulema Mirkin and set to music by Demetrio Ortíz.

It is a city of peaceful rhythm that in remote times maintained the central axis of its activities around the Train Station. In this city you can also find the House of Culture “Teodoro S. Mongelós”, making it one of the best cultural and tourist attractions of Paraguay.

In addition, in this city the Festival of the Lake Ypacaraí is celebrated every year in the Club 24 of May or in front of the railway station. In this celebration you can enjoy long days of traditional Paraguayan music, folkloric dances and thematic nights.

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Ybycuí National Park is located in the city of the same name, in the Department of Paraguarí, 150 kilometers from Asunción. It has a wooded vegetation and hills that offer a varied and captivating landscape. This site was created on May 16, 1973.

It is one of the sites in Paraguay that protects spaces of great scenic beauty and ecological importance. The streams and waterfalls, the rocky areas and the high and low forests are found in this conservation unit inhabited by many endangered species such as the chachi, the yvyra katú, the tejutará and the blue dancer.

The trails enabled to appreciate and value the biodiversity of the park are Salto Mina Trail, Guarani Trail, Trail to the Historic Zone and Trail to the Mirador. This last one concludes in a viewpoint from which you can observe an impressive view of the park’s forest.

Located in the city of Asuncion, the Museo del Barro is officially called the Centro de Artes Visuales Museo del Barro and was founded in 1979 as a private institution.

This place is also known as the museum of clay, because a large part of its collection are the pieces of clay and mud made by Indians. In addition, it contains pieces of pre-Columbian ceramics and woodwork, lace and contemporary art materials.

It is one of the cultural destinations of Paraguay where works of popular art, indigenous, suburban and scholars work on the same level. Thus, its concept of “contemporary art” has been expanded. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions and educational activities: seminars and guided tours.

The sanctuary of the Virgin of Caacupé is a Catholic basilica in Paraguay that was inaugurated on December 8, 1765 and has become a place of pilgrimage for many believers in the city of Caacupé.

For several years it was mistakenly called a Basilica, when in fact it was a Shrine. But the visit of Pope Francis in 2015 gave it the category of Minor Basilica. In this way the dream of the first bishop of Paraguay, Juan Sinforiano Bogarín, was fulfilled.

The architect who built this building was Miguel Angel Alfaro. Currently, this temple has a capacity for 2,000 people. It continues to be, year after year, one of the best Paraguay tourist attractions where they find thousands of faithful who come on pilgrimage every December 8.

10. Cerro Lambaré (Asunción)

Cerro Lambaré is an elevation or mound located on the banks of the Paraguay River within the urban radius of the city of Asunción in a neighborhood known as Itá Enramada.

On March 31, 1948 it was declared a “National Reserve Zone”. This hill is one of the attractions of Paraguay that you can not miss.

It is surrounded by a small forest mass and on it there is an open viewpoint for tourists and a monument that represents the figure of the Cacique Lambaré, indigenous leader in the time of the Spanish Colony.

The Guyrá Paraguay Association identified and registered more than 113 species of birds that nest and frequent the Lambaré Hill, some of them under serious threat of extinction. This characteristic makes this site one of the tourist destinations of Paraguay, a refuge of nature in the city.

Then read on to discover more Paraguay tourist attractions.

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San Cosme y Damián is a city and district of Paraguay, located in the south of Itapúa. It is important because it belongs to one of the Jesuit Reductions at the time when these clergymen worked in South America for the conversion of the Indians.

The name is a tribute to the Cosme and Damian twins, medical apothecaries who were martyred centuries ago in Sicily, Italy. The Dunes of San Cosme and Damián are one of those paradisiacal places in Paraguay.

Many years ago, they were simply some dunes on top of some hill on the Paraná River, but with the rise of the river, through the reservoir of the Yacyretá Dam, they became like islands of white sands in the middle of the water.

The immensity of these islands will take you back to the image of a desert surrounded by transparent water where, due to the crystalline nature of the lake, you can visualize the fish approaching the very base of the dunes.

These magical caves are located in the town of Vallemí in the Department of Concepción. They are formed by limestone rock as a result of the accumulation of sediments, bones and shells of marine animals of all kinds. These deposits were gradually compacted over millions of years.

These caves are one of the most exotic places in Paraguay because in them you can see the stalactites. These have embroidered a rigid mantle that hangs from the roofs. One of them is more than 6 meters high.

Among the tourist attractions of Paraguay that travelers can find is one of the caves known as the “Crystal Ball”. You can see it if you approach it with a flashlight, the semi-translucent rock formation allows light to pass through it.

Mbatovi Natural Reserve is located in the Serrania de Paraguarí. It is one of the places to visit in Paraguay as a private protected area, preserved by its owners for the protection of biological diversity and natural processes.

It was declared “Of National Tourist Interest” by SENATUR in 2006. Numerous species of birds and a still undetermined variety of reptiles and mammals have been identified in this site. Among them are the agouti paca, the acutí sayju, the aguara’í, the tapití and several species of armadillos.

This is one of the most beautiful places in Paraguay where you can contemplate from a natural balcony the treetops or listen to the dialogue between water and stones. For the more adventurous you can also climb vertical slopes in a moss environment.

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The Botanical Garden of the city of Asunción is a beautifully wooded space of 245 hectares that works as one of the green lungs of the Paraguayan capital. The land was owned by Carlos A. Lopez, the first president of Paraguay between 1842 and 1862.

It has more than 500 species of plants, many of them medicinal and are used to teach visitors about the properties of herbs. In addition, it is one of the unmissable destinations in Paraguay to visit with the children of the house.

This is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Asuncion because tourists can see a Japanese garden, a rose garden and a Roman park.

In addition, in this site you can find a zoo that has more than 70 species of animals, mammals, birds and reptiles. It also has a Natural History museum and a vegetable garden where different species of vegetables and fruits are grown.

Villa Florida is located on the banks of the Tebicuary River, 161 kilometers from the city of Asuncion. It is one of the places of interest in Paraguay where the locals live mainly from commercial and tourist activities linked to the beautiful Tebicuary River.

This bank has coast guards and agents of the National Police to guarantee the security of the vacationers. In addition, this is one of the best places to enjoy as a couple in Paraguay since very close to this beach there are a variety of romantic establishments to spend the night, such as the Cabaña San Francisco.

However, for travelers who prefer to camp can do so in a wooded area that is located a few meters from the beach. In addition, it was founded on September 6, 1880 under the government of General Bernardino Caballero.

12 kilometers from Villa Florida is the museum “Cabañas”, a construction of more than 130 years that belonged to General Atanasio Cabañas, hero in the battle of Cerro Porteño and Tacuary in 1810.

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If you are going to do several tours in Paraguay, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Cerro Cora National Park. It is located 494 kilometers from Asuncion and 40 kilometers from the city of Pedro Juan Caballero. It was the scene of the last battle of the War against the Triple Alliance.

This is one of the most interesting Paraguay tourist attractions because it is said that in previous centuries the Vikings apparently inhabited this region, leaving some traces of their culture.

The Cerro Corá National Park protects some inscriptions on the walls of Cerro Tuyá. It also protects the representative samples of the vegetation of the Amambay ecoregion.

In addition, this site has a visitors’ center, an auditorium for 70 people, a recreational area on the banks of the Aquidabá River, and a lookout point on Cerro Muralla.

Ojo de Mar is considered one of the paradisiacal places in Paraguay. It is located 58 kilometers from the center of Bella Vista Norte, in a company called “Rinconada”. This lake is hidden within a subtropical vegetation so dense that only entering the place you can see.

It has crystalline waters but of half greenish color. Geologists and specialists say that this site would have arisen more than 250 million years BC. In addition, it is inhabited by a variety of fish.

The lake does not have any facilities or services to accommodate tourists. However, it has a small lookout point and a small staircase to facilitate access. As it is one of the most beautiful sites in Paraguay it is perfect for adventurers who wish to go on a photo safari.

The new Three Borders Landmark was inaugurated in 1903. It is the meeting of three great nations of South America: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. It consists of three structures, one in Foz do Iguaçu, one in Ciudad del Este and the other in Puerto Iguazú.

This is one of the places in Paraguay most frequented by travelers because the new buildings in honor of the Jesuit Missions and the sound environment allow visitors to learn about the history of the exploration of the region of Foz do Iguaçu in a more didactic way.

It is one of Paraguay’s cultural and tourist attractions since it also includes a beautiful 12-minute projection about Cabeza de Vaca, the first white man to visit the Iguaçu Falls in 1542.

In addition, in this site there is a restaurant and a playground that allow other options for travelers. Hito de las Tres Fronteras is an alternative for the afternoons of the tourists because in it you can see the most beautiful sunsets.

San Jose is the main beach of the city of Encarnacion, is located on the coast Republic of Paraguay. It is one of the sites in Paraguay that was named after the old barn and mill of the same name, which are still preserved in the area as a testimony to history.

In front of this coast a Gastronomic Walk was created, where there are food places and restaurants specialized in local and foreign dishes.

In this resort it is common to hold artistic events and it is also one of the places to go shopping in Paraguay. In addition, nautical sports like sailing and kayaking are always present in this beach.

Near this shore are two of the most important historical buildings of the city: the old San José mill and its silos, built in 1960.

The International Bridge of Friendship was inaugurated in 1965. This work allows the union of Paraguay with Brazil over the Paraná River through the cities of Ciudad del Este and Foz do Iguaçu. This viaduct represented the strengthening of cultural and commercial exchange between the two countries.

This bridge is one of the most interesting places in Paraguay, because it has the largest concrete span in the world (303 meters). In addition, due to its geographical importance, it was the scene of demonstrations by various workers and social movements.

It is one of the tourist attractions of Paraguay that in July 2016 received improvements in the asphalt with new paint, repairs to the concrete slabs, grids on the sides and roof on the pedestrian walkways. Official data estimate that about 40 thousand people cross it every day.

The Yacyretá Dam is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Paraguay. It is a group of civil works carried out between Argentina and Paraguay. It is located in Saltos de Apipe, on the Paraná River, about 20 kilometers from the city of Ituzaingó.

The main purpose of this dam is the transformation of water energy into electrical energy. Tourists who approach the river currents will be able to enjoy this majestic pharaonic work.

For the construction of one of the tourist places of Alto Paraguay it was necessary to close the river, to dam it and in this way to raise the level of the waters. The height gained allows the water to be discharged with great force through the turbines, which generate energy as they move.

The Paraguayan Pantanal is the largest wetland system in the world. It covers approximately 150 thousand square kilometers in the upper basin of the Paraguay River. This is one of the exotic places of Paraguay that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

It constitutes a large inland delta where annually the waters rise several meters, flooding an extensive territory, and then retreat, to give life to a majestic natural scenery refuge for all types of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

On your vacation in Paraguay you can rent a boat to fish or simply enjoy the scenery. In addition, in this excursion you will have the possibility of taking the most beautiful and incredible photographs.

The Asuncion City Zoo was created by Dr. Carlos Fiebreig in 1914. It is not a park like any other, it is a national historical, ecological and scientific heritage.

It has more than 70 species of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles and others. In addition, this is one of the tourist sites of Paraguay that has the icon of the Taguá, a species of mountain pig that is extinct and that lives in the Paraguayan Chaco.

This is one of the best tourist attractions of Paraguay that you can not miss because it has a priceless vegetation. It has a native forest that represents the flora of this country. It also has swamps, grasslands and areas completely covered with trees.

The construction of the Costanera Avenue started in 2008 with an approximate duration of 4 years with more than 10 thousand workers working tirelessly. On December 17, 2011, it was opened to the public. It is located in the downtown area of the city of Encarnación.

When traveling to Paraguay you will be able to see in this bank pedestrian paths, special for cycling or walking. You can also enjoy the refreshing waters of the Parana River and appreciate the skyline of the city of Posadas.

Constantly this is one of the tourist places of the mountain range of Paraguay where concerts, marathons, plays are carried out near this Costanera. In addition, at night the lights in line visually impact and the old buildings that remain are maintained to give that air that combines the old and modern.

The Laguna Blanca is located in the north of Paraguay, it has a crystalline water of 147 hectares. Its sand is white and has a very particular vegetation.

It was declared a Wilderness Area and Protected Under Private Domain in February 2010. Visiting this lagoon you can clearly see fish and plants.

In addition, there is a bird in danger of extinction: the YbyYaúMorotî or Ataja Caminos Ala Blanca. Here you can also find the green anaconda MboiJaguá.

This became one of the most exotic sites in Paraguay and one of the most visited by foreigners. The complex has places for accommodation, food service, space for camping, boat and kayak trips, snorkeling, volleyball courts and much more.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite backpack with lots of pockets and explore all the best tourist attractions in Paraguay!

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

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Best Destinations to Visit

Top Things to Do

One Week in Paraguay

Where to Go Hiking

Foods to Try

Your Trip to Paraguay: The Complete Guide

Most travelers to and from South America don’t visit Paraguay, which is exactly why you should. Cheap and relaxed, it’s a country full of wild areas inhabited by strange and wonderful wildlife like giant anteaters and ocelots. Though the country has several cities—like the capital Asuncion with its budding gastronomy scene and lively cultural centers—there are far more waterfalls, like Saltos del Monday or Salto Suiza, than there are cosmopolitan hubs. The least visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesus, can also be found here, along with the border city of Cuidad del Este and its famed Friendship Bridge to Iguazu Falls. Riding long-distance buses will allow you to see the country up close, as well as buy plenty of chipa en route to wherever you’re going. Though the Paraguayan visa fee is hefty compared to other South American countries (visas cost $160) , the tradeoff is a country not busy with tourists, easy to travel, full of calorie-high food for the road, and phenomenally wild spaces where you can disconnect from the rest of the world.

 Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Visit Paraguay in the winter, June through August, when warm temps mix with less rain and lower humidity for the driest season of the year. The best time of the year for birding, winter also hosts a number of patriotic and religious festivals making it an excellent time to experience the ethos of the country.
• Language: Spanish and Guaraní.
• Currency: Paraguayan Guarani (PYG) , though USD is also sometimes accepted.
• Getting Around: Buses, taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber, and walking are the main options for getting around Paraguay. In large cities like Asuncion and Cuidad del Este, you can use the bus, a taxi, or ride-hailing service, while smaller cities only have taxis and buses, though simply walking might be the easiest and fastest option. Download Moovit for a routing app in English with real-time bus schedules and routes.
• Travel Tip: From Cuidad del Este, you can cross into Brazil to see Iguazu Falls for the day without having to get your passport stamped. As long as you stay within 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) of Friendship Bridge, there is no need to have your passport stamped, meaning you can literally walk into another country (via the bridge) without ever having to stop at the immigration office.

Things to Do

If you like going into the wild, exploring rarely visited historical sites, and have an immense love for soccer, this is the country for you. Go off-grid in the Chaco, hiking isolated hills and bartering with Mennonites. Visit its 15 national parks to see over 200 species of birds. Float up the Rio Paraguay on the Aquidaban. Go piranha fishing while spotting giant otters in the Green Hell. Should you want modern amenities, head to its larger cities to explore the burgeoning specialty coffee and fine dining scenes in Asuncion, or base yourself out of Cuidad del Este to experience a hodgepodge of Paraguayan, Brazilian, and Chinese culture.

• Explore some of the least-visited UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world: the Jesuit ruins at Trinidad and Jesus. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the ruins are fairly well-preserved and only about 6 miles from each other. You can walk through the eerily calm structures on your own (and possibly without any other visitors in sight), as guides are not required.
• To experience the elation, glory, and tears of Paraguayan soccer, go to a league game of Club Cerro Porteno in Asuncion. Tickets can be purchased a few blocks from their home stadium, Estadio General Pablo Rojas Stadium, locally known as “La Olla.”
• Go to the Chaco, making up more than half of Paraguay, this hot, grueling region is sparsely populated but full of rare wildlife. Whether you base yourself out of a research station, like Three Giants Lodge, to see jaguars and giant armadillos or go to Mariscal Estigarribia to watch the TransChaco Rally in September, you’re sure to have an adventure while there.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the top 15 things to do in Paraguay , where to go hiking in Paraguay , and the Jesuit missions of South America .

What to Eat and Drink

Paraguayan cuisine mixes the recipes of the indigenous Guarani people and with Spanish cuisine and high-calorie dishes developed post-Paraguayan War (to combat food scarcity). Family asados (barbeques) commonly occur on the weekend, where meat-loving Paraguayans grill prime cuts of beef served alongside sopa paraguaya, an onion cornbread made with pork fat. Other corn-based dishes include kiveve (pumpkin, corn, and cheese stew) and chipa guasu (cinnamon and cheese corncake). Chipa—a chewy bread made with cassava flour, anise, and cheese—is sold in restaurants, bus stops, and in food stalls throughout the country.

Meat-based soups make up a large part of traditional Paraguayan cuisine, including bori-bori (dumpling soup made with beef or chicken), soyo (beef and rice soup with vegetables), and pira caldo (fish-based stew with vegetables, milk, and cheese).

Paraguayans love to drink mate both hot and cold. A highly caffeinated tea with a woodsy, herbal flavor, the hot version is drunk from a hollowed-out gourd through a bombilla (filtered metal or wood straw). Paraguayan mate has a distinctively smokier flavor than Argentine or Uruguayan mate, and it’s generally served as a communal beverage. Terere, the cold version of mate generally served in a guampa (horn-shaped cup) with a bombilla, originated from the Guarani people. The tea infusion includes juice or herbs, like mint or lemongrass, giving it a bright, tangy flavor. To try, simply ask a local who’s drinking some, but be sure to drink the whole cup when offered, otherwise it’s bad manners.

Explore our article on the top food and drinks in Paraguay .

Where to Stay

Base yourself out of Asuncion for a few days to see a soccer match, check out nearby national parks for hiking and waterfall-viewing, experience the most developed fine dining and coffee scene in the country, and check out concerts or talks at cultural centers. You can also make day trips from Asuncion to the lake at San Bernardino or to Itagua to buy nanduti (traditional lace). To tour the Itaipu Dam or cross the Brazilian border to see Iguazu Falls, stay in Cuidad del Este. If you want to walk amongst the Jesuit ruins, Encarnacion will be the closest stay to the old missions at Trinidad and Jesus. Filadelfia will be the easiest spot to base yourself for trips into the wilder parts of the Chaco, while still having the comforts of civilization to come back to (and local touring companies who know the land well). For those who want to stay a night or two in nature but don’t have time to spend several days in the Chaco, the San Rafael Nature Reserve (such as at the ProCosara headquarters) will provide both wildlife-viewing and respite.

For other ideas of where to base yourself, explore the 15 best destinations to visit in Paraguay .

Getting There

Paraguay’s main airport is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion, where nearly all of the country’s international flights will take off or land. While several small airports exist in Paraguay, servicing mostly domestic flights, long-distance bus travel is far a more popular option for domestic travel. You can purchase tickets at the Omnibus terminal in Asuncion to travel to another Paraguayan city or town, as well as to Argentina, Bolivia, or Brazil. Check if you are purchasing the "común" or the "rápido" ticket. The first type will make many stops in small towns (great if you have time and want to see more of the country), while the second will get you to your destination faster and with fewer stops.

Money-Saving Tips

Paraguay is a cheap country to travel to and you can easily spend less than $50 a day on your trip, including accommodation. With that in mind, haggling isn’t really necessary, but there are a few tips you can implement to save in a few areas.

• Learn some Spanish. English isn’t widely spoken, and locals will generally be able to help you find the best deals.
• If you want to cross the border to see Iguazu Falls, walk across Friendship Bridge instead of taking a taxi. Once over, take local buses to get to the falls.
• You can see Saltos del Monday from the road without paying the entrance fee to the adventure park.
• Take advantage of the free entry to Asuncion's Museo del Barro, where you can learn about the history of the Paraguayan War and the country's indigenous peoples.
• The Asuncion Botanical garden is free to enter, great for picnics, and contains exhibits of interesting animals at the natural history museum inside the grounds (which is also free).
• Take long-distance and then local buses to historical sites, rather than paying for a tour.
• Take local buses instead of using Uber or taxis.
• Cook your own food instead of eating at a restaurant for every meal.
• Consider renting an apartment for month-long stays instead of staying at a hotel.

National Tourism Secretariat - SENATUR. " Paraguay General Data. " 2018

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VisitParaguay.net

Your Guide to Paraguay

Top 10 Attractions in Paraguay

Paraguay is a rich country filled with sights, sounds and attractions you’ll remember for a lifetime. Whether you enjoy diverse foods, an outdoor adventure or exotic shopping, Paraguay has something to offer every traveler looking for exciting attractions. Here are the top 10 attractions you should check out while traveling in Paraguay:

1. Ruta Trans Chaco Road

2. Flamingo Lagoon and Lost Bog

3. Iguazu Falls

4. National Pantheon of the Heroes

5. Palacio de López

6. Jesus and Trinidad Jesuit Ruins

7. Estancia Aventura

8. Asunción Shopping District

9. Basilica of Caacupé

10. Itaipu Dam & Water Plant

Paraguay is a mysterious and rich South American country with an attraction suited for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a new Paraguay tourist, you’re guaranteed to be amazed during your visit.

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• 7 Places To Visit In Paraguay To Spruce Up Your South American Holiday In 2024

10 Apr 2023

One of the most charming yet underrated countries within the continent of South America is Paraguay. The humble nation has in its bounty a number of destinations that are still relatively unknown to the world outside. Boasting a unique blend of culture when compared to the other nearby nations, these incredible places to visit in Paraguay will definitely stun you. A true wonder tucked away from the shutterbugs of the world, Paraguay is really a destination worth visiting. From nature’s beauty to scenic places, and more importantly so much of the hidden places make it a world within a world.

Why Visit Paraguay?

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The country of Paraguay is a novel destination with many beautiful places in its lap. What makes the nation even more interesting is its geological factors. The country is a nature’s wonderland with a hot and humid climatic factor. While the lush grasslands are situated towards the east, the west has more of an empty salt marsh. Due to its geographical location, Paraguay is often referred to as the “Heart of South America”.

Another one amongst the interesting aspects of the nation is that it lies landlocked by Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. Heaven for tourists and home to some of the oldest wildlife of the world, Paraguay is a nation waiting to break the boundaries of sustained oblivion. 

Best Places To Visit In Paraguay

Clearly bifurcated by the Paraguay river, one can uncover hidden gems that makes this such a fun place to visit. Here is the list of famous places to visit in paraguay for first-timers.

1. Asuncion

The country might not have a fuller list of places to satiate the hodophile inside you, but it will for sure leave you awe-struck. This South-American destination is one of the oldest cities in the continent. The stunning location along with a welcoming culture is something that is rare to find in the rest of the places. The place also has a string of hostels which makes it a cool spot to unwind. It is clearly a destination not to miss and one of the top nearby places to visit in paraguay .

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places in Asuncion: Palacio de los lopez, Loma San Jeronimo, Casa De La Indepencia. How to reach: The place is well connected by the airport through taxi and bus. One can take a taxi and cover a distance of 17 km in 30-40 minutes.

Must Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Brazil For A Wild & Unforgettable South American Sojourn

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2. Saltos Del Monday

A truly beautiful landscape punctuated with the elegance of waterfalls. Also cited as one of the best tourist places to visit in paraguay, one should not miss this place at any cost. A must-see for everyone, the place is home to some gorgeous waterfalls that amplify its beauty. While visiting this amazing place don’t forget to carry your hiking shoes to stay safe around the edges. Also, do make time for some killing photography and captivate the beauty of the place in the lens.

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places in Saltos Del Monday: Nearby park of Ciudad Del Este. How to reach: The place is well connected by public transport buses. One can take a bus and cover a distance of 325.7 km in 5 hours and 16 minutes.

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3. La Santisima Trinidad De Parana

It is yet another of the major highlights of the entire Paraguay trip. An interesting gem of a place this is a former Jesuit reduction. The ruins still stand intact and are a lovely piece of architecture. A trip to this amazing place will provide you with the depth and richness of Jesuit culture. One of the trademarks that will leave you enamored, do visit this place for its age-old legacy.

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places in Trinidad De Parana: Nearby parks and Encarnacion. How to reach: The place is well connected by public transport buses. One can take a bus or a taxi and cover a distance of 394 km in 6 hours and 8 minutes.

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4. Encarnacion

This seldom explored town in Paraguay has a scoop of activities for every visitor. Perched on the Parana river, the town has the famous Jesuit ruins which are intricately beautiful. Apart from the above, there are other ancient wonders which are worth your time and money. The city is also a bustling metropolis with trade and communications being a big part and parcel of it. Also to name a few hotspot destinations are San Jose beach and the famous Encarnacion-Posadas Tram that provides a holistic view of both the cities. A must-visit for everyone who loves to enrich their travel bucket this sure is one of the places to visit in paraguay for family .

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places in Encarnacion: Jesuit ruins, San José beach and Encarnacion-Posadas Tram How to reach: The place is well connected by public transport buses. One can take a bus or a taxi and cover a distance of 31.3 km in 43 minutes.

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5. YBYCUI National Park

The picturesque national park is one of the less-visited places in Paraguay. The park plays a major role in both the civil and military history of the nation. The park will take the toughest test of your patience, as the exploration can get very excruciating. One must carry some light-weight items of clothing to roam around freely. Make a quick way towards this understated destination to discover its sheer beauty.

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places in Ybycui National Park: The ruins of the iron foundry. How to reach: The place is well connected by public transport buses. One can take a bus or a taxi and cover a distance of 150.3 km in 2 hours 48 minutes. .

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6. Palacio de Lopez

It is truly one of the best things to see in Asuncion city. The Government palace gives off a Latin American vibe and is a spectacular site for one to behold. The historic center has remained untouched by changing times and has extravagant night lighting which amplifies its grandeur by ten-folds. It is one of the best places to visit in paraguay for travelers.

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places near Palacio de Lopez: Casa De La Independencia Museum. How to reach: The place is well connected by public transport. One can hire a taxi and cover a distance of 18 km in 24 minutes.

Suggested Read: Iguazu National Park: A Heaven Which Lies On The Border Of Argentina, Brazil, & Paraguay

7. Cerro Cora National Park

This truly impressive location is also one of guarded areas of the nation. The national park is spread across 5.5 hectares and has a massive range of trees that scoot towards the Aquidaban River. If you plan to visit this dense natural expanse then do take a guide along. The rich woodland is one of its kinds and one can easily get lost within its premises.

Best time to visit: April- September Must-Visit Places near Cerro Cora National Park: Nearby auditorium, visitors center and recreational area. How to reach: The place is well connected by public transport. One can hire a taxi and cover a distance of 411.3 km in nearly 6 hours.

Further Read: Top Places For Shopping In Brazil Where You Can Splurge All Your Hard-Earned Money!

A quick trip to the above-mentioned best places to visit in paraguay will help you have access to Latin America’s hidden gem. So, the next time you think of planning a trip to Brazil , be mindful of these breath-taking locations that truly redefine beauty.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paraguay worth visiting?

Unlike its other contemporaries, Paraguay has a limited range of tourist attractions that make it worth visiting. The beauty of the place lies in its simplicity thus making it a quick favorite for the retreat.

What is Asuncion known for?

The city is also known by the moniker “Mother of Cities” as it was the first few cities in south-America to be founded by European explorers.

What is the language spoken in Paraguay?

Spanish and Guarani are the official languages spoken in the country. More than 80% of people here are Mestizos as the nation itself is a bilingual one.

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The 9 most beautiful places to visit in Paraguay

1. asunción, 2. jesus del tavarangue, 3. ybycuí national park, 4. the laguna blanca, 5. encarnación, 6. la santísima trinidad de paraná, 7. gran chaco, 9. saltos del monday.

• 8. Itaipu Dam

Are you planning to visit Paraguay? Here are the 9 most beautiful places not to be missed to fully enjoy this endearing country!

A "small" country wedged between three giants, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, Paraguay is often forgotten by tourists. Indeed, unlike its neighbours, it does not have a must-see and does not occupy an important place in the imagination of travellers. However, the country has a unique character. Freed from tourist infrastructures, it represents a destination of choice for lovers of authenticity. To visit Paraguay is to get rid of the big travel agencies and crowded buses to trust its inhabitants. And we might as well tell you right away: an exceptional welcome awaits you!

Let yourself be carried away by the discreet charm and the sweetness of life that hangs over the Paraguayan lands. But what are the places not to be missed during your stay? Here are the nine most beautiful places in Paraguay.

Capital of Paraguay, Asunción is nicknamed the Mother of all Cities. And with good reason, it was founded in 1537, making it one of the oldest colonial cities in South America. From this period, it has preserved an architectural heritage that is worth the detour. In 1811, the city freed itself from the yoke of Spain and finally gained its independence. However, the rest of the country's history is marked by long years of dictatorship that are barely over today. To walk around Asunción is to discover historical monuments that mark the history of Paraguay: the house of independence, the national pantheon of heroes or the Lopez Palace.

The city has a peaceful and warm atmosphere. Take the opportunity to discover Paraguayan culture! Don't miss the Museo del Barro, a museum of indigenous folk art. Finally, lose yourself in the maze of its multicoloured markets and taste the local cuisine.

Paraguay's history is marked by an episode that is unparalleled in the rest of the world. From 1609 to 1763, the Jesuit Mission established a theocratic state in the territory. This unusual province declares the native Americans "as free as the Spaniards". On condition, of course, that they submit to the Church... The society is organized around the reducción, small villages structured by the Jesuits. At first, the Guaraníes can keep their own family structure. But little by little, the Jesuits imposed a Christian way of life on them. However, this "utopia" offered exceptional living conditions for the time. All the inhabitants are educated and literate, the public services are open to all, the working day lasts 6 hours, free time is dedicated to the arts, etc.

On your way to Jesus del Taravangue, you have the opportunity to observe the remains of a Jesuit reducción. The site consists of a church, cloister, houses, workshops and a vegetable garden.

Want to escape? The Ybycuí National Park is the most visited in Paraguay. Indeed, it is the easiest to access. Moreover, the wardens ensure the security of the place and will be able to guide you during your visit. Covering more than 5,000 hectares, the park offers extraordinary landscapes. As you set off to discover them, you will encounter a biodiversity that is unique in the world. Magnificent orchids and a wide variety of trees cover the park. But you will also have the opportunity to meet monkeys, armadillos and coatis.

Once there, go to the emblematic waterfalls: el salto Mina y el salto Guarani. They pour their crystal-clear water into a tropical setting teeming with life. On the way, you can admire the flight of the immense multicoloured butterflies that inhabit Ybycuí. All in all, a visit to the park is a must during your stay in Paraguay!

The Laguna Blanca is one of the most beautiful sites in Paraguay. Vast limpid lake surrounded by white sand dunes, it possesses an undeniable charm that even the visitors like it. It is a dream place for those who wish to relax and enjoy water activities such as diving or kayaking. But its gentle landscape also conceals a fauna and flora of a rare richness. Indeed, the Laguna Blanca is located at the junction of three biotopes. Nature lovers will be delighted! More particularly, the site is known to be a great place for bird watching. Indeed, more than 280 species of birds live in the area. Take your binoculars with you and discover them!

Nicknamed the Pearl of the South, Encarnación is also known as the Capital of Carnival. And for good reason, every year in January, February or March, the town puts on its festive clothes! It is then a destination not to be missed in Paraguay. The streets come alive and the parades follow one another every weekend. A hallucinating spectacle for the visitors, who are numerous to come to see the biggest carnival of Paraguay.

But Encarnación also shows its full potential in the summer. The banks of the river are then made suitable for swimming and a crazy atmosphere pervades the town after dark. This festive and summery atmosphere is ideal for meeting Paraguayans! In short, it is a sparkling destination that you should not miss during your stay.

Read also: The 15 most beautiful carnivals to be done in the world

Trinidad de Paraná is the second Jesuit relic to visit in Paraguay. Like its neighbour, Jesus del Tavarangue, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both sites are among the least visited on the list! Take advantage of it! Especially since the ruins of the reducción de Trinidad are particularly well preserved. The low influx of visitors helps to make the place magical. There is a good chance that you will find yourself alone in front of the old stones. In the worst case, a few birds will accompany you. An ideal place to enjoy the atmosphere full of history... A history that was decisive in the destiny of Paraguay.

Tinged with mystery, the Gran Chaco is a wild territory of South America that occupies the western part of Paraguay. The eloquent meaning of its name, in Quechua "the hunting territory", makes even the most adventurous travelers dream. If you love nature and solitude, this is the place to go.

However, visiting the Gran Chaco is not a project that is prepared lightly. If you wish to embark on this adventure, it is advisable to hire a guide. This deserted territory experiences episodes of stifling heat that can reach 50 degrees Celsius! Not to mention the fact that you will find yourself a thousand miles from any inhabited land... The only creatures that will cross your path will come from the exceptional fauna that inhabits the area. Unfortunately, these birds, mammals and other reptiles are now threatened by the development of livestock farming on these lands.

8. The Itaipu Dam

The Itaipu Dam is the largest and most productive power plant in the world, located on the border with Brazil. This titanic structure is indeed no less than 7 kilometres long! It is here that 90% of the electricity that supplies Paraguay and 25% of the electricity that supplies Brazil is produced. But why go to see a dam? Simply because the view is breathtaking. Rising 65 stories, Itaipu dominates the landscape. It unfolds its gigantism with an aura of formidable power. If you wish to go there, you should know that there is a "special" visit that allows you to get inside the dam. And if you plan to stay there for the evening, a light show is given there from 8 pm.

In a tropical setting, not far from Ciudad del Este, River Monday falls abruptly to a height of 45 metres. A triptych of bubbling waterfalls is formed. This spectacular sight will not fail to twist your guts. However, few visitors come to admire Los Saltos del Monday. Is it because of the low tourist influx in Paraguay? Or is it due to the presence of the famous Iguazú waterfalls nearby? Either way, it helps to reinforce its status as a hidden treasure. If you are staying in the country, ask a taxi to take you there to contemplate this incredible natural heritage.

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Top 10 Things to See and Do in Asunción, Paraguay

Asunción is a vastly underrated city. One of the oldest settlements in South America, this sprawling metropolis is home to some striking architecture, fascinating museums, colonial gems and a recently upgraded coastal boardwalk. For something a little different, stick around in Paraguay’s capital and check out our top things to see and do. For travellers in search of untrampled pastures, Asunción’s crumbling colonial buildings only add to its charm. Locals speak a mixture of Spanish and the indigenous Guaraní – and little English. Dirt poor and recovering from the dictatorships that gripped South America in the latter part of the 20th century, Paraguay’s capital is still dusting off its knees when it comes to tourism. Yet, for the curious, there’s plenty lurking beneath the surface. Imposing palacios rub shoulders with up-and-coming restaurants, while the renovated Costanera draws hundreds to watch the sunset over the Río Paraguay. Here’s where you should head on your next trip.

1. Palacio de los López

La Costanera

Winding alongside the Río Paraguay, La Costanera is a broad promenade frequented by strolling locals with tereré (cold-brewed yerba mate) in hand. Redeveloped in 2013, it’s now one of the most pleasant spots in the city to while away an afternoon or to catch the setting sun. Feeling active? Rent a bike or rollerblades from one of the many riverside vendors.

Loma San Jerónimo

Head to this upbeat, colourful neighbourhood for a glimpse of authentic Paraguay. It’s a little tricky to find, though the locals are especially welcoming here, even more so if you can show off some Spanish. When night falls, pick up some chipá (cheese rolls) as you wander around, then grab a cocktail at the delightful rooftop bar, La Casa del Mojito.

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2. Casa de la Independencia

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3. El Cabildo

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