Paraguay travel guide
Paraguay Tourism | Paraguay Guide
You're Going to Love Paraguay
Nestled quietly between more popular neighboring countries, Paraguay is often forgotten by the main masses of tourists, making it the ideal place to explore if you like off-the-beaten-track experiences.
What to do in Paraguay
1. Discover Asunción
Paraguay's capital will welcome you with its colorful streets and a cup of Tereré, a cold brewed herbal tea drink that is especially popular in the summer months. While there, make sure you visit Museo del Barro to learn about the country's history, as well as one of its most iconic buildings, Palacio de Los López.
2. Visit the Saltos del Monday Waterfalls
These spectacular waterfalls are 150 ft deep and 400 ft wide. They are the main attraction of the park they're located in, Municipal Park Monday, and very close to the triple border that joins Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.
3. Explore Jesuit Ruins in Trinidad
La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná was the biggest Jesuit mission in the world, and its ruins are well maintained and constantly restored. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see when you go to Paraguay.
4. Relax at Laguna Blanca
While Paraguay doesn't have a seaside of its own, its natural lake Laguna Blanca provides a great beach alternative and is well set up for visitors and tourists. It is also an ecological site with over 275 species of native birds.
5. Hike to Cerro Tres Kandú
Sitting at about 2,700 ft of altitude, Cerro Tres Kandú is Paraguay's highest point. The hike up is a mix of easy and intermediate levels and can be done in under 2h.
When to visit Paraguay
The summer months in Paraguay are between October and March and offer warm weather. However, for cooler and less humid weather, head there between April and September, which is also when a lot of events and festivals are planned.
How to Get to Paraguay
Entry requirements
Citizens of most EU countries can enter Paraguay without a visa, while citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Asunción. For any other country, a visa is needed prior to arrival.
Plane
The most common way of getting to Paraguay is by flying to the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, with nonstop flights available to and from a large number of locations, including other South American countries, Miami and Madrid.
Car
It is possible to drive into Paraguay from Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia; however, make sure the conditions of the rental contract allow for travel into Paraguay, as some companies have restrictions.
Bus
Regular and direct buses are available from a large number of South American cities, including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, from La Paz in Bolivia crossing via Gran Chaco, and from Buenos Aires in Argentina going to Asunción via Clorinda.
Popular airlines serving Paraguay
Where to stay in Paraguay
If you are staying in the main cities, you will easily find hotels and budget accommodation in the form of hostels or guesthouses. In areas that are further out, you will find lodges and homestays.
Where to stay in popular areas of Paraguay
Most booked hotels in Paraguay
How to Get Around Paraguay
Public Transportation
The main form of public transport in Paraguay are buses; however, shared taxis called Colectivos are also commonly used.
Bus
There are many bus companies that travel around the country, such as Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and La Encarnacena. Each company services a different area of the country.
Car
Renting a car provides flexibility to explore the country at will; however, traveling outside of the main cities requires a 4WD, which costs more to rent. Make sure to verify the included mileage before signing the rental contract.
The Cost of Living in Paraguay
Eating out in Paraguay will cost around 25,000 PYG (4 USD) for an inexpensive meal and about 75,000 PYG (12 USD) per person for a mid-range meal. A one-way local bus ticket costs around 3,500 PYG (0.50 USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in all major hotels, restaurants and establishments; however, it is best to keep some cash as it can be useful, especially change and smaller notes.