Paraguay Travel Guide
Discover Why You Should Visit Paraguay
Why Visit Paraguay?
Paraguay is an under-the-radar South American destination that offers authentic cultural experiences, lush nature, colonial history, and a warm hospitality that makes travelers feel truly welcomed. As one of the continent’s least explored countries, Paraguay promises off-the-beaten-path adventures and genuine local connections.
Ideal for: Cultural travelers, history lovers, eco-tourists, and those seeking hidden gems.
Must-Know Facts
Capital/Major City: Asunción
Language(s): Spanish and Guaraní (both official languages)
Currency: Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG)
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season with mild temperatures)
Fun Fact: Paraguay is one of the few countries in the world where a majority of the population is bilingual in an Indigenous language (Guaraní) and Spanish
Top Things to Do
Visit the historic capital Asunción with its colonial architecture and vibrant culture
Explore the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue
Cruise along the Paraguay River for scenic views and wildlife
Experience traditional music and dance at local festivals
Discover the Chaco region for wildlife and Indigenous culture
Local Culture & Lifestyle
Paraguayan culture is a blend of Indigenous Guaraní traditions and Spanish colonial heritage. The lifestyle is laid-back and family-centered. Music, particularly harp and guitar, plays a big role in everyday life, while festivals are colorful and community-oriented.
Food & Drink Highlights
Street Food: Chipa (cheese bread), sopa paraguaya (cornbread), empanadas
Restaurants: Bori bori (chicken and cornmeal soup), mbejú (cassava pancake)
Drinks: Tereré (cold herbal tea), caña (sugarcane liquor)
Desserts: Dulce de guayaba, mandioca cake, kosereva
Main Dish & Culinary Symbols
Signature Dish: Sopa Paraguaya — a rich cornbread with cheese and onions, despite its name suggesting soup
Common Ingredients: Cassava (manioc), corn, cheese, beef, peanuts
Culinary Culture: Rooted in Indigenous and rural traditions with hearty, homemade meals
Symbols & Icons of the Area
Natural Icons: Paraguay River, Itaipu Dam, Chaco forests
Cultural Icons: Ñandutí lace, harp music, Guaraní language and crafts
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
Ybycuí National Park — with waterfalls, wildlife, and old iron foundries
Filadelfia — a Mennonite colony in the Chaco with unique cultural dynamics
Encarnación — a riverside city with beaches and lively Carnaval
Cerro Cora National Park — historical site and natural escape
Shopping & Souvenirs
What to Buy: Ñandutí lace, handmade ceramics, traditional Guaraní hammocks, artisanal leather goods
Where to Shop: Mercado 4 in Asunción, artisan fairs, local cooperatives
Getting Around
Public Transport: Buses are common but may lack comfort or schedule reliability
Driving: Renting a car is useful for reaching rural areas
Flying: Limited domestic flights, most travel is by road
Travel Tips
Spanish is useful, but learning some Guaraní phrases is appreciated by locals
Pack for hot weather — Paraguay can be very warm, especially in the Chaco
Cash is more common than cards in rural areas
Embrace the slow travel style — Paraguay is best enjoyed without a rushed itinerary
Where to Stay
Budget: Hostels and pensions in major towns
Mid-range: Colonial guesthouses and boutique hotels in Asunción and Encarnación
Luxury: Upscale stays are limited but growing, mostly in Asunción
Unique: Eco-lodges in the Chaco, stays on working farms (estancias)
Sample 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Asunción, explore historic downtown and cultural museums
Day 2: Day trip to Ybycuí National Park or take a river cruise
Day 3: Travel to Encarnación to see Jesuit ruins and relax on riverside beaches
Day 4: Visit local artisan markets, return to Asunción for departure
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