Paraguay is surrounded by Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, and has long been isolated by geography and politics. Boasting world-class natural attractions, this small country has been said to ‘be nowhere and famous for nothing’ yet has been ranked as the world’s cheapest nation and the second most corrupt!
What’s Cool
Everything’s cheap, lots of wilderness, Yaguarón’s churches, sixty-stripe Paraní poncho, dorado fishing, Jesuit missions, Paraguayan harps, mate tea, spider web lace, colonial plazas, Lake Ypacarai’s beaches, Monday waterfalls, Guarana energy drink.
What’s Not
Deposed dictators run free, corrupt cops, foot fleas, panhandling kids, roaming cows, few English speakers, drug trafficking, lots of poverty, no change for large bills.
Where to Go
Highlights
asuncion: is Paraguay’s lively capital, built on hills overlooking the Río Paraguay River. Downtown has kept its intimate 19th century feel, and orange trees line the narrow streets.
san-lorenzo: near the capital is where the university halls of residence are and an interesting Gothic-style church.
yaguaron: served as a base for the Franciscan missions during the Spanish conquest.
San Bernadino: near Lake Ypacarai is a popular holiday resort owing to its beaches and lakeshores.
ybycui-national-park: features subtropical rainforest and steep hills and creeks with attractive waterfalls and pools as well as colorful butterflies.
When to Go
Paraguay is subtropical with quick changes in temperature throughout the year.
- Winter (June to September) is quite mild with few cold days.
- Summer (December to March) is often very hot and brings the most rain.
- Southern Paraguay is humid, with rainfall spread quite evenly throughout the year.
Festivals & Events
Many main festivals are based around the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar and often involve great spectacle, particularly in indigenous highland villages.
February: Carnival is the highlight of the year with street parades and dance.
May: Independence Day commemorates the overthrow of the Spanish governor on 14th May, 1811.
June: Festival of San Juan features fire walking, odd contests and the burning of Judas Iscariot in effigy.
September: the Virgin of Merced is honored with elaborate costumes, bizarre masks and traditional dancing and music.
Things to Do
Cultural sightseeing: is a must with so many colonial churches and Jesuit missions.
Relaxing: in a bungalow in the holiday center of Chololo, 54 miles from the capital.
Fishing: for the dorado, found in the Paraguay, Paraná and Tebicuary rivers, which can weigh up to 65 pounds.
Walking: along the quiet waterfront area of Encarnación. The nearby Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge connects Paraguay with Posadas in Argentina across the River Paraná.
Water sports: on Italpú Dam, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world.
Getting There
Asunción is the main air hub and domestic flights are limited. The country’s relatively small size makes travel by bus the most convenient option. There are express links to major centers. The dilapidated trains are very cheap but slow, and only a few lines are in operation. Passenger boats run from Asunción up the Río Paraguay to several river ports. An extensive bus system and metered taxis operate in the capital.
Health & Safety
Some common sense will save you from running into any trouble, though the police are known to be corrupt. Ciudad del Este has a reputation as a center for illegal activities such as money laundering and counterfeiting. It’s a good idea to drink bottled water for the first few weeks of your stay. Malaria and dengue fever are also prevalent, so practice mozzie swatting before leaving home.