Things To Do
in Para
Para is a town located in the Comoé District of northeastern Côte d’Ivoire. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. The town is surrounded by lush forests and fields, providing a picturesque and serene environment for residents and visitors.
Para is also a hub for agriculture, with many locals engaging in farming activities such as cocoa and coffee production.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "À bientôt" - See you soon
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the lush surroundings of the Comoé National Park. Enjoy a guided walk to spot diverse flora and fauna.
Have lunch at a local eatery and taste traditional Ivorian dishes. Spend the afternoon canoeing on the beautiful rivers nearby.
Relax at your accommodation as the sun sets over the natural landscapes. Enjoy a quiet dinner under the stars.
Visit the local village to learn about the traditions and customs of the Ivorian people. Engage with artisans and witness their crafts.
Savor an authentic lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. Join a dance workshop to experience the vibrant culture of Côte d’Ivoire.
Attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance. Reflect on the day's experiences over a casual meal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and rich history reflecting a blend of indigenous traditions and French colonial influence.
- Abundant natural resources, including cocoa and coffee, contributing to a strong agricultural sector.
- Growing economy with increasing opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship.
- Beautiful landscapes, including beaches and national parks, attracting tourism.
- Diverse population with various ethnic groups fostering a multicultural environment.
- Political instability and occasional civil unrest affecting safety and security.
- Infrastructure challenges, including inadequate roads and public services in some areas.
- High unemployment rates, particularly among youth, leading to economic challenges.
- Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies can hamper business operations.
- Health risks, including diseases such as malaria and challenges in accessing healthcare.
Best Activities in Para
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning trails and diverse ecosystems of Mount Nimba, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located on the border between Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea.
Embark on an adventure in Taï National Park, one of the last remaining primary rainforests in West Africa, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and guided tours.
Experience the thrill of river rafting on the Sassandra River, ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking excitement in the natural landscape.
Discover the rich avian life in Comoé National Park, a haven for birdwatching and observing various species in their natural habitats.
Engage with local communities through cultural tours that provide insights into traditional Ivorian lifestyles, crafts, and cuisine.
Tours
Uncover the best of Para with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Para
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular spot for photography with breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside.
A stunning waterfall offering picturesque backdrops for photos.
Scenic mountain ranges providing excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic views.
Elevated location offering sweeping vistas and an ideal setting for landscape photography.
Food in Para
Para Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Foutou is a staple dish made from mashed starchy foods like plantains, cassava, or yams. It is often served with a variety of aromatic and spicy sauces, such as peanut or tomato-based sauces. Try it at Chez Aline in Para.
Must-Try!
Attieke is a traditional Ivorian dish made from fermented cassava that is grated and steamed. It is often paired with grilled fish or spicy marinated chicken. Look for it at the open-air food stalls near the central market.
Poulet DG is a sumptuous chicken and vegetable dish cooked in a rich, flavorsome sauce. This mouthwatering meal is a must-try when visiting Para and is best enjoyed at Restaurant La Terrasse.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Para better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling Marché de Para is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering an abundance of fresh produce, meats, and artisanal foods. It's also a great place to sample authentic street food like grilled kebabs, corn on the cob, and spicy bean stew.
Rue des Saveurs is a popular street food hub, lined with vendors selling an array of delectable treats such as fried plantains, grilled seafood, and spicy meat skewers. It's a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in the local food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Côte d'Ivoire, greetings are very important and often take a long time. When meeting someone, it is respectful to inquire about their health, family, and well-being. Use proper greetings such as 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) based on the time of day.
When dining with Ivorians, it is customary to wait for the host to invite everyone to start eating. Always use your right hand for eating and passing food, as using the left hand is considered impolite. Additionally, it is respectful to compliment the meal prepared by the host.
Ivoirians value modesty and neatness in appearance. It is important to dress conservatively and appropriately for different occasions. Casual clothing is acceptable in many settings, but for formal events, traditional attire or smart casual wear is preferred.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Para with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Para
Ensure a smooth experience
In Para, Côte d'Ivoire, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small amount for services such as in restaurants, hotels, and for taxi drivers. The amount may vary, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few hundred CFA francs is typical. Tipping is seen as a way to show gratitude for good service.
Payment practices in Para, Côte d'Ivoire often include cash transactions, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. While larger businesses may accept credit and debit cards, cash remains the preferred method due to limited card acceptance in some areas. Mobile payment solutions are also becoming popular, making transactions more convenient for residents.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Para.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Para, Côte d'Ivoire is during the dry season, from November to March. During this time, you can expect sunny weather, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. The temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
The wet season in Para, Côte d'Ivoire occurs from April to October. This period experiences frequent rainfall, high humidity, and occasional thunderstorms. While the landscape is lush and green, travel and outdoor activities may be hindered by the wet conditions. Temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C during this season.
Para at Night
Hiking in Para
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast rainforest park offering diverse wildlife and hiking trails through lush vegetation.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with scenic trails and breathtaking views, located on the border of Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea.
Known for its savannah landscapes, this park features walking trails that allow hikers to explore its rich biodiversity.
A scenic route that offers opportunities for hiking along the lagoons and discovering the surrounding nature.
A mountain range with hiking trails that provide beautiful panoramic views and a chance to see local flora and fauna.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Para through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Para by plane.
Located in Abidjan, it is the largest and busiest airport in Côte d'Ivoire.
Serves the city of San Pedro and is an important regional airport in Côte d'Ivoire.
An international airport located in Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire.
An international airport situated in the city of Bouaké, serving the central region of Côte d'Ivoire.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A major ethnic group in Côte d'Ivoire, known for their rich cultural heritage and language family.
Another significant ethnic group, they are mainly found in the central-western part of Côte d'Ivoire and have distinct cultural practices.
This group includes various ethnicities such as the Malinke and Dan, primarily located in the west of the country.
The Voltaic peoples mainly inhabit the northern regions of Côte d'Ivoire and are known for their agricultural practices.
Includes smaller or less recognized groups that contribute to the rich diversity of the country.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport in Côte d’Ivoire, football attracts a large number of fans and players, with the national team having significant success in international competitions.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Côte d’Ivoire, with many youth participating in local leagues and tournaments.
Athletics, particularly track and field events, is popular in Côte d’Ivoire, with athletes competing in national and international events.
Taekwondo is a popular martial art in Côte d’Ivoire, with local clubs and competitions promoting its practice among young people.
Handball is played in various schools and communities, with local teams competing in regional tournaments in Côte d’Ivoire.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Para.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many local dishes prominently feature meat and fish, some restaurants and street food vendors offer vegetarian alternatives like fried plantains, vegetable stews, and grilled corn. For more options, head to Chez Aline and request their vegetarian specialties.
For those with gluten sensitivities, dishes like grilled fish, aromatic rice, and fresh salads can be found at various eateries in Para. Be sure to communicate your dietary needs to the staff, and they will often accommodate you with suitable alternatives.