Things To Do
in Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked country located in the heart of South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, characterized by its rich Guarani culture, Spanish colonial history, and vibrant folklore. It features diverse landscapes that include the lush Paraguayan Chaco, vast wetlands, and the Paraguay and Paraná rivers, which play a crucial role in its economy and ecosystems.
Paraguay's economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on soybeans, beef, and hydroelectric power, with Asunción as its capital and largest city, serving as the cultural and economic center of the country.
- "mba'eichapa" - how are you
- "aguije" - thank you
- "nderehecha'arai" - I don't understand
- "iporã" - it's good/it's nice
- "ko'ẽ porã" - good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $4 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in Asunción by visiting the National Pantheon of the Heroes. Explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of Paraguay.
Spend your afternoon at the Mercado 4, where you can shop for local handicrafts and try traditional Paraguayan food. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Wind down with a relaxing walk at Ñu Guasu Park, enjoying the natural beauty and watching the sunset. Consider dining at a local restaurant that serves sopa paraguaya.
Head to Parque Nacional Ybycuí for an adventurous morning of hiking through lush forests and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife native to the area.
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature, then explore more trails or visit the historic Ironworks of Ybycuí. The scenery will take your breath away.
Return to Asunción and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local eatery. Reflect on your day immersed in nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to neighboring countries.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including the Paraguay River and national parks.
- Friendly and welcoming locals.
- Growing economy and investment opportunities, especially in agriculture and renewable energy.
- Limited infrastructure and public services in some areas.
- High levels of poverty and socio-economic inequality.
- Political instability and corruption issues.
- Language barrier, as Guarani is widely spoken alongside Spanish.
- Limited access to healthcare and education in rural areas.
Best Activities in Paraguay
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning Iguazu Falls on the border of Paraguay and Brazil, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife spotting.
Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Paraguayan Chaco region through activities like birdwatching, trekking, and camping.
Enjoy kayaking and boating adventures on the rivers of Paraguay, such as the Paraguay River and the Apa River, for a memorable outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Paraguay with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Paraguay
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful waterfall in the city of Presidente Franco, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
The waterfront area of Encarnacion provides picturesque views along the Parana River, perfect for photography and sightseeing.
This national park offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a great location for nature photography.
Food in Paraguay
Paraguay Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory cornbread and cheese casserole, Sopa Paraguaya is a must-try dish. It's commonly found in local eateries and restaurants throughout Paraguay, such as Lido Bar in Asunción.
Must-Try!
These delicious cheese bread rolls are often sold by street vendors or in bakeries across Paraguay. Visitors can find freshly baked chipa at Mercado 4 in Asunción.
Paraguay's version of the traditional barbecue, asado features succulent grilled meats, including beef, pork, and sausages. El Bolsi in Asunción is renowned for its delectable asado.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Paraguay better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in Asunción, Mercado 4 is a vibrant hub of street food stalls offering local delights like chipa, pastel mandi'o, and mbeju.
This traditional market in Encarnación is an ideal place to sample authentic Paraguayan street food, such as sopa and chipa.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Paraguay, it is important to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It is also common to use titles such as 'Señor' (Mr.) or 'Señorita' (Miss) when addressing someone, followed by their surname.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Paraguayan culture. It is customary to show deference and address older individuals with formal titles and polite language, such as 'Don' (for men) and 'Doña' (for women), followed by their first name.
Sharing food and the traditional Paraguayan drink 'mate' is an important aspect of social interaction. It is considered polite to accept offerings of food and drink, and refusing may be seen as impolite.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Paraguay with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Paraguay
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Paraguay. It is not expected, but a small tip for excellent service at restaurants or for tour guides may be appreciated.
Cash is the predominant form of payment in Paraguay, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas. It's always best to carry cash for small purchases and in case of any issues with card payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Paraguay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Ideal time to visit with pleasant weather and blooming landscapes.
Hot and humid weather with frequent rain showers; best for outdoor activities.
Mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage; great for exploring the countryside.
Cool and dry weather; suitable for city sightseeing and cultural events.
Paraguay at Night
Hiking in Paraguay
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park featuring diverse ecosystems, dense forests, and waterfalls, ideal for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Paraguay.
The highest point in Paraguay, providing challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
A remote and vast park with various trails, it is home to unique wildlife and diverse flora, perfect for adventurous hikers.
Located near Asunción, this park offers hiking trails among striking rock formations and lush greenery, making it a great escape from the city.
Known for its rich biodiversity, this park has well-marked trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels, leading through scenic landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Paraguay through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Paraguay by plane.
The main international airport serving Asunción, Paraguay.
Located in Recife, Brazil, this is one of the nearest major international airports.
Located in Brazil, this airport serves the Iguazu Falls region and is close to the border with Paraguay.
Located in Santiago, Chile, this is a significant international airport in South America.
Located in Petrolina, Brazil, this airport serves the greater Pernambuco region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the Paraguayan population is mestizo, a mix of indigenous and European ancestry.
Various indigenous groups exist in Paraguay, including the Guarani, which are among the largest groups.
A minority of the population is of European descent, including Spanish, Italian, and German ancestry.
This includes small communities of Japanese and Chinese descent, primarily in urban areas.
Minority groups include Arabs, particularly Lebanese and Syrian.
The Soul of Paraguay
Discover the essence of Paraguay through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Paraguay, with a strong national team and a passionate following.
A widely followed sport in Paraguay, particularly among the youth, with local leagues and teams.
Popular both indoors and on the beach, with a growing number of clubs and competitions.
Enjoyed by many Paraguayans, with several players gaining international recognition.
Gaining popularity, especially in schools and universities, with an increasing number of clubs.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Paraguayan cuisine is meat-centric, some restaurants in urban areas offer vegetarian and vegan options, particularly in Asunción. Check out Govinda's and Buen Gusto for vegetarian delights.
Gluten-free options are relatively limited in traditional Paraguayan cuisine, but some modern eateries and international restaurants in cities like Asunción offer gluten-free menu items. La Preferida and Bolsi are known for accommodating dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Paraguay with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Paraguay.