Things To Do
in Altos

Classic shots of colonial façades, local life, and evening lights around the central plaza.

Elevated viewpoint offering wide panoramas over the Cordillera hills and cultivated fields — great at sunrise or late afternoon.

Close-up photos of handicrafts, colorful doorways, and artisans at work capture local culture and textures.

Landscape and birdlife photography opportunities in surrounding wooded slopes and grazing land; bring a telephoto lens for birds.

Busy, informal market where vendors sell fresh produce, chipa, cheeses and homemade sweets — ideal for sampling local flavors and buying snacks to go.

Morning stalls near the plaza and bus stops baking and selling fresh chipa and mbeju — perfect for breakfast while sightseeing.

A friendly handshake and eye contact are customary; in more familiar settings kisses on the cheek (one) are common between acquaintances. Use polite Spanish phrases when possible.

Show deference to older people and community customs; ask permission before photographing portraits of locals.

Casual clothing is fine, but dress modestly when visiting churches or community events. Public displays of loud or disruptive behavior are frowned upon.

Many locals speak both Spanish and Guarani; attempting a few words of either is appreciated and seen as respectful.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in small towns. For restaurant service, leaving around 5–10% is common if service is good; round up taxi fares and give small change to helpful porters or guides.

Cash (Paraguayan guaraní) is king in Altos — many small businesses and market stalls are cash-only. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels but expect merchant surcharges and limited card acceptance in local eateries. ATMs are available but can be scarce; withdraw enough cash in Asunción if possible.

Hot and humid with afternoon showers possible; mornings are best for outdoor activities. Light breathable clothing, sun protection and water are essential; storms can be intense but brief.

Milder temperatures and lower humidity make this a comfortable time for hiking and sightseeing; scenery turns a little drier in late autumn.

Cooler nights and mild days; bring a light jacket for evenings. This is a pleasant season for daytime walks and fewer insects.

Warming temperatures and flowering vegetation; spring is great for birdwatching and outdoor photography, though occasional rains increase later in the season.

Main international airport serving Asunción; approximately 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic. It’s the most convenient gateway for international arrivals and onward travel to Altos.

Major airport serving Ciudad del Este and the eastern border region; significantly farther from Altos (several hours by road) and mainly useful for travelers heading to Brazil/Argentina border areas.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; corn- and cheese-based dishes (sopa paraguaya, mbeju, chipa) are good choices. Ask for vegetable sides or simple salads at restaurants; communicate clearly in Spanish if you avoid meat.

Vegan choices are fairly restricted in small towns. Markets offer fruit, vegetables and cassava-based staples — bring snacks or plan to eat at larger restaurants in Asunción for more variety.

Cassava-based foods like mbeju and some types of chipa are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. Ask at kitchens and prefer simple preparations.

Bring an allergy card in Spanish/Guarani if you have serious food allergies; small kitchens may not understand specialized requirements.