Things To Do
in Filadelfia
Filadelfia, Paraguay sits in the Gran Chaco region of western Paraguay and serves as the capital of Boquerón Department. The city is renowned for its large Mennonite farming communities that landscape the area with orderly fields, windmills, and cooperative enterprises. It acts as a gateway to expansive savannas, rivers, and rural ranch life, offering a slower pace than the capital.
The climate is hot and dry for much of the year, with a rainy season that brings lush vegetation and occasional storms.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Filadelfia airport and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring local Paraguayan dishes at a nearby cafe while taking in the beautiful landscapes. Take some time to refresh and prepare for your adventure ahead.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the Mennonite History Museum to learn about the unique cultural heritage of the region. Stroll through the charming streets of Filadelfia, observing the unique architecture influenced by the Mennonite settlers. Stop for lunch at a local eatery to try traditional dishes.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some Paraguayan specialties. Engage with locals who may share fascinating stories about the town's Mennonite community. Take a quiet evening walk under the starry sky to reflect on your first day.
Visit a local Mennonite farm to experience the rural lifestyle and partake in traditional farming activities like gathering eggs or milking cows. Enjoy a breakfast made from fresh farm produce, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region. Talk with the farmers to learn about their practices and lifestyle.
Head to the nearby Chaco National Park for a guided nature walk, where you can see the diverse flora and fauna unique to this region. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Take in the serene environment and practice your birdwatching skills.
Return to Filadelfia and unwind at a local café with a cup of tereré, a traditional Paraguay drink. Join a cultural event or local festivity if available, to engage with the community. Reflect on your day while enjoying the simple yet profound beauty of the Paraguayan landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧃Coffee or soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🥗Meal at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (local) | $4-8 |
| 🏨Hotel per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Mennonite farming culture and cooperative spirit
- Relaxed pace and affordable travel in a less-visited part of Paraguay
- Access to expansive Chaco landscapes and river life
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist infrastructure options
- Remote location with fewer direct international flight connections
- Public transport outside the city can be sparse
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¡Salud!" - Cheers / To your health
Places to Visit in Filadelfia
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river reflections at sunrise or sunset, with silhouettes of distant trees and passing boats creating serene compositions.
Geometric fields, orderly crops, and traditional windmills offer striking lines and a sense of place.
A hub of daily life with colorful façades, locals at work, and the cadence of a small regional city.
Food in Filadelfia
Filadelfia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A cheesy, buttery bread made from manioc starch and cheese, commonly found warm at bakeries and markets.
Must-Try!
A skillet-style cornbread with cheese and onions, savory and rustic in flavor.
A starch-based pancake often prepared with cheese and a hint of fat, enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Paraguayan barbecue featuring beef and pork grilled over open flame; best enjoyed at a local parrilla.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market with fresh produce, dairy, meat, and ready-to-eat snacks reflecting local farming life.
Casual bites such as empanadas, chorizo sandwiches, and grilled corn sold by neighborhood vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake with eye contact is standard; for closer acquaintances a hug or kiss on the cheek may occur among friends.
Spanish is the predominant language; some Mennonite communities preserve German dialects. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases helps greatly.
Be courteous, patient, and avoid loud public displays in religious spaces or during meals.
Safety
Tipping in Filadelfia
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is customary if service is not included. Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in town; mobile payments are growing in some shops and markets. ATMs are available in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Hydration, sunscreen, and light clothing are essential; plan outdoor activity for early morning or late afternoon.
Mild daytime temperatures with cooler evenings. Pleasant for exploring open spaces and markets.
Cooler mornings and evenings; days are generally comfortable for sightseeing with layering.
Warm days with a chance of rain; good for outdoor walks and birdwatching, but bring a lightweight rain jacket.
Filadelfia at Night
Hiking in Filadelfia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hikes through grassy savannas with occasional wetlands and birdwatching opportunities.
Relaxed routes along the riverbank offering viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Filadelfia by plane.
Main international gateway to Paraguay; connects Filadelfia region to major international destinations via Asunción.
Small regional airstrip serving charter flights and occasional domestic connections to remote Gran Chaco areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large, historically German-speaking farming communities shaping the region's agriculture, architecture, and culture.
A mix of families and workers in Filadelfia's town center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport; local leagues and informal games are common in parks and schools.
Rural communities often host cowboy-style events and polo matches in the surrounding countryside.
Popular in schools and community centers, with local teams at the municipal level.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Filadelfia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-centric; look for fresh salads, mandioca, cheese plates, eggs, beans, and vegetarian-friendly grills. When in doubt, ask for sides of rice, vegetables, or cheese-based options.