Things To Do
in Tres de Mayo
Tres de Mayo is a small, close‑knit town in Paraguay that offers an authentic glimpse of rural Paraguayan life, with tree‑lined streets, a central plaza and modest churches. Agriculture and cattle raising shape the rhythm of daily life, and locals are warm and welcoming to visitors who show respect for local customs. Expect a slow pace, traditional food stalls and community gatherings rather than big-city services or nightlife.
The town makes a good base for short excursions into surrounding countryside, rivers and regional markets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the picturesque town of San Ignacio, where you can stroll through the charming streets and admire the colonial architecture. Enjoy a traditional Paraguayan breakfast at a local café, where you can savor delicacies such as chipa and tereré. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Ruins of San Ignacio Miní, UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of early Jesuit missions in the region.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the ruins to learn more about their historical significance and marvel at the impressive stone structures. After your tour, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes made with fresh ingredients. As the sun begins to set, visit the vibrant local markets where artisans sell handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Wrap up your day with dinner at one of the town's quaint eateries, where you can taste Paraguayan grilled meats and enjoy live traditional music. Take a leisurely evening walk along the riverbank, soaking in the serene atmosphere and starry skies. Reflect on the day’s adventures before heading back to your accommodation.
Begin your day with a short trip to the Jesuit Ruins of Jesús de Tavarangue, a magnificent site that captivates visitors with its rich history and architectural beauty. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on this guided tour, ensuring you have a deep understanding of the site's significance. The morning is also perfect for exploring the lush surroundings filled with native flora and fauna.
After visiting the ruins, enjoy a leisurely lunch in a nearby village, where you can interact with locals and taste some homemade dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the historical exhibits featuring artifacts and relics that showcase the Jesuit experience in Paraguay. Take time to reflect on the serenity of the area as you wander through picturesque landscapes.
End your day with dinner at a traditional Paraguayan steakhouse where you can try the famous asado, accompanied by refreshing drinks. Gather around with fellow travelers to share stories and experiences from the day's explorations. Observe the vibrant nightlife as families gather outside, enjoying conversations under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🥤Bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, slow‑paced rural Paraguayan culture and hospitality
- Low costs for food and lodging compared with major tourist centers
- Access to agricultural landscapes, rivers and traditional markets
- Good opportunities for photography and relaxed outdoor activities
- Limited tourist infrastructure, fewer hotels and restaurants
- Language barrier if you don't speak Spanish or Guarani
- Restricted nightlife and entertainment options
- Medical facilities may be basic; serious cases require transfer to regional hospitals
- "Hola / Buen día" - Hello / Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor / Gracias" - Please / Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "No hablo mucho español" - I don't speak much Spanish
- "Mba'éichapa" - How are you? (Guarani)
- "Aguyje" - Thank you (Guarani)
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Tres de Mayo
Visit one of these nice places.
Heart of town with a church, benches and daily life; great for street scenes, portraits of locals and evening atmospheres.
Colorful stalls, produce, cheeses and chipa sellers provide lively, authentic photographic opportunities of people and food.
Sunrise and sunset over fields, cattle and dirt tracks offer classic pastoral landscapes and golden light.
Water edges and small fishing spots are ideal for nature shots, reflections and candid photos of local fishing activity.
Weekends may bring public gatherings, live music and dances—excellent for cultural and candid photography (ask permission before photographing people).
Food in Tres de Mayo
Tres de Mayo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A dense, cornbread‑like dish made from cornmeal, cheese, eggs and onions — often found at family homes and local restaurants.
Must-Try!
Small, savory cheese bread made from cassava starch and cheese, sold widely at bakeries and street stalls — great for breakfast or a snack.
Hearty corn and chicken dumpling soup commonly served in home cooking and neighborhood comedores.
Grilled beef or pork prepared over open flame — a communal feast you’ll encounter at weekend gatherings and backyard barbecues.
A starch‑and‑cheese pancake made from cassava, often cooked at home and at small eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning market where farmers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses and chipa. Try local cheeses, fresh juice and street‑cooked snacks while mingling with residents.
Evening and weekend stalls near the central plaza selling grilled meats, empanadas and sweet treats — ideal for sampling small portions.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common; use formal 'usted' with elders and people you don’t know well. A friendly 'hola' or 'buen día' goes a long way.
Tereré (cold yerba mate) is often shared in social settings; if offered, accept politely and follow the host’s lead—don't tamper with the bombilla (straw).
Dress modestly for church and formal visits; remove hats in religious buildings and ask permission before photographing people, especially at private homes and markets.
Spanish and Guarani are widely spoken—learning basic phrases shows respect. Be patient, polite, and avoid raising your voice in public.
Safety
Tipping in Tres de Mayo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in small towns—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not always expected. For taxi drivers and small service providers, rounding up or small change is common; show gratitude directly for personal services.
Paraguay uses the guaraní (PYG); cash is king in small towns and markets. Credit/debit cards may be accepted at bigger eateries or hotels but expect cash‑only at many local businesses; ATMs can be limited, so carry enough cash and confirm fees before withdrawing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F) and frequent thunderstorms; bring sun protection, lightweight clothing and rain gear; ideal for lush greenery and river activities but expect sudden showers.
Temperatures begin to moderate and rainfall tapers; pleasant days for exploring, markets and photography with softer light and harvesting activity in farmland.
Mild to cool days and cooler nights (can feel chilly in the early morning); dry season with clearer skies—great for day trips but bring a jacket for evenings.
Warming temperatures and blooming vegetation; good time for outdoor activities and birdwatching as migratory species and native plants become active.
Tres de Mayo at Night
Hiking in Tres de Mayo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Unmarked rural paths along fields, hedgerows and riverbanks offer easy, low‑key hikes—best done with a local to avoid private property and to find points of interest.
Depending on your region of Paraguay, nearby provincial or national parks (for example regional reserves or parks) offer marked trails, birdwatching routes and waterfalls; inquire locally for the closest reserve and trail conditions.
Gentle hikes along nearby streams and rivers are ideal for birdwatching, photography and short picnics — bring insect repellent and sun protection.
Airports
How to reach Tres de Mayo by plane.
Main international airport serving Asunción and central Paraguay; most international travelers arrive here and continue by bus or car to regional towns. Travel time from Asunción varies depending on the exact location of Tres de Mayo.
Located near Ciudad del Este, serves the eastern region of Paraguay and cross‑border travelers; useful if you’re approaching from the east or coming via Brazil/Argentina border crossings.
Smaller regional airports and bus terminals serve provincial capitals—depending on which Tres de Mayo you visit, a nearby domestic airport or major bus station may be the most practical entry point.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with mixed indigenous and Spanish ancestry; Guarani language and culture are widely present in daily life.
Nearby regions may include indigenous Guarani communities with strong cultural traditions and language use.
Local economy dominated by smallholders and cattle ranchers—family‑run farms shape community rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and youth leagues are common and community football games are a regular social activity.
Equestrian activities and rural rodeo events reflect the town’s agricultural culture; horseback riding is also a recreational option.
Popular team sports played in schoolyards and community courts—good to join pickup games for social interaction.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tres de Mayo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns; foco on corn‑based dishes (sopa paraguaya, mbejú) and salads. Ask for dishes without meat and explain 'soy vegetariano/vegetariana' — in markets, fruit, cheese and breads are easy options.
Vegan choices are scarce outside larger cities — bring snacks or be prepared to modify traditional dishes and request no dairy or egg; communicate clearly and carry translations for ingredients.
Many Paraguayan staples are made from cassava (naturally gluten‑free), but cross‑contamination can happen; confirm ingredients at eateries.
Carry allergy cards in Spanish/Guarani and keep medications on hand; small kitchens may not have detailed ingredient lists.