Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Paraguay is one of South America’s most underrated destinations. This landlocked country offers a fascinating mix of lush subtropical forests, remote wilderness, colonial towns, indigenous heritage, and Guaranà traditions. Unlike more touristy countries, Paraguay remains authentic and affordable, with fewer crowds and plenty of opportunities to dive deep into local culture. For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, nature reserves, and cultural immersion, Paraguay is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Best Cities
Asunción
Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is one of South America’s oldest cities, located on the banks of the Paraguay River. The historic center features landmarks such as the Palacio de los López, the National Pantheon of Heroes, and colonial-era plazas like Plaza Uruguaya. Calle Palma is the city’s main commercial street, lined with shops and cafés. Cultural attractions include the Manzana de la Rivera, a complex of restored houses with exhibitions and events. Modern districts such as Villa Morra and Loma San Jerónimo offer restaurants, nightlife, and music venues. Asunción is also a base for exploring Paraguay’s political history and contemporary arts.
Encarnación
Encarnación, on the Paraná River in southern Paraguay, is known for its beaches and cultural heritage. During summer (December to February), Playa San José and the riverfront Costanera become major attractions, drawing visitors for swimming and outdoor activities. Nearby are the Jesuit Missions of La SantÃsima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that preserve 17th- and 18th-century ruins. The city is also famous for its annual Carnaval, one of the largest in Paraguay, featuring parades, music, and costumes. Encarnación is connected to Posadas, Argentina, by an international bridge and has road links to Asunción.
Ciudad del Este
Ciudad del Este, in eastern Paraguay, lies on the tri-border with Brazil and Argentina and is one of South America’s busiest commercial hubs. The city is best known for its duty-free shops and sprawling electronics markets. Beyond shopping, visitors can tour the Itaipú Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world, with guided visits to the facilities and viewpoints. Nearby attractions include Saltos del Monday, a powerful waterfall set in forested surroundings. Ciudad del Este is also a practical base for crossing into Brazil or Argentina to visit Iguazú Falls. The city is connected to Brazil by the Friendship Bridge and has road links to Asunción and Encarnación.
Best Natural Attractions
Cerro Corá National Park
Cerro Corá National Park, near Pedro Juan Caballero in northern Paraguay, is the country’s largest protected area. The park combines natural and historical significance, as it was the site of the final battle of the Paraguayan War in 1870. The landscape includes rivers, waterfalls, sandstone hills, and dense Atlantic forest. Rock paintings found in caves add to its archaeological interest. Trails allow hiking and birdwatching, with diverse species inhabiting the reserve. The park is managed for both conservation and tourism, offering a mix of cultural heritage and eco-tourism activities.
Saltos del Monday
Saltos del Monday is a 40-meter waterfall located a few kilometers from Ciudad del Este in eastern Paraguay. The falls drop into a forested gorge and can be viewed from several platforms along the rim. Adventure options include boat rides to the base and rappelling tours alongside the cascade. The site is managed as a private park with walking trails, picnic areas, and visitor facilities. Less crowded than Iguazú Falls, Saltos del Monday offers a quieter alternative while still delivering impressive scenery.
Ybycuà National Park
Ybycuà National Park, located about 150 km from Asunción, protects a subtropical forest with waterfalls, streams, and diverse wildlife. Trails lead to natural pools suitable for swimming and to the ruins of La Rosada Iron Foundry, a 19th-century industrial site destroyed during the Paraguayan War. The park is home to capuchin monkeys, toucans, and numerous butterfly species. Facilities include picnic areas and basic services, making it a popular weekend destination for visitors from the capital.
Lake YpacaraÃ
Lake YpacaraÃ, located about 50 km from Asunción, is one of Paraguay’s most popular weekend destinations. The town of San Bernardino on the eastern shore is the main resort, known for its beaches, boat rides, restaurants, and nightlife during the summer season. The lake is also used for swimming and water sports, though water quality varies by area and season. Its proximity to the capital makes it an easy day trip or short getaway.
Best Cultural and Historical Sites
Jesuit Missions
The Jesuit missions of La SantÃsima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, in southern Paraguay, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the best-preserved in South America. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the complexes include stone churches, plazas, living quarters, and workshops that illustrate the Jesuits’ work with Guaranà communities. Trinidad is the larger and more complete site, while Jesús remains partly unfinished but equally impressive for its scale. Both can be visited in a single day from Encarnación. Evening tours with light and sound shows are available at Trinidad, offering a dramatic way to experience the ruins.
Filadelfia and Mennonite Colonies
Filadelfia, in Paraguay’s Chaco region, is the main center of Mennonite settlements established in the 20th century. The Fernheim Museum presents the history of Mennonite migration, the development of agriculture in the Chaco, and exhibits related to the Chaco War. The surrounding colonies are known for dairy, cattle, and crop production, which sustain much of Paraguay’s agribusiness. Beyond the towns, the Chaco’s semi-arid wilderness provides habitat for wildlife such as jaguars, giant armadillos, peccaries, and a variety of bird species. Filadelfia is reached by road from Asunción, a journey of about 8 hours.
Areguá
Areguá is a lakeside town on the southern shore of Lake YpacaraÃ, about 30 km from Asunción. It is known for its colonial streets, artisan workshops, and annual strawberry festival held in winter (June–August). Local markets sell ceramics, crafts, and seasonal produce. A key cultural site is El Cántaro Cultural Center, which showcases regional art and handicrafts. The town also offers views of the lake and surrounding hills, making it a popular day trip from the capital.
Caacupé
Caacupé, about 50 km from Asunción, is Paraguay’s most important Catholic pilgrimage site. The centerpiece is the Basilica of Our Lady of Caacupé, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, especially on December 8 during the Feast of the Virgin. The town is surrounded by hills, forests, and small communities that can be explored on short excursions. Caacupé is accessible by road from the capital and is often visited as part of trips through the Cordillera region.
Hidden Gems of Paraguay
Gran Chaco Wilderness
The Gran Chaco covers much of western Paraguay and is characterized by vast dry forests, scrubland, and wetlands. It is one of South America’s largest wilderness areas, home to jaguars, giant armadillos, peccaries, and diverse birdlife. Indigenous communities, including Enxet and Nivaclé groups, still inhabit the region. Defensores del Chaco National Park is the main protected area, offering opportunities for trekking, camping, and wildlife observation, though facilities are limited. Travel in the Chaco requires preparation due to long distances, high temperatures, and sparse services.
San Cosme y Damián
San Cosme y Damián, in southern Paraguay, is known for its Jesuit mission ruins, which include one of the first observatories in the region. The site highlights the Jesuits’ scientific and cultural work alongside their religious mission. Nearby, boat trips on the Paraná River lead to large sand dunes that rise from the water, creating a unique landscape for swimming and exploration. The area is also noted for its sunsets over the river. San Cosme y Damián can be reached by road from Encarnación, making it a popular excursion in the Itapúa Department.
Villarrica
Villarrica, in central Paraguay’s Guairá Department, is a colonial-era town with plazas, churches, and cultural institutions. It serves as a regional center for history and education, while still retaining a small-town atmosphere. Nearby, Eco Reserva Mbatovà offers outdoor activities such as canopy walks, zip lines, and adventure trails through forested hills. Villarrica is about 160 km from Asunción and can be reached by road in under three hours, making it a convenient destination for a cultural and nature-focused trip.
Itaipú Lake & Nature Reserves
Itaipú Lake, formed by the Itaipú Dam on the Paraná River, extends along the border of Paraguay and Brazil. Beyond the hydroelectric complex, the area includes several protected reserves. Refugio Biológico Tati Yupi is the best known, with trails through Atlantic forest, wetlands, and grasslands that provide habitat for capybaras, caimans, and numerous bird species. Other reserves around the lake support reforestation and wildlife conservation projects. The area is accessible from Ciudad del Este, with tours combining visits to the dam and nearby natural sites.
Travel Tips
Currency
The official currency is the Paraguayan Guaranà (PYG). In Asunción and other large cities, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, in small towns and rural areas, cash is essential, especially in markets, local buses, and family-run businesses. Carrying small denominations is practical for everyday purchases.
Language
Paraguay is a bilingual nation with both Spanish and Guaranà as official languages. Most Paraguayans speak both, often switching between them in daily conversation. English is limited, usually spoken only in major hotels or by those working in tourism, so a translation app or a few key Spanish phrases will be very useful when traveling outside urban areas.
Transport
Paraguay’s transport system is functional, though infrastructure can be basic in remote regions. Long-distance buses are the most common way to travel between cities, offering cheap and reliable service. For visiting remote areas such as the Chaco or exploring rural landscapes, renting a car is the best option. Travelers must carry an International Driving Permit along with their home license to rent and drive legally. Roads in rural regions can be unpaved, so a sturdy vehicle and cautious driving are recommended.
Safety
Paraguay is considered generally safe for travelers, with a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Nevertheless, normal precautions should be observed, particularly at night in larger cities like Asunción and Ciudad del Este. Avoid carrying valuables openly, and use registered taxis or trusted transportation options after dark. In rural areas, safety concerns are minimal, and the main challenge is navigating less-developed infrastructure.
Published September 20, 2025 • 9m to read
