Paraguay

Understand

Paraguay is often overlooked as a travel destination, even though it has been experiencing a steady increase in tourist arrivals. The majority of tourists visiting Paraguay in 2022 came from neighbouring Argentina, accounting for 76% of all visitors. Brazilians often come over to Paraguayan border towns to shop for imported goods.

Although the country is one of South America's breadbaskets, Paraguay has historically not been a wealthy country; a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and there's an incredibly wide gap between the rich and the poor. Decades of political instability, as well as a young and largely unskilled work force have stunted prospects of growth and development.

Most Paraguayans, save the upper class, may not have a lot of material wealth and possessions, but they strive to be happy and content with what they have. Tranquility (known as tranquilo pa) is one value Paraguayans cherish the most. Nature is the heart and soul of most Paraguayans; they find absolute solace and contentment in it.

A major producer of beef, so do not be surprised to find cattle eating grass just a few centimetres from the highways, especially in the Chaco region and Misiones Department. Paraguay is the world's fifth largest exporter of soya beans, so expect to see hundreds of square kilometres of soya plantations especially in the southeast, east and northeast regions.

Get in

thumb|right|375px|Visa policy of Paraguay

thumb|Inside Silvio Petrossi International Airport thumb|Port of Asunción thumb|Donkey meets bus in Concepción

Get around

thumb|Taxi in Asunción thumb|Asunción by night thumb|Road junction in Filadelfia, with the "Faith, Unity and Labor" monument

See

thumb|The Itaipu Dam The capital Asunción hosts a large part of the country's sights. In Trinidad you can see Paraguay's only UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesus de Tavarangue. There is a well in the city of Santani (San Pedro) that does not go dry. The local museum also contains a large snakeskin. The Itaipu dam near Ciudad del Este which is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, measured by generated power. Contrary to the Brazilian side, all tours to the dam are free, just some require early registration. Also in Ciudad del Este (actually in Presidente Franco just south), you can find the impressive Salto Del Monday waterfall, and while not as large as the nearby Iguazu Falls, but definitely worth a visit. Encarnación is a laid-back city with the beautiful San Jose (river) Beach and a relaxing promenade where you can just hang around for a couple of days and enjoy the local bar culture. The Catedral Virgen de Caacupé in Caacupé is a beautiful church with a tower viewpoint not far from Asunción. The Iglesia San Buenaventura de Yaguarón (or Templo de San Buenaventure) in Yaguarón inhibits impressive baroque wood carvings inside a rather unconventional, although typical for this region, church (closed Mondays).

Do

thumb|Asunción Contrary to Argentina and Bolivia, national parks and historical sites run by the government are generally free or cheap: the three Jesuit sites near Trinidad, for instance, are just €4. On the other hand, some parks are run privately and demand steep entrance and accommodation prices, like the Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve. However, they might cater more specifically for tourists with the intention to deliver "results" and could be worth it.

Eat

thumb|Sopa Paraguaya thumb|Chipa

Paraguayan food is one of the most diverse in South America. Paraguayans usually enjoy typical food several times a week all year round. You'll find much of the standard South American cuisine here with some Brazilian influence as well. Paraguayan food isn't particularly spicy, so those who can't tolerate spices won't have problems here.

Paraguay has a tradition for beef which is normally good quality and cheap. Grilled meat (asado) is the thing to eat. Pasta is also popular as are the street stalls selling panchos (hot-dogs), hamburgers, empanadas and similar fast-food. Vegetables, salad and other types of meat are not that common but available. In restaurants you normally get manioc as a side dish for free (similar to bread in other countries).

Sleep

Good accommodation will certainly not be hard to find in major towns, and will seem reasonably cheap if the parameter is the dollar or the euro. Prices for cheap and decent accommodation range from GS.40,000 (in/near Asunción and Conceptión) to GS.60,000 (in Encarnación).

The exception, however, is Ciudad del Este. In Ciuded del Este the cheapest accommodation is near the bus station with doubles for less than €10, in an area that is also pleasant in the evening. Cheaper accommodation is easy to find, but if you're after something of higher quality, then you'll have better chances in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), just a short bus ride (R$5.50 or GS.8,000) across the bridge, or in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). However, Brazil is easier regarding immigration, not requiring people to have a stamp if just visiting for a day and thus not checking the buses that enter or leave Brazil. This option is not available with Argentina, and this crossing is also considerably more time-consuming.

Stay safe

thumb|Ciudad del Este street scene Generally speaking, Paraguay is a safe country.

There are not many large cities and if you use some common sense and street smarts, you are unlikely to run into any trouble. The police are known to be corrupt, and if you are pulled over for any reason, you will almost certainly be expected to pay a bribe. In Asunción most cops are not corrupt. In the cities crime is common, though not as rampant as in other cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Buenos Aires.

Ciudad del Este is a hotspot for illicit activities, such as money laundering and counterfeiting, but that should not affect your travels. That said, you will want to keep an eye on your bags and wallet here, as you would do in any other large city. Generally, as long as you aren't involved in drug smuggling (inadvertently or otherwise), and are alert to pickpockets, you should be safe most of the time.

Southern regions of Paraguay is part of the South America Tornado Corridor, the second most tornado-prone area in the world (behind the United States Tornado Alley). Monitor local media notices and if you see that the sky is dark, the light take on a greenish-yellow cast or a loud sound that sounds like a freight train, this could be an indication of a tornado. Find shelter immediately. Refer to the tornado safety article for analysis of the issues here.

Stay healthy

Hospitals in Paraguay range from decent to unsanitary and unequipped. If you get desperately ill, try to get to the best hospital even if it takes a bit longer: you may not find surgical gloves in the worst of them. There are many stray dogs running the streets - avoid them. They usually won't bother you.

Respect

thumb|Carneval in Encarnación In general, Paraguayans are friendly, polite, and soft-spoken people. Since Paraguay is one of the least visited countries in South America, you're likely to attract attention from very curious people.