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.

History

The Guaraní were the most significant indigenous group inhabiting what is now Eastern Paraguay, living as semi-nomadic hunters who also practised subsistence agriculture. The Chaco region was home to other groups of indigenous tribes such as the Guaycurú and Payaguá, who survived by hunting, gathering and fishing. In the 16th century Paraguay, formerly called "The Giant Province o

See

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

Getting there

Entry requirements

Visa-free entry Citizens of Mercosur member states ― Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru ― enjoy freedom of movement in Paraguay. They can just enter with their National ID card. All adult visitors from South American countries, except the Guyanas, may enter Paraguay with their National ID card. All other visitors travelling to Paraguay are required to carry a valid passport. Visa-free access for visitors from the European Union, Latin American countries, as well as South Korea (30 days), Japan, Israel, Malaysia (30 days), the Philippines (30 days), South Africa and Taiwan. All tourists are granted a tourist visa for 90 days. In case you leave the country via one of the many land borders, an exit stamp is not necessarily required if you travel visa-free and receive a proper entry stamp in the following country. On (re-)entry into Paraguay, no one will check your existing stamps for completeness. Also, in case you visit Ciudad del Este, you might travel forth and back between the border for various reasons, hence just having entry stamps of both countries (Brazil and Paraguay) is convenient. Entering/leaving through one of the many land borders can be a good way of leaving the country in case you accidentally overstayed.

Visa entry Visas are no longer required for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Travellers of all other nationalities should check the visa requirements for their country with the nearest Paraguayan Embassy before travelling to Paraguay. Except for the countries named above, visas must be obtained in advance through the Paraguayan Embassy or Consulate, as they are not available upon entry to the country.

Land borders Paraguay has many land border crossings and allows

Getting around

By bus Buses, also called Colectivos in Paraguay, are the most common public transport. There are many companies running different lines. When leaving from Asunción, the web page of the bus terminal has information about ticket prices for all destinations and bus companies as well as departure times. The site is in Spanish only and there's no information about travel times nor schedules for trips towards Asuncion. Some intercity bus companies include:

Nuestra Señora de la Asunción La Encarnacena

By taxi Taxis are expensive compared to other prices in Paraguay, and in Asunción, the fares are determined by the meter. Tipping in taxis is not customary among locals (although drivers do appreciate it). Expect to pay a small surcharge on top of the fare if you are taking a taxi late in the evening, or on a Sunday. Outside Asunción there are no meters so make sure you decide on a price before you get in. Bargaining on a price may be useful, as tourists have been asked for US$10 for a five-minute ride. To prevent any disputes, always ask your hotel concierge how much the real cost of the fare should be.

By car There are highways connecting all the major regions of Paraguay, but most of them are one lane each way. You may hit toll booths along the way. Keep in mind that in Paraguay, you must drive with headlights on at all times, even during daytime. Police may pull you over for any reason and will expect bribes. Locals may say that the most common way to avoid giving too much money on the bribes requested by the 'polícia caminera' (road police) is by giving them a small guarani note while shaking their hands when they stop your car. Also, it is advised that, when they ask you, play dumb until they let you go with a warning and do not admit to travelling through Paragu