Travel Tips: What places you should definitely visit when traveling through Paraguay

Paraguay offers a fascinating urban experience with its capital, Asunción, the commercial metropolis of Ciudad del Este, and the cultural city of Encarnación. Added to this are spectacular natural attractions such as the Monday Falls near Ciudad del Este and Lago Ypacaraí with its summer resorts. UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Jesuit Reductions of Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, convey the colonial legacy. Nature lovers will find pristine landscapes in national parks such as Ybycuí, Defensores del Chaco, and the Paraguayan Pantanal. Between the Chaco Desert, subtropical forests, and fertile plains, you can experience the diversity of South America in a compact space.

Cities and cultural experiences

Asunción

The capital, Asunción, is one of the oldest cities in South America and the political, economic, and cultural center of Paraguay. Here, magnificent colonial buildings like the Palacio de los López and museums like the Museo del Barro are among the top attractions.

Ciudad del Este

A border city with Brazil and a shopping paradise, Ciudad del Este attracts bargain hunters from the region and is the starting point for visiting the nearby Saltos del Monday, a stunning waterfall that draws thousands of nature lovers each year.

Encarnación

Encarnación on the Paraná River impresses with its waterfront promenade (“Costanera”) and serves as a base for excursions to the Jesuit settlements in Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Concepción & Pilar

In the north, Concepción offers colonial churches and a picturesque location on the Paraguay River, while Pilar (in the south), with its museums and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Pilar, recalls the turbulent history of the Paraguayan War.

Caacupé

A pilgrimage city and spiritual capital of Paraguay, known for the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, which attracts more than a million pilgrims each year on December 8.

Colonias Unidas (Hohenau)

The region around Hohenau is known for its German-Paraguayan heritage and the annual National Festival of Communities (Fiesta Nacional de las Colectividades) in late September, where more than ten immigrant groups showcase their traditions.

Puerto Hohenau, Hohenau — Urban letters: Puerto Hohenau

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Jesuit Reductions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue: Jesuit missionary towns of the 17th and 18th centuries, outstanding examples of colonial urban planning and cultural transfer.

Pantanal Paraguayo, Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco, Reserva Natural Bosque Mbaracayú, etc.: Recent UNESCO nominations demonstrate the region's ecological importance.

Nature and outdoor activities highlights

Saltos del Monday

Just a few kilometers from Ciudad del Este, these impressive waterfalls offer spectacular views and beautiful hiking trails.

Ybycuí National Park

In the department of Paraguarí, you can enjoy subtropical forests, waterfalls, and historic railway routes, such as the old "Paraguay Central" line.

Lago Ypacaraí & San Bernardino

This 56 km² lake is the center of a popular beach resort in San Bernardino and Areguá, famous for its pottery. World-famous thanks to the song Recuerdos de Ypacaraí, the lake now faces significant environmental challenges.

Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco

Paraguay's largest protected area, in the Chaco, is home to jaguars, anteaters, and endemic birds: a paradise for adventurers.

Pantanal paraguayo

Wetlands with high biodiversity on the border with Brazil, ideal for ecotourism and birdwatching.

Médanos del Chaco

Desert-style sand dunes in the western Chaco, an extraordinary landscape in the heart of the country.

Practical advice

Best time to visit: May to September (dry season) for uninterrupted excursions, December to February for water sports on Lake Ypacaraí.
Mobility: Long-distance buses, domestic flights (Asunción–Ciudad del Este/Concepción), and rental cars for more remote destinations.
Accommodation: In cities, from hostels to luxury hotels, in national parks, simple eco-lodges.

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