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Church in Areguá, Paraguay
Areguá
Church in Areguá

Areguá

Church in Areguá

7 BEST Places to Visit in Paraguay & Top Things to Do | Paraguay Travel Guide
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Paraguay Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Asuncion

Location:

Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil

Currency:

guarani (PYG)

Area:

406,752 sq km

Population:

7,272,639 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Spanish (official) and Guarani (official) 46.3%, only Guarani 34%, only Spanish 15.2%, other (includes Portuguese, German, other indigenous languages) 4.1% , no response 0.4%; note - data represent predominant household language (2012 est.)

Religion:

Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC-4

Tel Code:

+595

Things to Do

  • 1. Explore Ciudad del Este

    Visit the bustling border city of Ciudad del Este, known for its shopping and vibrant street markets. Explore the markets for electronics, clothes, and crafts. Don't forget to try the delicious Paraguayan street food.

  • 2. Discover the Jesuit Missions

    Step back in time and visit the Jesuit Missions of Paraguay. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the Guarani people. Learn about their unique architecture and the harmonious coexistence between the Jesuits and the Guarani community.

  • 3. Take a boat ride on the Paraguay River

    Experience the beauty of the Paraguay River with a scenic boat ride. Cruise through the diverse ecosystems and spot various species of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, and a wide variety of birds. Enjoy the peacefulness of the river and take in the stunning natural landscapes.

  • 4. Visit the Itaipu Dam

    Marvel at the engineering masterpiece that is the Itaipu Dam. Take a guided tour and learn about the history and construction of this impressive hydroelectric power plant. Witness the immense power of the dam as water rushes through the spillways.

  • 5. Hike in Cerro Cora National Park

    Embark on an adventurous hike in Cerro Cora National Park, the site of the last battle of the Paraguayan War. Explore the lush forests, spot native wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views from the mountain summit. Learn about the historical significance of the park and pay homage to the soldiers who fought there.

  • 6. Indulge in traditional Paraguayan cuisine

    Savor the flavors of traditional Paraguayan cuisine. Try dishes like chipa, a cheesy bread made with manioc flour, and sopa paraguaya, a cornbread-like cake. Don't miss the opportunity to try terere, a refreshing cold infusion of yerba mate.

  • 7. Explore Ybycui National Park

    Discover the natural beauty of Ybycui National Park. Take a hike through the park's trails, visit the picturesque waterfalls, and observe the diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a peaceful picnic in the midst of nature.

  • 8. Visit the National Pantheon of Heroes

    Pay homage to Paraguay's heroes at the National Pantheon of Heroes. Explore the grand architecture of this historic building and learn about the significant figures in Paraguayan history. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Asuncion.

  • 9. Shop for handmade crafts in Luque

    Browse through a wide selection of handmade crafts in the city of Luque. Explore the local markets and shops to find unique souvenirs and traditional Paraguayan crafts, such as embroidered textiles, pottery, and woven baskets.

  • 10. Experience the Guarani culture

    Immerse yourself in the rich Guarani culture of Paraguay. Visit indigenous communities, learn about their traditions and rituals, and participate in cultural activities. Gain insight into their way of life and their deep connection with the land.

Weather

Climate in Paraguay

Paraguay has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in Paraguay ranges from around 20°C (68°F) in the winter to around 33°C (91°F) in the summer. The rainy season is typically from October to April, with heavy rain and thunderstorms, while the dry season is from May to September, with less rainfall and higher temperatures.

Best time to visit Paraguay

The best time to visit Paraguay depends on what you want to do while you're there. If you're interested in outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the country, the dry season (May to September) is the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the parks and reserves are accessible.

If you're more interested in culture and history, the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are a great time to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer tourists.

For those who want to avoid the crowds and the high temperatures, the winter months (July to September) are good too, as the country gets fewer tourists and the weather is mild enough to explore the cities and the countryside.

Overall, any time of the year is good to visit Paraguay, as the country has a lot to offer all year round, but it's a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
Paraguay Open
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      Hotels

      Paraguay has a wide range of hotels available for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Many of the major cities in Paraguay, such as Asunción and Ciudad del Este, have a variety of hotels to choose from.

      Hostels

      Paraguay also has a number of hostels available for travelers on a budget. These can be a great option for backpackers and other budget-conscious travelers.

      Vacation Rentals

      Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are also available for visitors to Paraguay. These can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together.

      Camping

      Camping is also an option for those who want to experience the great outdoors in Paraguay. There are several campgrounds available throughout the country, with varying degrees of amenities.

      Rural Accomodation

      Paraguay also has a number of rural accommodations, such as estancias and lodges, that allow visitors to experience the country's rural culture and natural beauty. These can include staying on a working farm, or a guided tour to the remote regions of Paraguay.

      Transportation

      Bus

      Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around Paraguay. Long-distance buses connect major cities, while local buses serve smaller towns and villages. Bus companies in Paraguay offer different levels of service, with some offering luxury coaches with air conditioning and on-board entertainment.

      Car Rental

      Car rental is also an option in Paraguay, with a number of international and local companies available. This can be a great option for visitors who want the freedom to explore the country at their own pace.

      Taxis

      Taxis are widely available in Paraguay's cities, and are a convenient option for getting around. They can be hailed on the street or called by phone.

      Train

      Although Paraguay has a limited rail network, it operates some trains to connect the main cities. It could be a good option for some specific routes, but keep in mind the infrastructure is not as good as the bus network.

      Air

      The main international airport in Paraguay is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, located in Asunción. There are also several regional airports that connect other parts of the country with Asunción. There are flights from major South American cities and from Miami and Madrid.

      Boat

      Paraguay is a landlocked country, so there are no boats or ferries available for transportation. But there are some boat tour options to navigate on the Paraguay and Parana rivers that run along the country's borders.

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.