Paraguay Travel Information

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America known for its diverse culture, natural beauty, and friendly people. From its colonial cities to its natural reserves, Paraguay offers visitors a unique and authentic South American experience. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Paraguay:

1. Visit the Itaipu Dam

The Itaipu Dam is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, located on the Parana River, on the border between Paraguay and Brazil. It's an engineering marvel, and you can take a tour to learn about the history of the project and see the inside of the dam.

2. Explore the Jesuit Reductions

The Jesuit Reductions are a series of missionary settlements built by the Jesuits in the 18th century. The settlements are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and they're a great way to learn more about the history of Paraguay and the Jesuits' role in the country.

3. Visit the Paraguayan War Museum

The Paraguayan War Museum is a great place to learn more about the country's history and culture, with a focus on the Paraguayan War, which was fought between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay in the late 19th century.

4. Visit the Salto Monday Waterfall

The Salto Monday Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in the San Rafael National Park. The waterfall is located in a remote area, but it's a great place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Paraguay.

5. Visit the capital city of Asuncion

The capital city of Asuncion is a great place to explore and learn more about the culture of Paraguay. The city is home to many historic buildings and monuments, as well as a vibrant nightlife and delicious food.

6. Visit the Cerro Cora National Park

The Cerro Cora National Park is a beautiful national park located in the northern part of Paraguay. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, and it's a great place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Paraguay.

7. Visit the Ybycuí National Park

The Ybycuí National Park is a beautiful national park located in the southern part of Paraguay. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, and it's a great place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Paraguay.

8. Visit the Mbaracayú Biosphere Reserve

The Mbaracayú Biosphere Reserve is a beautiful protected area located in the eastern part of Paraguay. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, and it's a great place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Paraguay.

9. Visit the Paraguayan Museum of Anthropology

The Paraguayan Museum of Anthropology is a great place to learn more about the culture of Paraguay and its indigenous people. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including artifacts and historical objects.

10. Visit the Paraguay Botanic Garden

The Paraguay Botanic Garden is a great place to learn more about the country's flora and fauna. The garden has a wide variety of plants and flowers, and it's a great place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Paraguay.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.