Summary
Located in the center of South America, Paraguay is a country shaped by the interactions between European settlers and the Guarani indigenous peoples. Here, remnants of indigenous culture emerge from the lush jungles, colonial cities flourish along meandering rivers, and the Gran Chaco region dominates the northern expanse. It is an intriguing destination worth discovering.
Let us examine the most notable destinations in Paraguay:
1. Asuncion
A bustling metropolis with a population exceeding two million, Asuncion serves as the political, economic, and cultural centerpiece of contemporary Paraguay.
The city is situated along the eastern banks of the Paraguay River, which curves through the downtown area and delineates the border with Argentina to the west.
Here, visitors can explore what is arguably one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas.
Founded by conquistadores, Asuncion was historically the departure point for Spanish explorers heading west to the wild territories of Peru and Patagonia.
Presently, the city boasts the impressive National Pantheon of the Heroes and a vibrant nightlife scene along the emerging Paseo Carmelitas.
2. Encarnacion
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the South,’ Encarnacion is located gracefully along the banks of the Parana River, attracting numerous residents from Asuncion during the summer months with promises of immaculate beaches and the nation’s most fashionable promenade.
The finest sands can be found at the end of Curupayty; well-maintained and frequented by sunbathers and fashionable beachgoers alike.
Water sports are also popular, with jet skis zipping through the Parana’s bends, set against the backdrop of the city’s new residential developments across the bay.
After a day of relaxation, visitors can immerse themselves in culture at the UNESCO-recognized Jesuit ruins located at the town’s edge.
3. Cerro Cora National Park
This compact natural reserve is undoubtedly one of the most striking and picturesque areas of backcountry in Paraguay.
Recently established, it encompasses vast expanses of rolling savannah and mountainous landscapes, where unique hills rise above swaying grasses and armadillos traverse the terrain.
Muralia peak serves as a prime starting point, offering expansive views of the region’s arid forests and plains. Furthermore, visitors may encounter indigenous communities and explore ancient petroglyphs that stoke curiosity.
4. Ciudad del Este
Resembling a Moroccan market, the bazaars of Ciudad del Este stretch along the banks of the Parana River, filled with the sounds of haggling vendors and electronic merchants amidst the sea of vibrant electronics and branded clothing.
This unapologetic center of Paraguay’s black market is aptly named the ‘Supermarket of the Americas.’ Thousands of Brazilians visit daily seeking bargains among the shops on Camilo Recalde, while many visitors are drawn to the monumental engineering marvel that is the Itaipu Dam, a key economic engine for Paraguay.
5. Ybycui National Park
Capuchin monkeys navigate the tree canopies, while howler monkeys climb the trunks in Ybycui National Park, a compact yet critical preservation of the remaining Upper Parana Atlantic Forest.
Most visitors embark on the relatively short journey of 150 kilometers from the capital, eager to witness the cascading waterfalls that plunge through the rocky underbrush into pools and streams.
Additionally, the ruins of a historic ironworks serve as a reminder of the conflict-ridden Paraguayan War, where weaponry and munitions were once manufactured amid the hills.
6. Yaguaron
This quaint town, nestled in the shadow of towering cliffs just south of Asuncion, began as a Spanish mission aimed at establishing a settlement for the Guarani people in the early 1600s.
Today, the remarkable church erected by the Europeans remains a prominent feature in the lush fields where it has stood for centuries.
It represents a prime example of the Franciscan heritage in Paraguay and serves as an enriching cultural addition to a visit to the nearby Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia Museum—the former residence of Paraguay’s dictator located just a short distance away.
7. Aregua
Situated a short drive from the vibrant downtown Asuncion, the picturesque lakeside town of Aregua has almost merged with the capital due to the continuous expansion of its suburbs, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Paraguay’s main city.
Travelers will discover a charming labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleys where remnants of colonial Spain continue to thrive.
This beauty unfolds along the shores of Ypacarai Lake, with sailboats and ferries bobbing across its azure waters towards San Bernardino.
The striking hexagonal geological formations of the Koi and Chorori hills loom at the city’s outskirts.
8. Itaugua
Renowned for its unique tribal art and traditional Paraguayan folk music, the small town of Itaugua serves as a delightful stop where visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural essence of South America.
The inner streets are lined with swaying eucalyptus trees, and numerous workshops offer opportunities to purchase nanduti—a beautiful and detailed form of Paraguayan embroidery that originated in this region.
Additionally, the nearby Cerrito hill provides viewpoints on the town’s edge, and colonial architecture offers a glimpse into Itaugua’s rich Spanish-influenced history.
9. Filadelfia
Located on the outskirts of the Gran Chaco, Filadelfia transitions from the forested and undulating hills of the Region Oriental to the expansive boreal plains that comprise the core of South America.
This remote town, known as the ‘Capital of the Chaco,’ presents a stark contrast to the smaller southern cities of Aregua and Itaugua.
Moreover, Filadelfia is home to a German-speaking community from the Fernheim Colony, a Mennonite settlement that migrated from Stalinist Russia in the 1930s.
With its dairy farms and agricultural charm, this town offers a unique experience positioned in the heart of the nation.
10. San Estanislao
Named after a Polish saint and established by Spanish Jesuits to convert the native Guarani in the San Pedro region, San Estanislao embodies the country’s diverse cultural history through generations of immigrants from Italy, Germany, and Eastern Europe.
In the 1800s, the town thrived on tobacco production; today, soybean and legume farming dominate the surrounding fields.
Travelers can experience quaint tree-lined plazas and immerse themselves in the community’s vibrant atmosphere, particularly during the evening hours when students gather to socialize over drinks.
11. Concepcion
Sitting at the fringe of the Gran Chaco and benefiting from excellent river access to southern cities, Concepcion experienced economic prosperity before falling into turmoil during the Paraguayan War.
Today, its main streets and cobblestone alleys reveal the characteristics of a once-thriving colonial settlement influenced by its agricultural endeavors.
Visitors can enjoy hop-on, hop-off river cruise experiences, admire the elegant facades of painted Spanish-style churches, and appreciate the warm tropical atmosphere as they explore.
12. La Santisima Trinidad de Parana
Paraguay’s historical highlight is located just north of the lively southern hub of Encarnacion, rising from the hills close to the Parana River.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (the nation’s most visited), this location is an exemplary specimen of a South American Jesuit Reduction.
These reductions once spread across Latin America, serving to convert indigenous populations to Christianity through non-intrusive means.
Currently, the site features decaying churches and clergy residences, many adorned with European artworks, showcasing a blend of indigenous and Italianate architectural influences.
This destination is absolutely essential for visitors!
13. San Cosme y Damian
Situated amidst vast oxbow lakes and flooded plains that bloom along the Parana River’s border with Argentina, the village of San Cosme y Damian presents a breathtaking landscape.
This area features shimmering sands, dotted with palm trees, which flow seamlessly into the river’s crystalline waters.
Nearby, visitors can explore an intriguing old Jesuit mission while boating and hiking excursions provide an excellent way to witness the stunning scenery and dynamic dunes.
14. San Bernardino
Separated from the hustle of the capital by the sweeping expanse of Lake Ypacarai, San Bernardino has established itself as a favored retreat for affluent residents from Asuncion.
Ferries transport visitors multiple times a day from the outskirts of Aregua to the waterfront promenades of Bernardino, surrounded by swaying palms and artificial sandy stretches.
The town boasts numerous bars and nightclubs, becoming a vibrant hub where party seekers gather with drinks in hand during the peak summer season (typically from December to March).
15. Villarrica
Located in the shadow of the rugged Ybyturuzu highland ridges, Villarrica is steeped in history, adorned with monuments dedicated to national heroes and home to some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions and traditions.
Noteworthy is the Maestro Fermin Lopez Museum in the town center, which houses collections of historical munitions and artifacts from the Chaco War alongside ancient indigenous weaponry.
The vibrant Easter festivities unfold in the squares, creating a lively atmosphere amid the stunning Spanish-style towers of the Franciscan church, which stands as a magnificent remnant of the colonial era.
