Paraguay
Country

Paraguay

South America's hidden landlocked heart

Paraguay doesn't make many bucket lists. And honestly? That's exactly why you should go. While crowds swarm Machu Picchu and Rio's beaches, this landlocked country quietly serves up colonial architecture, fascinating Guaraní culture, and some of the cheapest travel in South America. You'll find Jesuit ruins that rival anything in Argentina, a capital city where Spanish and Guaraní mix on every street corner, and locals who are genuinely surprised (and delighted) to meet foreign visitors. The infrastructure isn't perfect, the tourist trail is thin, but that's the point. Paraguay rewards the curious with authentic experiences you simply can't find elsewhere on the continent.

Explore Cities

Asunción

Asunción

Asunción's historic center puts you within walking distance of the Palacio de los López and Plaza de Armas, though some streets get sketchy after dark. The Villa Morra neighborhood offers better restaurants and safer evening strolls, with mid-range hotels around $40-60 per night. Budget travelers should check out the hostels near the Mercado 4 area – just keep your valuables secure. Outside the capital, Encarnación makes a solid base for exploring the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús. The town transforms during Carnival season(February-March) but stays pleasantly quiet the rest of the year. Ciudad del Este near the Brazilian border has cheaper accommodations, but it's mainly a shopping destination unless you're planning to visit Iguazu Falls from the Paraguayan side.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Bring US dollars – they're widely accepted and often get better exchange rates than using ATMs
  • 2.Street food and local markets offer meals for under $3, while restaurant meals rarely exceed $8-10
  • 3.Haggle at Mercado 4 in Asunción – it's expected and you can get electronics, clothes, and souvenirs for half the asking price
  • 4.Stay in family-run hostels or pensiones instead of international chains to support local businesses and save money
  • 5.Buy a local SIM card for about $5 – data is cheap and helps with navigation and translation apps

Travel Tips

  • •Learn basic Guaraní phrases – locals appreciate the effort and it's still widely spoken alongside Spanish
  • •Pack insect repellent, especially if visiting during rainy season or rural areas
  • •Keep copies of your passport – police checkpoints are common, especially near borders
  • •Download offline maps before traveling outside major cities where internet can be spotty
  • •Respect local customs around tereré sharing – don't touch the bombilla (metal straw) with your lips when passing it back

Frequently Asked Questions

Paraguay is generally safe for tourists, especially compared to other South American countries. Petty theft can occur in Asunción's city center and markets, so keep valuables secure. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Police checkpoints are common but routine – always carry passport copies.

Explore Paraguay

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