Paraguay Travel Guide

Paraguay, along with Bolivia, is one of the only landlocked countries in Latin America. Rich in natural resources, it is home to the world’s second-largest aquifer, the Guarani Aquifer.

Paraguay shares the second-largest dam in terms of hydroelectric production with Brazil and is the world’s fifth-largest soybean exporter, as well as a renowned meat producer. Despite these assets, it remains one of the poorest countries on the continent.

The country lacks must-see attractions comparable to the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia or Machu Picchu in Peru. Consequently, it is often overlooked even on long backpacking trips, and tourism is generally underdeveloped, making access to potentially attractive areas difficult. However, Paraguay retains its authenticity, and if you find yourself in the region with time to spare, it is definitely worth a visit.

Quick menu

• When to visit Paraguay
• Documents and vaccinations to enter Paraguay
• What to do and see in Paraguay
• Suggested itineraries in Paraguay
• How to get around Paraguay
• Backpacking Paraguay: costs
• Backpacking Paraguay: safety

Santísima Trinidad de Paraná.

When to visit Paraguay

The climate in Paraguay is continental, characterized by hot and humid conditions year-round. During the summer months, from January to March, temperatures can reach and exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Winter, which lasts from July to September, is mild with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is concentrated between October and April, coinciding with the hottest months. Therefore, the best time to visit Paraguay is between May and September.

Documents and vaccinations to enter Paraguay

Most passport holders receive a free 90-day tourist visa from the time they enter the country. The visa is renewable for another 90 days. It is impossible to stay more than 180 days during any 12-month period.

This is the official immigration website.

Paraguay does not require any mandatory vaccinations but yellow fever, Hepatitis A and B are recommended.

What to do and see in Paraguay

Most travelers focus on the south of the country as it is easily accessible from Argentina and Brazil, making a small detour after visiting the famous Iguazu Falls using Ciudad del Este as an access point, so I will follow this order.

In this guide, prices are expressed in the local currency called “Guaraní Paraguayan” often abbreviated as “PYG.” The exchange rate at the time of publication of this article is 1€ = 8000 PYG. For the current exchange rate, I suggest you look at this page.

Ciudad del Este

It is the city that sits on the triple border with Argentina and Brazil, connected by land with Foz do Iguaçu via a bridge known as the International Friendship Bridge it is basically a large commercial center for Argentines and Brazilians, the entire city is in fact a “tax free” area filled with shopping malls.

N.B. If you decide to visit only Ciudad del Este coming from Foz do Iguaçu, or vice versa, there is no need to go through immigration as there is an agreement between the two countries for the area around the bridge up to about 30 km where you can move freely.

What to do and see in Ciudad del Este

As mentioned above, shopping is a major activity for many in Paraguay. However, for Europeans, it might not be as convenient since online prices for electronics are equally competitive. Nevertheless, there are some excellent alternatives around the city.

Itaipu Dam

As previously mentioned, this dam is the second largest in the world in terms of hydroelectric production. Located halfway between Paraguay and Brazil (Google Maps), it can be visited from both sides. However, I recommend the Paraguayan side as the tour is free. Yes, you read that right—the tour is offered by the government and is completely free. It includes an introductory video about the project, followed by a bus tour of the dam with two stops where you can take pictures.

While it may not feature ancient ruins or breathtaking scenery, the dam is certainly impressive and worth a visit, especially given the free tour. Tours run every hour from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

All buses going to Hernandaria can drop you off at the intersection leading to the dam visitor center (Google Maps). You can get on the bus at the terminal (Google Maps) or just wait along Avenida Mariscal Lopez. Alternatively, you can take a taxi. On the way back, simply wait across the street and catch any bus heading to Ciudad del Este.

Itaipu Dam.

Saltos del Monday 

This impressive waterfall (Google Maps) is about 45 meters high and 120 meters wide, but it often takes a back seat due to its proximity to Iguazu Falls. Located only 10 km from the center of Ciudad del Este, it offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and the crowds visiting the nearby Iguazu Falls. The mini park surrounding the waterfall features a zip-line, a restaurant, and some trails. Entrance for foreigners costs 12$.

City buses can drop you off about 1 km from the waterfall. They depart from the intersection of Capitan Miranda and Avenida San Blas (Google Maps). Alternatively, you can take a taxi.

Where to sleep in Ciudad del Este?

Teko Arte Hostel, excellent hostel to spend a night or two with a pool for hot Paraguayan days.

How to reach Ciudad del Este?

Buses depart frequently from the Ciudad del Este terminal (Google Maps) to Asunción (5 hours) and Encarnación (4 hours). Local buses shuttling to and from Foz do Iguaçu are really frequent.

Saltos del Monday.

Trinidad

In this small town about 30 km from Encarnación, you’ll find the only UNESCO site in the entire country: the ruins of former Jesuit missions. Around 30 of these missions were built throughout the area, but the most impressive and well-preserved are in the town of Trinidad (Google Maps).

The ticket, valid for three days, costs PYG 25,000 and includes entry to the nearby Jesús de Tavarangue site and two less impressive sites near Encarnación. From Thursday to Sunday at 21:00 p.m., you can participate in a guided reenactment tour, featuring lights illuminating the ruins and background music—an impressive and highly recommended experience. The best part? In the afternoon, the ruins are almost empty, and in the evening, there are typically no more than 20 people.

To reach the nearby ruins of Jesús de Tavarangue (Google Maps), taxis and colectivos are usually waiting outside the office where you purchase your ticket. I shared a taxi with three other people, but there should also be a shuttle between the two sites. I suggest asking at the office for more information.

Santísima Trinidad de Paraná.

How to reach Trinidad?

Trinidad is located along the road from Ciudad del Este to Encarnación so buses are really frequent during the day. It is about 4 hours from Ciudad del Este and 45 minutes from Encarnación.

N.B. If you decide to join the 21:00 p.m. tour, there are no buses back to Encarnación and you must then spend the night in Trinidad.

Where to sleep in Trinidad?

I spent the night at the Posada Don Paraguay, clean and cheap but there are other similar accommodations in the village. The only hotel is just outside the ruins and is called Hotel a Las Ruinas.

Encarnación

Encarnación is situated along the banks of the Paraná River, directly across from Posadas, Argentina. The town is compact and easily navigable on foot, with a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

Here’s what to do and see in Encarnación

Encarnación is primarily used as a base for visiting the nearby Jesuit ruins, but I recommend walking around Plaza de Armas (Google Maps) and its surroundings if you have some spare time. Another enjoyable activity is strolling along Avenida Costanera in the evening, where you can witness the sunset behind the buildings of Posadas or just head to Playa San José (Google Maps).

If you happen to be in Encarnación during carnival season, you’re in for a treat as one of the continent’s best carnivals, El Carnaval Encarnaceno, takes place here.

Avenida Costanera.

Where to sleep in Encarnación?

La Casa de Pedro Hostel is a good and clean hostel with a nice back garden where you can also camp. The location within walking distance of the bus station and downtown is great.

How to reach Encarnación?

From Ciudad del Este via Trinidad is about 6 hours, frequent buses during the day and to Asuncion, about 7 hours. To Posada in Argentina there are buses marked “Internacional” that leave about every half hour. Bus terminal is located here.

Asuncion

Asunción is Paraguay’s capital and largest city. Situated along the banks of the Paraguay River and founded in 1537, it is one of the oldest cities in South America. For this reason, it is often referred to as the “Mother of Cities.”

What to do and see in Asunción

Asunción may not be a spectacular city; in fact, it can appear somewhat decayed. However, there are still a few noteworthy places to visit. These include the Panteón de los Héroes (Google Maps), a monument commemorating those who died in the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance, in which about 70 percent of the male population at the time lost their lives; the presidential palace (Google Maps) and the Cementerio de la Recoleta (Google Maps).

Other popular destinations near Asunción include San Bernardino, a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí, about 45 minutes away. Here, you can still see some buildings from its founding by German immigrants. Another charming town on the opposite side of the lake is Areguá.

Presidential Palace.

Where to sleep in Asunción?

El Nomada Hostel was awarded as the best hostel in Paraguay. Ok the competition is not high but the hostel is really nice.

How to reach Asunción?

Frequent buses from Encarnación and Ciudad del Este, about 7 hours. From Concepción it is about 6 hours. Philadelphia 9 hours. There are also international departures to Santa Cruz in Bolivia (24 hours, long and winding journey), Buenos Aires (17 hours), São Paulo (21 hours), Montevideo (26 hours) and others.

To reach the center from the bus station take bus 38 (2300 PYG) just outside the station (Google Maps) along Avenida Fernando de la Mora. By taxi it is about 35000 PYG.

Concepcion, Philadelphia and Independencia, some truly off the beaten path destinations

I personally have not gone that far, but I want to say a few words about these destinations visited by some friends. 

Philadelphia serves as the gateway for anyone wishing to explore the region known as Gran Chaco, also called the last South American frontier. This vast, semi-deserted area is shared with Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, though most of it is located in Paraguay. While a few natural parks exist, visiting them requires either a tour or a private vehicle. From Philadelphia, you can continue your journey to Bolivia.

Concepción is not a tourist town either, but from here you can reach Brazil and continue to the Pantanal by first traveling to the border town of Pedro Juan Caballero, a 4-5 hour bus ride. In this area, you can hike to Cerro Memby and Cerro Corá, both conveniently located along the main road connecting Concepción to Pedro Juan Caballero, making them easily accessible.

In Villarrica del Espíritu Santo, you can visit a beautiful waterfall called “Campamento Salto Suizo,” Cerro Tres Kandú—the highest peak in the entire country at only 842 meters—and the Sierra del Ybytyruzu. Here, you will find instructions on how to reach these places starting from Villarrica.

All of these destinations are off the beaten path and require an adventurous spirit, but if you have the time, they are certainly worth visiting.

Cerro Memby.

Ciudad del Este (1 night)

Day 1:

Morning transfer from Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu. Afternoon at Saltos del Monday.

Trinidad (1 night)

Day 2: 

Visit to Itaipu Dam in the morning.Transfer to Trinidad in the afternoon. Depending on the time you arrive you may decide to visit the ruins of Trinidad and those of Jesús de Tavarangue the same day or the following morning. In either case join the night tour. 

Encarnación (1 night)

Day 3:

Short transfer from Trinidad. Explore the small town. Watch the sunset along Avenida Costanera.

Asunción (2 nights)

Day 4:

Transfer to Asunción in the morning. Explore downtown in the afternoon.

Day 5: 

Cementerio de la Recoleta and a few museums or day trip to San Bernardino or Aregua. Night bus to any destination you are interested in.

One- or two-week itinerary in Paraguay

If you have more time available, once you arrive in Asunción following the itinerary just described, you could continue toward Conception to hike Cerro Memby and Cerro Cora and then descend toward Villarrica where you can visit the waterfall “Salto Suizo” (Google Maps) , Cerro Tres Kandú (highest peak in the entire country at only 842 meters) and Sierra del Ybytyruzu. From here return to Ciudad del Este. It can all be done in 10 to 15 days.

How to get around Paraguay

Buses in Paraguay

Buses are by far the most common way to get around. During the day, connections are really frequent. Buses are often not of very good quality except for long-distance or international buses. Encarnacena and NSA are probably the two companies that offer the best service, some of their buses have wifi on board. Many companies don’t even have websites and I strongly recommend heading directly to the bus terminal where, especially in large cities, the price for various routes is often negotiable.

Bus in Asuncion.

Taxis in Paraguay

Taxis are quite expensive compared to the cost of living in Paraguay. They use the taximeter only in Asunción, so in any other case, agree on the price before boarding and remember to bargain, as tourists are often quoted a high price. It might be helpful to ask your hostel or hotel about the correct price for a particular route.

Domestic flights in Paraguay

Domestic flights in Paraguay are virtually nonexistent.

Hitchhiking in Paraguay

Hitchhiking is common and safe in rural areas. 

Backpacking Paraguay: costs

How much does a trip to Paraguay cost?

Paraguay is quite cheap, for most backpackers a budget of about 30€ per day should be more than enough.

Cost of Transport in Paraguay

Buses are much cheaper than in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay but not as much as in Peru and Bolivia. Long-distance buses cost about 1-2 € per hour. City buses in Asunción, for example, cost only 2300 PYG (30-40 cents).

Cost of food in Paraguay

The food is really cheap. In a typical comedor you can eat for about 15,000 to 25,000 PYG. 

Cost of accommodation in Paraguay

The few hostels there are in the various cities are cheap but I am sure they could be cheaper if it were not for the little competition. Expect to pay an average of 50,000 to 70,000 PYG for a dormitory bed. Breakfast is almost always included. If you are looking for cheaper accommodations local hotels (hospedajes) often offer excellent value for money with private rooms cheaper than a dorm bed in some cases.

Backpacking Paraguay: safety

Is Paraguay dangerous? Generally speaking, no. However, Ciudad del Este does not have a good reputation due to its status as a hub for illegal activities, primarily smuggling. Despite this, it should not significantly impact your safety. Asunción, like any large city, can pose certain dangers in certain areas, especially after dark. Use common sense and follow my advice on traveling safely.

The real concerns in Paraguay may be the intense heat, non-potable tap water, and mosquitoes. Dengue fever is prevalent in Paraguay, so take precautions against mosquito bites.

Are you planning a trip to Paraguay? Check out these posts:

The best cards for traveling

What to bring on your trip

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