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Paraguay

Little-visited, little-known Paraguay is a country much misunderstood. Despite its location at the heart of the continent, it is all too often passed over by travelers who wrongly assume that a lack of mega-attractions means there's nothing to see. However, it's ideal for those keen to get off the gringo trail for a truly authentic South American experience.

Paraguay is a country of remarkable contrasts: it's rustic and sophisticated; it boasts spectacular natural reserves and massive human-made dams; it is a place where horses and carts pull up alongside Mercedes Benz vehicles, artisans' workshops abut glitzy shopping centers, and Jesuit ruins in rural villages lie just a few miles from former Spanish colonial towns. The steamy subtropical Atlantic Forest of the east is a stark contrast to the dry, spiny wilderness of the Chaco, the location of the isolated Mennonite colonies.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Paraguay.

  • See

    Yaguarón Church

    This 18th-century Franciscan church is a landmark of colonial architecture that is not to be missed. The simple design of the exterior, with its separate wooden bell tower, belies the extraordinary beauty of the painted and carved interior, a masterpiece of religious art and one of the most ornate churches in South America. You will need to tip the caretaker if you want the lights turned on.

  • See

    Panteón de los Héroes

    Asunción's most instantly recognizable building, the imposing Panteón de los Héroes protects the remains of Mariscal Francisco Solano López and other key figures from Paraguay's historical conflicts. There is a regular changing of the guard with all the usual pomp and ceremony.

  • See

    Casa de la Independencia

    The Casa de la Independencia dates from 1772 and is where Paraguay became the first country on the continent to declare its independence in 1811. Rooms are decked out in period furniture and displays contain items belonging to significant figures in the bloodless revolution.

  • See

    Museo del Barro

    Everyone's favorite, Museo del Barro displays everything from modern paintings to pre-Columbian and indigenous crafts, to political caricatures of prominent Paraguayans.

  • See

    Jardín Botánico

    From the center, Av Artigas runs approximately 6km to the Jardín Botánico. The former estate of the ruling López dynasty, it now houses the city zoo, a small nature reserve and a couple of historical buildings : Carlos Antonio López humble colonial house and his son Francisco Solano López former mansion. Take bus 24 or 35 from Cerro Corá.

  • See

    Palacio López

    The grand pink Palacio López is the seat of government. During the early years of independence you could be shot for merely looking at the exterior! These days, despite being the seat of government, you will find security rather more laid back, although it's still closed to the public. The best photo opportunities are from the river side.

  • See

    Cabildo

    North of the Plaza de los Héroes near the waterfront is the pink cabildo (colonial town council), which was once the center of government. This influential cultural center is a meeting place for bohemian thinkers, hosting regular cultural events and exhibitions by local artists, historians and academics.

  • See

    Basilica de Caacupé

    Paraguay's answer to the Vatican City, the enormous Basilica de Caacupé looks quite out of place in this otherwise quiet provincial town. Though modern, it is still impressive, and the mural-lined stairs leading up to the bell tower are quite exquisite.

  • See

    Museo del Doctor Francia

    In a little colonial house with a pleasant garden, the Museo del Doctor Francia is the house where Paraguay's first president/dictator spent much of his childhood. It is interesting for its period portraits and statues.

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