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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.

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Top attractions

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

  • Church

    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…

  • Christian Site

    Trinidad

    A visually striking red-sandstone structure with an ornate style incorporating Roman arches, and strongly featuring the passion-flower motif, signature of…

  • Museum

    Museo Jesuítica de Santa Fe

    A must-see for those interested in Jesuit history, housing fine examples of religious carving. The indigenous carvers were taught their trade by a Jesuit…

  • Historic Building

    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…

  • Museum

    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…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Chaco Lodge

    Chaco Lodge is a forest reserve around a large salt lake famous for its flamingos. It is one of the last in the area to dry out, and is accessible only…

  • Museum

    Museo del Barro

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

  • Monument

    Sambadromo Carnaval

    The Sambadromo (Carnival parade ground) is along Av Costanera, which is Encarnación's main strip for nightlife. Outside of Carnival season it is used for…

  • Monument

    Monumento Bertoni

    A family of Swiss immigrants led by father Moisés, the Bertonis had the idea of breeding a community of scientists deep in the Paraguayan jungle at the…

  • Waterfall

    Salto del Monday

    This impressive 80m-high waterfall, located 10km south of Ciudad del Este, suffers from its close proximity to Iguazú Falls on the other side of the…

  • Christian Site

    San Cosme y Damián

    The only Jesuit church that still functions for services, San Cosme y Damián is more impressive for its wooden statues than for the church itself, which…

  • Gardens

    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…

  • Christian Site

    Jesús de Tavarangüe

    The name Jesús de Tavarangüe means 'Jesus the town that was never finished,' as the Jesuits were expelled before it could be completed. The Spanish…

  • Palace

    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…

  • Historic Building

    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…

  • Church

    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,…

  • Museum

    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…

  • Museum

    Conmebol

    The headquarters of Conmebol, the South American football confederation, is in Luque, on the road to the airport. It houses an impressive museum depicting…

  • Museum

    Museo del Cuartel de la Villa Real

    The museum in the beautifully restored barracks exhibits historical and war paraphernalia. The attack on Mato Grosso, Brazil, was launched from here…

  • Historic Building

    Cabildo Histórico

    The old seat of local government is a two-tiered wood-and-adobe building on the leafy plaza.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Paraguay.

  • Activities

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