Paraguay is a colorful country in South America where colonial history, breathtaking natural wonders and authentic culture welcome tourists.
The country is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. The former Spanish colony gained its independence in 1811. Like Bolivia, it is one of the two countries on the continent without an ocean coastline.
Alongside its natural assets, Paraguay is made special by its rich colonial heritage, the living traditions of Guaraní culture, and the ruins of Jesuit missions. The country’s subtropical climate provides pleasant weather, creating ideal conditions for exploration.
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Best places in Paraguay
Asunción
Paraguay’s capital and largest city lies on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River. It earned the name „La Madre de Ciudades” (The Mother of Cities), as Spanish expansion into the eastern part of South America began from here.
The city’s historic center boasts beautiful colonial architecture. The Palacio de los López, the presidential palace, stands impressively on the riverbank and is one of the city’s symbols. The Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, built in the style of the French Invalides, honors Paraguay’s heroes.
La Costanera promenade along Asunción Bay is a popular gathering place where locals rest and exercise. Mercado 4, a traditional market, offers a lively atmosphere where you can purchase local products, handcrafted items, and characteristic Paraguayan sweets. The city’s museums, including Casa de la Independencia, provide insight into Paraguay’s struggle for independence.
San Bernardino
This resort town on the shore of Ypacaraí Lake is located just 50 kilometers from Asunción and is a favorite weekend destination for Paraguayans.
The city was founded in 1881 by German immigrants and retains its European charm to this day. Locals refer to it as „Sanber” and it is particularly popular during the summer months between December and February. Along the lakeshore, modern resort homes and restaurants offer fresh fish dishes and panoramic views.
Ypacaraí Lake is a paradise for water sports: visitors can sail, jet ski, or boat in the crystal-clear waters. Around the city, numerous hiking trails wind through nearby hills.
Itaipú Dam
One of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants is located on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, on the Paraná River. Due to its enormous size and technological marvel, it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The dam is 196 meters high and 7,919 meters wide, constructed between 1975 and 1991. The facility is not only an engineering masterpiece but also a spectacular sight: the massive volume of water cascading from the open locks provides an impressive view. The energy produced by the dam covers a significant portion of Paraguay’s and Brazil’s electricity needs.
At the visitor center, free guided tours explain the dam’s operation and history. At night, LED lights illuminate the structure, creating a special atmosphere. The Itaipú Biological Reserve, created alongside the dam, protects the region’s unique flora and fauna across more than 100,000 hectares.
Ciudad del Este
Paraguay’s second-largest city is located near the tri-border area of Brazil and Argentina, just a few kilometers from the Itaipú Dam.
The city is a commercial hub where visitors can find products from all over the world in numerous shopping plazas and markets. The Friendship Bridge connects the city with the Brazilian Foz do Iguaçu, making it a busy border crossing.
The city features the impressive San Blas Cathedral with its modern architectural style. The Monday Municipal Park offers a natural oasis in the urban bustle, where you can walk and picnic. Near Ciudad del Este is also the Acaray Dam, which is worth visiting and is located in beautiful surroundings. The city is an excellent starting point for visiting the nearby Iguazú Falls.
Encarnación
This city on the Paraguay River, situated opposite Argentina, is also called „Paraguay’s Pearl” and „South America’s Festival City”.
Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1615, it is today one of Paraguay’s most modern cities. Along the Costanera waterfront, modern beaches, restaurants, and playgrounds await visitors. The San José Plaza has been beautifully renovated, featuring a well at its center and several outdoor art installations.
Encarnación is famous for its February carnival, one of South America’s largest carnival celebrations. The colorful parades, dancers, and costumed participants create a festive atmosphere lasting for weeks. Near the city are the ruins of the Trinidad and Jesús Jesuit missions, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city beaches are well-equipped.
Chaco National Park
Paraguay’s largest national park is located in the heart of the Gran Chaco region, spanning more than 780,000 hectares and is one of the continent’s largest protected areas.
The park is an uninhabited, dry landscape covered by dense scrubland, forming a unique ecosystem. It is home to pumas, jaguars, tapirs, and over 500 bird species. The dry forests and salt plains feature special vegetation adapted to extreme climate conditions.
Hiking in the park requires experienced guides, as the terrain is remote and difficult to navigate. The best visiting season is the winter months (June-August), when temperatures are more manageable. Visiting the park represents a true adventure for those seeking wilderness and pristine nature. Tours to the park are organized from the nearby town of Filadelfia.
Trinidad del Paraná
The best-preserved Jesuit mission ruins in Paraguay, built in 1706, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The mission was established by the Jesuit order to evangelize the Guaraní indigenous community. The temple built from red sandstone, the ruins of residential buildings, and the central plaza provide an impressive picture of colonial architecture. Original frescoes and stone carvings can still be seen on the temple walls.
An archaeological museum on the site displays objects from mission life, sculptures, and documents from the Jesuit period. The ruin area has been carefully restored, and information signs help visitors understand the history. In the evening, when the building is illuminated, it creates a particularly magical atmosphere. The nearby ruins of Jesús de Tavarangue are also worth a visit and can be seen together as part of a day excursion.
Saltos del Monday Waterfall
Near Ciudad del Este is this 45-meter-high waterfall along the Monday River.
The waterfall divides into three main sections, and the surrounding national park is surrounded by lush subtropical forest. From the viewpoints, breathtaking panoramas open up to the cascading water, and the rainbows created by the mist offer a magical sight on sunny days.
Well-maintained trails and footbridges in the park allow visitors to admire the waterfall from different angles. The area is rich in bird life, with over 200 species observable, including colorful parrots and toucans. In the forest surrounding the waterfall, easy hiking trails are found, suitable for family outings. The park has a visitor center, gift shop, and rest areas.
Ybycuí National Park
One of Paraguay’s first national parks, opened in 1973, spans approximately 5,000 hectares in Paraguarí Province.
Its central attraction is the La Rosada waterfall, which plunges 40 meters from a cliff face into a crystal-clear pool. The surrounding Atlantic forest boasts rich biodiversity: monkeys, wild boars, over 200 bird species, and countless butterfly species live here. The park’s forests are ideal for hiking, with several trails of varying difficulty.
The park also contains the historical ruins of the La Rosada iron foundry, which operated in the 19th century and was among Paraguay’s first industrial facilities. Walking through the ruins offers insight into the country’s industrial past. The park features well-equipped camping facilities, making it possible for multi-day stays. You can swim in the streams, and the clear water provides refreshment after hiking.
Filadelfia
The central city of the Gran Chaco region, founded by Mennonite settlers in the 1930s, is today one of Paraguay’s most prosperous communities.
The city is a unique attraction on Paraguay’s map: Mennonite culture is strongly present in the architecture, language (many speak German), and lifestyle. Along the main street, cooperative shops, banks, and modern buildings line the street, contrasting with the dry Chaco landscape surrounding it.
The Jakob Unger Museum showcases the history of Mennonite settlers, from their arrival in the Chaco to the community’s flourishing. The museum displays original household items, photographs, and documents. Around Filadelfia are numerous tourist ranches where visitors can learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Chaco region. In the city market, you can purchase local products, handicrafts, and characteristic Mennonite cheeses.
Areguá
This art town on the shores of Ypacaraí Lake is located approximately 30 kilometers from Asunción and is considered Paraguay’s cultural treasure.
The city boasts beautiful colonial architecture with streets lined by art galleries, handicraft shops, and ceramic workshops. Areguá is famous for its pottery: local craftsmen create unique ceramics, pottery, and decorative items, which can be purchased in numerous shops in the settlement and at the weekend market.
From the Cerro Kói hill, breathtaking views open up over Ypacaraí Lake and the surrounding mountains. At the hill’s summit is a small chapel, a popular pilgrimage site. Walking through the city’s charming streets, you can admire the colorful, well-preserved colonial houses and cobblestone streets. In the waterfront restaurants, you can taste fresh fish dishes and traditional Paraguayan cuisine.
Ybytyruzú Mountain Range
One of Paraguay’s highest and most beautiful mountain ranges is located in Cordillera Province. Its highest point, Cerro Tres Kandú, rises 842 meters above sea level.
The name of the mountain range in Guaraní language means „mountains leading to rivers,” referring to the numerous streams and rivers originating here. The area is covered by dense Atlantic forest, which is one of Paraguay’s richest wildlife regions. Jaguars, tapirs, various monkey species, and over 300 bird species live here.
Several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels can be found in the mountains. The most popular route leads to the summit of Cerro Tres Kandú, from where an incredible panorama unfolds on clear days over the surrounding landscape. The mountain range also features the Salto Suizo waterfall, a hidden gem that plunges about 40 meters into a natural pool. The area is still relatively unknown to tourists, thus offering a quiet, pristine nature experience.
Villarrica
One of the country’s oldest cities, founded in 1570, is now the seat of Guairá Province in the southern region.
The city has a rich colonial history, evident in the architecture surrounding the central Plaza de los Héroes. The 19th-century Ybaroty Temple, which is the city’s symbol, was built by German craftsmen. From the temple’s tower, beautiful views open over the city and surrounding hills.
Villarrica is a cultural center: it houses a university, numerous museums, and is renowned for its educational institutions. The Museo Maestro Fermín López showcases the region’s history and Guaraní culture. Around the city are sugarcane and mate plantations that can be visited. The nearby Ybycuí National Park is easily accessible from here, making Villarrica an excellent starting point for nature lovers.
Cerro Acahay Volcano
This extinct volcano is located in Paraguarí Province, approximately 75 kilometers from Asunción, and rises 300 meters above the surrounding plain.
The volcano’s characteristic cone shape is recognizable from afar and is one of Paraguay’s most photographed natural sights. According to local Guaraní legend, spirits live in the mountain. The dark color of volcanic rock contrasts with the surrounding green fields and forests.
The hike to the summit takes approximately 2-3 hours and is considered moderately difficult. The trail leads up the volcano’s side, and along the way, you can see special volcanic rock formations. From the summit, a 360-degree panorama opens over the surrounding landscape: on clear days, distant mountains, Ypacaraí Lake, and even Asunción’s skyscrapers are visible. Around the volcano are several small caves, which locals consider sacred places. The best time to climb the volcano is the winter months, when temperatures are pleasant and visibility is clearer.