Travel to Paraguay
If you travel to Paraguay you can see spectacular sights, experience a rich culture, learn more about the interesting history and see exotic wildlife.
Our destination guide aims to give you all the information you need to have an amazing experience in this amazing country. Find affordable travel and backpacking ideas with advice for amazing things to do and how you can be more than just your average traveller. You can also get recommendations for budget travel tips, where to stay and advice how to stay safe.
Get inspired to visit Paraguay today!
- Capital: Asunción (population 85,000 approx)
- Currency: Guarani (PYG)
- Population: 6,349,000 (2009 est.)
- Language: Spanish + Guarani
- International Dailing Code +595
- Country Area: 406,750 km2
Top Reasons to Visit Paraguay
- Authentic experience
- Less visitor numbers compared to other countries in the region
- Beautiful countryside
- Get off the beaten track
- Great value for money
- Friendly people
Visa & Entry Requirements
To enter Paraguay you will need to obtain a visa in advance, have a valid passport with at least 6 months to run and sometimes you might be required to show a return ticket or proof of funds. You can enter Paraguay by air and border crossing with neighbouring countries.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Paraguay is an all year round destination and there is no specific best time to book a trip. Spring and summer are highly recommended as the climate makes sightseeing more enjoyable.
- Summer: October to April
- Winter: May to September
Best Places to Visit in Paraguay
There are so many highlights of the country, here are some places you should add to your Paraguay travel itinerary:
- Concepcion
- Encarnacion
- Ciudad del Este
- Asuncion
- Get up close to wildlife at the Chaco National Park
- Explore the Parque Nacional Ybycuí rainforest
- Lake Ypacaraí
- Monday Waterfall
- Ñacunday Falls
- Vallemí Caverns, San Lazaro
- Eye of the Sea (Ojo de Mar)
- Dunes of St Cosmos and Damian
- Tree Tunnel, Santa Rita
- Lake Ypoá
- Kururu Kua
Gap Year in Paraguay
Paraguay is an off the beaten track location but is somewhere you should visit if you fancy a gap year away from the crowds.
Paraguay Travel Tips
Flights
Book flights in advance to get the best deals.
Accommodation
You will struggel to find backpacker style hostels in Paraguay but there are lots of cheap hotels and guest houses located around the country. In cities you can find a range of accommodation from budget to expensive and everything in-between. In the larger locations you can book accommodation in advance but as there aren't many tourists here you can just be able to turn up and get a room on arrival. You will find prices cheaper outside of Asuncion.
Transport
There is a reliable and extensive public/private bus service connecting the whole country. This isn't luxurious but is comfortable enough to get around. In cities like Asuncion you can get around using car/motorbike taxis.
Health & Safety
Although Paraguay is the second poorest country in South America you will find people very friendly and you shouldn't encounter any serious problems int terms of safety. Paraguay is generally a very safe for tourists, there is some crime in the country but this is rarely directed towards visitors. Always get advice from locals as there are some areas to avoid and tips to help you stay safe in the cities for example taking care of your belongings. Drivers in this country can be a little rash so take extra caution when crossing streets. International food and drink is available in most places, local food is very tasty and usually consists of rice, vegtables and meat.