At a time when South America is drawing more and more English-speaking travelers every year, one country remains stubbornly off the radar: Paraguay. No Machu Picchu, no Paraguayan side of Iguazú Falls, no beaches, no mountains. So why even make a stop here?
Let’s be completely honest from the start: after spending some time there, you quickly understand why Paraguay rarely makes it into travel magazines. Traditional tourist activities are limited, the landscapes are flat, tourist infrastructure is almost non-existent, and we found ourselves more than once wondering how to fill our days. If you keep traveling for the adrenaline rush, high-altitude treks, or massive archaeological sites, Paraguay simply isn’t for you.
That said, does Paraguay deserve to be completely crossed off your map? Not quite. There are a few good reasons to visit, and this article is here to lay them out for you without any sugarcoating. It’s our honest answer to the question everyone asks us at De Sacs et d’Eau: “But what is there to do there?”. The short answer: not much. The long answer: read on and judge for yourself.
Asunción
Ciudad
del Este
What makes Paraguay unique
Let’s start with what truly sets Paraguay apart from the rest of the continent, before we talk about what is missing.
Paraguay is the only country in South America where an indigenous language, Guarani, is an official language alongside Spanish and is actually spoken by almost the entire population. This isn’t just some folkloric detail: street signs, chats at local markets, jokes between friends—everything happens in Guarani. For a traveler, it’s a fascinating linguistic authenticity and a remarkable cultural experience.
In terms of cost, Paraguay is incredibly budget-friendly. It’s actually one of the cheapest countries on the continent along with Bolivia. A full meal in a local comedor costs 2 à 4 EUR, and a night in a family-run guesthouse is about 15 à 25 EUR for a double room. You can easily travel around Paraguay on 25 à 40 EUR per day as a couple, all-inclusive. If you are looking for destinations where your budget goes a long way, our guide to Baños in Ecuador is another great option, offering far more activities for the same price.
The warm welcome from the locals is often what travelers love most about the country. It’s absolutely true: people are warm and incredibly welcoming. You’ll be offered a tereré (an iced yerba mate infusion) on the bus, locals will walk you to your destination if you ask for directions, and you might even be offered a chipa just because you look a bit lost. It’s a wonderful atmosphere that easily makes up for the lack of typical tourist sights.
Now, for what’s missing. No mountains, no coastline, no volcanoes, and no easily accessible rainforests. Paraguay’s landscapes are mostly flat—think agricultural plains, endless soy fields, and the semi-arid Chaco that very few travelers visit (and which requires a 4×4 to reach). When you arrive from Peru, Colombia, or even Argentina, the contrast is quite sharp. There simply isn’t that “wow factor” in Paraguay
What to see in Paraguay
If you decide to travel through Paraguay, here is what you can actually do there. We are not going to invent activities that don’t exist, but we won’t ignore the interesting spots that are truly worth a look either.
Asuncion: One or Two Days is Plenty
The capital of Paraguay is often labeled a “stopover city.” After spending two days there, we can confirm: one day is plenty to see the sights. The historic center is compact, the museums can be counted on one hand, and the afternoons can drag once you’ve ticked off your list. The Museo de las Memorias (on the Stroessner dictatorship) is the only museum truly worth going out of your way for. The Museo del Barro (popular and indigenous art) is decent if you have some time to kill. The Costanera along the river makes for a pleasant stroll, but nothing more. Our complete 2-day guide to Asuncion details the perfect itinerary for anyone passing through.
Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions: The Country’s Best Selling Point
If Paraguay has one genuine highlight for travelers, it’s the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These 17th-century missions are among the best preserved on the continent, and you can explore them in absolute peace. The evening light and sound show at Trinidad is really well done. Honestly, it was the only thing in Paraguay that made us say “this was worth the trip.” The missions are easy to reach from Encarnación, the country’s third-largest city, sitting right on the banks of the Paraná River opposite Argentina.
Encarnación itself is a relaxed town. Its waterfront Costanera is nice for a stroll, and its carnival in February is the biggest in the country. Aside from that, there isn’t much else to do.
The Chaco: For Dedicated Adventurers Only
The Gran Chaco covers 60% of the country but is home to only 2% of the population. It’s a vast region of dry forests, savannas, and wetlands with some fascinating wildlife (jaguars, tapirs, armadillos). But let’s be honest: the Chaco is tough to get to, tourist infrastructure is virtually non-existent, and you’ll need a 4×4 and a guide to venture in. This isn’t the kind of trip you do on a whim. The Mennonite communities of the Central Chaco (Filadelfia, Loma Plata) offer an interesting cultural curiosity, with these descendants of German and Russian settlers living in orderly villages in the middle of the bush. But the visit is really just that: a point of curiosity, not a breathtaking experience.
The Paraguayan Pantanal
The Pantanal is mostly famous on the Brazilian side, and its Paraguayan portion, in the department of Alto Paraguay, is renowned for its raw, untouched nature. In reality, hardly any travelers actually go there: access is tough, infrastructure is virtually non-existent, and making the trip happen requires heavy logistics. We mention it because it exists and remains a rich part of the country, but we wouldn’t recommend it for a standard itinerary.
Paraguayan cuisine
If tourism in Paraguay had one foolproof selling point, it would probably be the food. Not because it is gourmet or cutting-edge, but because it is hearty, cheap, and steeped in tradition. You eat well in Paraguay, meaning the portions are huge and the prices are dirt cheap. It is no Peruvian haute cuisine or Argentine steakhouse experience, but it absolutely hits the spot.
Dishes you have to try: sopa paraguaya (which isn’t a soup at all, but a savory corn and cheese sponge cake sold everywhere), chipa (a little cassava and cheese bread you’ll find all over buses and markets), bori bori (a thick soup with cornmeal dumplings), and mbejú (a crispy cassava flatbread). None of these dishes will blow your mind, but they are a key part of the experience and cost next to nothing.
The tereré (cold-brewed yerba mate) is the ultimate social ritual here. People share it among friends, colleagues, and even strangers on the bus. Turning down an offered tereré is almost seen as an insult. It is easily the most authentic cultural experience you will have in Paraguay, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
Is Paraguay safe for travelers?
Paraguay isn’t a dangerous country in the way some parts of Mexico or Colombia can be. Incidents targeting tourists are rare, and the areas traveler’s tend to visit (Asuncion, Encarnación, the Jesuit missions) are generally safe.
Just take the same practical precautions you would anywhere in South America: don’t flash your valuables, avoid the outlying neighborhoods of Asuncion at night (especially the “bañados”, the flood-prone areas along the river), and keep your bags close on the bus. Ciudad del Este, on the Brazilian border, has a bit of a reputation because of the bustling, informal trade there, but you can pass through with absolutely no issues if you just keep your wits about you.
How to get to Paraguay and get around
Paraguay is well-suited for overland travel, which fits perfectly with the responsible travel approach we champion at De Sacs et d’Eau. The country is easily accessible by bus from its neighbors.
From Argentina: direct buses connect Buenos Aires to Asuncion (18-20h, about 30-45 EUR). It’s a long haul, but extra comfortable if you book a premium “bus-cama” sleeper. From Posadas, you can hop across the international bridge to Encarnación in just 30 minutes.
From Brazil: Ciudad del Este is linked to Foz do Iguaçu by the Friendship Bridge. If you are visiting the Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side, Paraguay is just across the way.
From Bolivia: the Trans-Chaco Highway connects Asuncion to the Bolivian border. The journey is an adventure in itself, cutting right through the Chaco, though road conditions can get pretty rough.
Once inside the country, the bus network is extensive and very budget-friendly, with Asuncion serving as the main hub. Long-distance buses are quite decent (featuring A/C and reclining seats) and ticket prices are next to nothing. Just don’t forget to download the right travel apps before heading out.
Best time to visit Paraguay
Paraguay has a subtropical climate. The best time to visit is during the southern hemisphere’s winter, from May to September. Temperatures hover between 15°C and 28°C, the humidity is manageable, and rainfall is rare. High summer (December to March) can be stiflingly hot, with temperatures often climbing past 40°C. The Encarnación carnival in February is well worth a summer detour if you don’t mind the heat, but otherwise, stick to the cooler months.
Budget: how much does a trip to Paraguay actually cost?
This is where the country truly shines. Paraguay is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in South America. Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a couple traveling backpacker-style.
Accommodation: 15 to 25 EUR/night for a double room in a local guesthouse. 8 to 12 EUR/night for a hostel dorm bed.
Meals: 2 to 4 EUR for a full almuerzo (soup + main dish + drink). 5 to 12 EUR for dinner. That adds up to about 15 to 25 EUR/day for 3 meals.
Transportation: local buses cost 0,48 EUR/ride. For long-distance buses, expect to pay around 8 EUR from Asuncion to Encarnación.
Activities: almost everything is free or very cheap. Entrance to the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad is about 3 EUR. The Museo del Barro is 2 EUR.
Daily budget per person: 25 to 40 EUR/day, all-inclusive. For a week, plan on spending around 175 to 280 EUR per person. It is significantly cheaper than Argentina, Chili, or Brazil. To help you pack, our travel gear checklist will make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Responsible travel in Paraguay
Tourism in Paraguay is still in its infancy, which means every guarani you spend locally makes a real difference. Here is how to travel in harmony with responsible values.
Stick to land travel. Buses are the main way to get around in Paraguay, and they are also the most sustainable. The network covers the whole country and fares are dirt cheap.
Stay with locals whenever you can. Outside of Asuncion and Encarnación, your best accommodation options are often family-run guesthouses. They might not be as comfy as a hotel, but your money goes straight into the pockets of a Paraguayan family. It is a wonderful way of exchange and volunteering that enriches everyone involved.
Respect indigenous communities. Paraguay is home to about twenty indigenous peoples, mostly living in the Chaco. Please do not take photos without asking first, and avoid giving out unsolicited gifts. To delve deeper into this approach, our article on immersion in local culture goes into more detail.
Bring a filtered water bottle and reusable bags. Waste management is a real challenge in Paraguay, especially once you leave the big cities. Our packing checklist lists all the handy gear you will need.
Our take: a country to travel through, but not your final destination
So, is Paraguay worth the detour? Our take, after traveling through: not really as a main destination, but why not as a stopover. If your South American itinerary takes you between Argentina and Brazil, a 3-4 day stop in Paraguay (Asuncion + Encarnación and the Jesuit ruins) fits in quite naturally. But we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way just to get there.
What stays with us from Paraguay is the warmth of the locals, the low cost of daily life, and the feeling of being in a country untouched by tourism (for pretty obvious reasons). It’s a travel experience in the purest sense of the word: no set itinerary, no must-see sights, just a country living at its own pace without trying to put on a show for you.
For those who decide to make the trip, start with our 2-day Asuncion guide. And if you’re torn between Paraguay and other off-the-beaten-path destinations, our article on the Cusco walking tour or our guide to Montevideo will give you plenty of options that are much richer in things to do.
Paraguay is there. We went. We got bored. But we don’t regret passing through. It’s the kind of place that reminds you not every country is tailored for tourism, and there’s a certain honesty in saying so.
Summaries
