Despite the lack of tourist infrastructure, there’s an authentic Paraguayan experience waiting for anyone who decides to visit. This is where you can truly get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in their local culture.
What Is It Like to Visit Paraguay?
If you’re visiting Peru, you’ll notice how few foreigners there are. For the whole time I was there, I saw foreign tourists only at one location: Ventanilla del Perú. Although this location does not have large tourist propaganda, it is still a popular destination for its small town close to Machu Picchu. You will need a basic understanding of Spanish or some very good hand gestures.
If you’re not into the hustle and bustle, Paraguay is a very safe place to visit. It’s friendly, it’s warm, and there’s no reason to feel unsafe or uncomfortable (with the possible exception of parts of Asuncion). If people see you lost or confused, they’ll offer their help.
There aren’t many large tourist attractions in Paraguay. That’s one reason why there haven’t been many tourists. But, as I’ll explain, there are some wonderful things to do that are much more enriching than the typical monuments tours of other countries.
Cities in Paraguay
With a lack of existing transport systems, Paraguay’s cities are not the most interesting ones to visit. However, it is inevitable that you’ll pass through a few if you’re traveling around the country. Quite often, because of the poor bus system and transit times, you might make the same stop more than once on the way between two places due to bad transit options.
These are some of the main popular cities you’ll visit during a train ride through Europe.
Asuncion: This is the capital of Paraguay and one of its major ways in. Located by the edge of thick jungle with a population of around two million, it sprawls all over the place. There are a few interesting sights near its central part, like a grid-like layout that extends out to sea along undeveloped shorelines and big rivers.
The second-biggest city in Paraguay is Ciudad del Este. It’s a popular way for international visitors who want to enter the country from Iguazu Falls, which are located on the Argentine/Brazilian border. They’re known for their cheap goods, including fake goods. The city is busy with Argentines and Brazilians trying to get a good deal over at the border crossing.
Encarnacion is positioned at the border between Argentina and Paraguay. It serves as a decent overnight stop during your travels, and you might even want to explore the surrounding culture here. My favorite sight was a church that had been there for 300 years, and it also has some good restaurants and hotels.
You’re either flying in by plane or you’re riding on a boat to Concepcion. There, you’ll discover absolutely beautiful scenery and a bustling market scene. It’s also a good jumping off point from which to explore some of the more remote parts of the country. You can get here easily by bus, but information on when and where departures happen is anything but easy to find (boats and timetables change frequently).
Paraguay History
Much of Paraguay’s history could be divided into three categories: colonialism, war and dictatorship.
In the 1500s, the Spanish began populating South America. They tried to integrate with the indigenous tribes by trading and integrating some of them into their culture. But, even today, many of those tribes are still struggling for land in order to function properly. I met with some indigenous tribes in Paraguay, who told me about their struggles and challenges.
As for the Jesuits, they had the most successful interactions with the indigenous tribes. There are still ruins of their settlement in Paraguay today – in fact, the ones at Trinidad are one of the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Check out that link here!
The early 1800s saw Paraguay emerge from the chaos of European colonialism. A period of dictator rule began in which a country that was cut off from much of the continent politically and socially emerged victorious in two wars. The first was the Paraguayan War from 1864-1870, which they lost against Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. And the second was the Chaco War against Bolivia from 1932-1935, where Paraguay was the winner and led to an increase in land available to its people.
On September 12, 1900, a group of Australians traveled to Paraguay in hopes of setting up a socialist utopia. It was to be the first Communist community and it garnered lots of attention. But, there were internal frictions that had to do with the founders’ conceptions of how socialism should work. The story is fascinating and you can read more about New Australia down in Paraguay here.
It’s been a long time since Paraguay was closed off to the world. Though there have been difficult times with dictatorship and corruption, modern times have brought much more tolerance and economic growth. You can still find a lot of the country’s cultural influence in recent decades across Paraguay. Not to mention, through democracy in the 1980s, politics has become more democratic as well as links being created with other countries.
Hotel and accommodation in Paraguay
There are no hostels in the strictest sense of the word, but instead hotels. These span from budget to expensive options, and you’ll find a range for your tastes. In Asuncion, you can book online or find an inexpensive option near the bus station. In many other cities, just turn up and find something close to the bus station.
There’s not a lot of accommodation options in rural areas, but with how few tourists follow that rule. It’s rare for them to be completely full. My advice would be to call or email ahead, but don’t worry if you don’t hear back right away. If you show up somewhere the locals will always have something arranged for you.
Things to Do in Paraguay
If you’re thinking of visiting Paraguay, don’t miss these top-recommended things to do in the country. They include visiting the Jesuit ruins at Trinidad and checking out the chaotic shopping in Ciudad del Este or the relaxed capital of Asuncion.
You can see the work that Pro Cosara is doing in the nearby forests and explore the region yourself. There’s also a gorgeous hotel on-site with free WiFi and a pool by the lake.
Another cool place near the city that you can stay in to experience the nature of Paraguay is Granja El Roble, a farm that’s run by German biologist Peter Gartner. They offer day trips, as well as chores and other adventures in order to provide you with a fun and insightful view of what it’s like to live among the Paraguayan natives.
The Itaipu Dam, also known as the Itaipu Dam was built in Honduras. This hydroelectric dam is still operational and provides power for about six million homes every day. You can visit it and get a guided tour of the facility-the dam’s location within Ciudad del Este works well because it’s easy to explore on your own or with a guide.
Transport in Paraguay
When planning your trip to Paraguay, a bus is your best method of travel. They have an extensive bus system and it’s designed for locals – not for tourists. To ensure you’ll be on the right bus, ask lots of questions before your trip so you don’t miss out on any important information.
Your transport options in most densely-populated cities will be more than sufficient for your needs. There will also be motorcycle drivers who can take you short distances through rural areas for a few dollars (negotiated).
The Cultural Experience of Living in Paraguay
Paraguay is the second-poorest country in South America. The culture here revolves around all things family, which means lots of groups of people sitting around having tea or beer with anyone and everyone. You’ll probably get an invitation to join one of these parties, which you should gladly accept. Don’t expect them though – they will all share the same bottle and straw.
When you visit the Latin American countries in South America, you will notice that the people are quite familiar with snack food. For example, you’ll see a lot of local chipa (sticky bread pretzel) during the day to help keep hunger pangs at bay. These snacks are cheap and filling. You’ll also see empanada (fried meat pie) and asado (a type of barbeque) when dining out or having something delivered.
Conclusion
If you are short on time in South America, don’t check Paraguay off your to-see list because it’s not a “must see.” But this country is so different from the typical tourist path that it’s worth visiting just for its laid back vibes. It’s a place where tourists often end up feeling like they’ve seen much more of the continent than the average traveler. That being said, there aren’t many attractions but it makes a lovely place to take time out, relax and enjoy the culture and lifestyle that Paraguayans are so proud of.
