South America

Paraguay

Jesuit ruins, wild wetlands and a nation that runs on iced tereré.

Paraguay sits quietly at the heart of the continent, overlooked by most travellers. The ruined Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangüé are among the finest in South America, and the Itaipú Dam on the Paraná River is a feat of engineering. Asunción has a relaxed riverside centre, while the vast Chaco to the west is a hot, sparsely populated wilderness rich in birdlife.

Life moves slowly, with tereré shared in the shade and chipa sold on street corners. Asado and sopa paraguaya are staples, and long-distance buses link the main towns. Summers are very hot, so April to May and August to September are the most comfortable months for exploring.

Best time to visit Paraguay

April, May, August, September.

Places to visit in Paraguay

• Asunción: Paraguay's riverside capital, with colonial and 19th-century landmarks, markets and a bilingual culture of Spanish and Guaraní.
• Jesuit Missions of Trinidad: The UNESCO-listed ruins of 18th-century Jesuit missions, where the Guaraní and the Jesuits built stone churches in the forest.

Essentials

• Currency: Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
• Language: Spanish and Guaraní, both widely spoken
• Plugs: Type C, 220 V
• Driving: Right side
• Time zone: UTC−3
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated
• Getting around: Long-distance buses connect the main towns; a 4x4 or tour is needed for the Chaco
• Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking

Plan a trip to Paraguay