The Heart of South America: 5 Recommended Tourist Destinations in the Rapidly Growing Paraguay

Paraguay, a landlocked country surrounded by Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia, boasts many fascinating tourist destinations. To the north, you can find wetlands home to rare wildlife, while the south is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and the world’s second-largest hydroelectric power station.

Located in the heart of South America, Paraguay, especially the capital city Asunción, serves as a stopover for tourists traveling across South America. Here, we introduce some of the best tourist destinations in Paraguay, where the indigenous Guarani culture and Spanish influences blend seamlessly, creating a laid-back and rustic atmosphere.

1. Monday Falls

Famous as one of Paraguay’s waterfalls, Monday Falls features three towering waterfalls, each 40 meters high, along with several smaller ones, making it a stunning and dramatic tourist spot.

It is said that the falls were once a resting place for the indigenous Guarani people. You can visit Monday Falls from Ciudad del Este, which is also near the Itaipú Dam and the famous Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina.

The area around the falls is not heavily commercialized, offering a more tranquil atmosphere compared to Iguazu Falls. It’s a unique destination in water-rich Paraguay where you can enjoy the abundance of negative ions.

2. La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe Jesuit Missions

The Jesuit missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe, established in the 18th century, are the remaining ruins of Jesuit missions in Paraguay. These are Paraguay’s only UNESCO World Heritage sites and attract many visitors.

The missions were settlements created to spread Christianity to the indigenous people of Paraguay. The La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná ruins, commonly called the Trinidad ruins, include a church, school, assembly hall, museum, and residences. The site is accessible by bus or taxi from the town of Encarnación, located near the border with Argentina, in about 40 minutes. From Trinidad, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Jesús de Tavarangüe mission.

Taxis are convenient for travel between the two sites, but for those who prefer a more leisurely exploration, bicycle rental services are available. Guided tours also depart from Encarnación.

3. Pantanal Wetlands

The Pantanal Wetlands, one of the largest wetlands in the world, spans Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil and is a popular tourist destination located at the heart of South America. While most of the Pantanal is in Brazil, it is also accessible for tourism from Paraguay.

The wetlands are home to many rare and unique species of plants and animals, including endangered species. Visitors can see jaguars, crocodiles, otters, storks, and even capybaras.

During the rainy season, 80% of the area gets flooded, making it difficult to travel by land. Therefore, it is recommended to take a cruise from the town of Concepción, located along the Paraguay River, to explore the region.

4. Government Palace

Located near the Paraguay River in the capital city of Asunción, the Government Palace is a popular tourist spot, modeled after the Louvre Museum in France and completed in the 19th century. The construction took 35 years due to the War of the Triple Alliance, and initially, the palace was white, but now it is a soft pink color. It is also known as the López Palace, named after the Paraguayan president at the time of its construction.

At night, the palace is beautifully lit up, offering a different view than during the day. While it is generally safe during the day due to heavy foot traffic, be cautious as a slum area lies just behind the palace. There are also excellent restaurants nearby, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the view of the palace in the evening.

5. Itaipú Dam

Located on the border with Brazil, the Itaipú Dam is a hydroelectric power plant that supplies nearly all of Paraguay's electricity. It is the second-largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Built as a joint venture with Brazil, half of the 20 turbines are owned by Paraguay, but due to the country's relatively small population, Paraguay uses only a portion of the power, selling the rest to Brazil.

The Itaipú Dam has a visitor center where tourists can take guided tours of the facility, including technical tours and boat tours on Itaipú Lake. The dam is also illuminated on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Although difficult to capture in photos, the water release is as impressive as the Iguazu Falls, making Itaipú Dam a must-visit tourist spot in Paraguay.

◎Summary

In Paraguay, where the culture of the peaceful and non-confrontational Guarani people still thrives, you can experience a calm and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great destination for those who want to explore at a relaxed pace. To the north, you'll find untouched natural landscapes, while to the south, you can visit world-famous waterfalls and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Be sure to visit Paraguay, a country full of charm.

Search

Customer Support

The Heart of South America: 5 Recommended Tourist Destinations in the Rapidly Growing Paraguay