The Gateway to Paraguay’s Only World Heritage Site, the Ruins of Trinidad: Representative Souvenirs of Encarnación

Encarnación, the capital of Itapúa Department in southeastern Paraguay, is located along the Paraná River, which forms the border with Argentina. It is famous as the gateway to Paraguay’s only World Heritage Site, the Ruins of Trinidad. This time, we’ll introduce four representative souvenirs from Encarnación, so be sure to use this as a reference when sightseeing.

1. Trinidad Ruins Goods

From Encarnación, you can take a bus to visit Paraguay’s only World Heritage Site: the Ruins of Trinidad. These ruins are Jesuit missions established in the early 17th century as part of efforts to spread Christianity among the indigenous Guaraní people. As a mission settlement, it is remarkable in both scale and preservation, and in 1993 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. At the Ruins of Trinidad, there is a gift shop that sells souvenirs.
You’ll find a variety of items, such as miniatures modeled after “La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná” and “Jesús de Tavarangue,” as well as postcards featuring the magnificent exterior of this World Heritage Site. When you visit Encarnación, be sure to also stop by the Ruins of Trinidad and pick up some unique souvenirs from Paraguay’s only World Heritage Site.

2. Mate Tea

Among Paraguayan souvenirs, mate tea is especially popular, and its popularity is no different in Encarnación. Wherever you go in the city, you’ll find mate tea being sold, and locals always carry a pot for it. Known as the “drinkable salad” because of its health benefits, mate tea is also widely available in Japan, but the leaves purchased in Paraguay are fresher and have a deeper flavor.
In addition to tea leaves, it’s recommended to buy a full mate tea set, including the pot and cup. That way, after returning home, you can enjoy the authentic taste of mate tea in the traditional way. Both tea leaves and mate sets are sold all over souvenir shops in town, with a wide variety of designs available—so look for one that suits your taste.

3. Chipa

Chipa is a bite-sized cheese bread that’s chewy inside but crispy on the outside, and it originated in Paraguay. It’s a common food in the country, sold at bakeries and roadside stalls. Since it’s perishable, cooked chipa cannot be taken home as a souvenir. However, supermarkets sell special flour mixes for making chipa at home, making them great souvenir choices.
Although you can substitute with wheat flour and other ingredients, using the special chipa flour is essential if you want to recreate authentic chipa. Be sure to buy some chipa flour as a souvenir so you can enjoy this beloved Paraguayan food even after returning home.

4. Japanese Products

Despite being located on the opposite side of the globe from Japan, Encarnación has a deep connection with Japan. In Plaza de Armas, you’ll find a Japanese garden, as well as electronics shops and Japanese restaurants named after Japanese cities. For this reason, Japanese products themselves are also recommended as souvenirs from Encarnación.
Although they are Japan-related, many of these souvenirs are unique items that are difficult to find even in Japan. So why not buy rare, Japan-themed souvenirs in faraway Encarnación, Paraguay, that you may not have seen in Japan itself?

◎ Summary

What do you think? In Encarnación, you’ll find a wide variety of souvenirs, from goods related to the Ruins of Trinidad, to Paraguay’s representative mate tea, and even items connected to faraway Japan. When visiting Encarnación, use this article as a guide and enjoy picking out your souvenirs!

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The Gateway to Paraguay’s Only World Heritage Site, the Ruins of Trinidad: Representative Souvenirs of Encarnación