Usually forgotten in favor of the "stars" of South America such as Peru, Argentina or Brazil, Paraguay is a true land of welcome for travelers, where the sense of hospitality of its inhabitants is not an empty word. The height of happiness, the country is not very frequented by tourists, giving those who venture there the impression of being the first to discover the "New World". Find out why going to Paraguay will enchant you!
Paraguay tourist adventure
Paraguay is a landlocked country between Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, at the mixed and welcoming population. Guaraní Indians and Europeans, who came at the time of colonization or during the XNUMXth century, know how to promote their country, preserved from mass tourism by a relative absence of pre-Columbian tourist sites, beaches or shops where to shop.
Rainforest
Visit the capital and shop
In the capital, there are many monuments and sites to visit: the cathedral, the pantheon of heroes - inspired by the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris -, the national museum, the Palace of the Governors ... The best way to discover Asuncion is to walk there or by using public transport if you want to save a little time. This allows you to stroll through the immense Cuarto market, always exotic, or to go shopping in Luque, on the outskirts of the city. It is a town famous for the many jewelry shops, typical of Paraguay, that can be found there.
Marvel at the Iguaçu Falls
Outside of Asuncion, Paraguay has some breathtaking natural sites like the famous Iguaçu Falls, located on the border of three countries: Brazil, Argentina and therefore Paraguay. The national park has many lookouts and bridges overlooking dozens of waterfalls and rivers. One thus goes to the three countries according to one's wanderings on the site. There are also many small tourist towns where you can shop for souvenirs. Now do you understand why you have to go to Paraguay?
Chutes d'Iguazu
XNUMXth century Jesuit ruins
You cannot visit Paraguay without being interested in the Jesuit missions of the XNUMXth century. Coming from Europe, the Catholic missionaries settled in several regions of Paraguay and neighboring localities to evangelize the indigenous populations and organize the political life of the region. There are impressive remains of that time in the city of Trinidad, in the south-east of the country. This is the opportunity to discover the ruins of a Jesuit “reduction”, that is to say the places and buildings where the life of missionaries and Guarani Indians was organized.
Ruines of Santisima Trinida
Rest at Ypacarai Lake
Why go to Paraguay? Because we can take a stopover on the shores of Lake Ypacarai. With its small charming hotels and its beaches, it's time to take a relaxing break. You can stroll observing the rich villas and their private pontoons and beaches in San Bernardino, or sit down at a restaurant and discover Paraguayan cuisine. Finally, we will not forget to climb up to the church of Aregua, which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the region.
Lac Ypacarai
Find a hotel in Asuncion
From Asuncion, its capital, Paraguay can be easily visited. That is why it is interesting to take a hotel in Asuncion to visit the country during various excursions. In Paraguay, accommodation won't add to the budget: most hotels are not expensive at all, for comfortable service. It is even possible to find extremely low rates, around ten euros for the night ... at the risk of ending up in a rather shabby room! Recommended for travelers with everything, therefore very small budget.
Pratical information
- Saint-Martin Tourist Office : Visit the website of the Paraguay tourism office
- Passport and visa : EU nationals must be in possession of a valid passport for a stay in Paraguay of less than 90 days.
- When to go? In Paraguay, the seasons are reversed compared to Europe, as this country is located in the southern hemisphere. In summer, from January to March, it is very hot, regularly over 40 °. In winter, temperatures are milder (around 20 °). The country is also very humid and does not have a clearly identified rainy season.
- Money and change : the local currency is the Guarani (Gs).
