Paraguay travel guide

Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America, split by the Paraguay River into a green, populated east and the vast, dry Chaco to the west. Few tourists come, which is part of the appeal: Jesuit mission ruins, a huge dam, wildlife and a bilingual culture where Guaraní is spoken everywhere. It suits travellers who like quiet places and getting off the usual South American route.

Updated 17 October 2026 · 4 min · By Roamsim

Highlights

Asunción

One of the oldest cities in South America, on a bend of the Paraguay River. The Palacio de los López, the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes and the colourful hillside neighbourhood of Loma San Jerónimo are the main sights, and the Costanera riverside promenade is busy in the evenings.

Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús

The UNESCO-listed ruins of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, built by Jesuits and Guaraní communities in the eighteenth century. Trinidad's carved stone church and its evening light show are the highlights.

Itaipú Dam

One of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, shared with Brazil on the Paraná River near Ciudad del Este. Free guided visits show the spillway and, on longer tours, the interior of the plant.

The Chaco

A vast region of thorn forest, wetlands and grassland covering most of western Paraguay but home to only a small share of its people. Mennonite towns such as Filadelfia have museums on their history, and national parks protect jaguars, giant anteaters and the Chacoan peccary.

Encarnación

A riverside city on the Paraná facing Argentina, with sandy river beaches and Paraguay's biggest carnival in the summer months. It is the base for visiting the Jesuit missions.

Areguá and Lake Ypacaraí

A small town near Asunción known for ceramics, strawberries and old colonial houses, on the shore of Lake Ypacaraí. San Bernardino, across the lake, is a popular weekend escape for the capital.

Saltos del Monday

A broad waterfall on the Monday River near Ciudad del Este, with viewing platforms and walkways, and a much quieter alternative to the busy Iguazú falls not far away.

Interesting facts about Paraguay

  • Guaraní is an official language alongside Spanish and is spoken by most Paraguayans, which is very unusual for an indigenous language in the Americas.
  • Tereré, cold yerba mate drunk from a shared cup, is a constant companion in Paraguay, and the practice is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
  • Paraguay's flag has a different emblem on each side: the national coat of arms on the front and the treasury seal on the back.
  • Although landlocked, Paraguay has a navy, which patrols its great rivers.
  • The War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870) against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay cost Paraguay a very large share of its population.

Best time to visit

Paraguay's winter, from about May to September, is the most comfortable time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights; occasional cold snaps can bring chilly mornings. Summer, from November to March, is very hot and humid, especially in the Chaco, with heavy thunderstorms. The Chaco's dry season is the best time for wildlife, as animals gather at water. Encarnación's carnival takes place in the summer months.

Practical information

CapitalAsunción
CurrencyParaguayan guaraní (PYG)
LanguagesSpanish, Guaraní
PlugsType A, B, C, N
Voltage220 V, 50 Hz
Emergency911
DrivingOn the right
TippingAround 10% in restaurants is appreciated; it is sometimes added to the bill.

Getting around

Long-distance buses are the main way to travel, connecting Asunción with Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, Filadelfia and the borders, with comfortable overnight services on major routes. In Asunción, city buses are cheap but can be confusing, and ride-hailing apps are an easy alternative. Renting a car is a good option for the Jesuit missions and the Chaco's Trans-Chaco Highway, but services are sparse in the west, so carry water and fuel. Unpaved roads can become impassable after heavy rain.

Staying connected in Paraguay

Mobile coverage is good in Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación and other towns, with 4G widely available. In the Chaco coverage is limited to settlements and parts of the main highway, and long stretches have no signal. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés and restaurants in towns. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, and download offline maps before heading west.

See Paraguay eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM

Useful apps for Paraguay

  • Uber: Operates in Asunción and is a simple way to get around the city with a fixed upfront fare.
  • Google Maps: Driving and walking directions; download offline maps before travelling into the Chaco.
  • Google Translate: Spanish translation for menus, buses and conversations; it also supports Guaraní.
  • XE Currency: Converts guaraní prices, which run into large numbers.

Common questions

Do people speak English in Paraguay?

Not widely. Spanish is essential outside hotels and some tourist services, and many people switch between Spanish and Guaraní. A few phrases and a translation app go a long way.

How do I visit Iguazú Falls from Paraguay?

Ciudad del Este sits on the border with Brazil and close to Argentina, so the falls can be visited from there. You will cross international borders, so check the entry requirements for your nationality first.

Can I use my phone and mobile data in Paraguay?

Yes. Modern phones work well on Paraguayan networks in towns and cities. Roaming on a home plan can be expensive, so a travel eSIM gives you local data while your own number stays active.

Is cash or card better in Paraguay?

Cards are accepted in hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants in cities, but cash in guaraníes is needed for buses, markets and small towns. ATMs are found in towns.

More in South America

All travel guides · Travel blog