How to Explore Paraguay? Keep This Guide Handy
Rated by Lonely Planet as the Best Travel Destination for 2025, Paraguay is an underrated hidden gem on the South American continent! Here, you won’t find crowded tourist spots, but rather colonial-style old towns, breathtaking natural wonders, authentic South American cuisine, affordable prices, and an immersive experience—making it an excellent choice for niche, in-depth travel~
🛬【Itinerary】
· Best travel time: April to September (moderate temperatures, less rain, the golden season for sightseeing), July to August has fewer tourists and better accommodation value
· Recommended duration: 7-10 days (9 days and 8 nights for deep travel, comfortable pace without rushing)
· Suggested itinerary order:
D1: Arrive in Asunción, stroll around the city, adjust to the time difference
D2: In-depth tour of Asunción (Palacio de los López, Presidential Palace, Riverside Market)
D3: Asunción → Itauguá (Ñandutí handicrafts, Strawberry Market)
D4: Itauguá → Trinidad Jesuit Mission (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
D5: Trinidad → Ciudad del Este (shopping paradise, Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam)
D6: Ciudad del Este → Monday Falls, Crystal Falls
D7: Falls → Chaco region (South American grasslands, wildlife)
D8: Chaco → Asunción, last-minute souvenir shopping before departure
D9: Depart from Asunción
⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】
1. Asunción (Capital)
◦ Palacio de los López Museum: Colonial-era building, learn about Paraguay’s independence history, rich collections
◦ Presidential Palace: Iconic pink and white building, perfect for evening photos
◦ Riverside Market: Local bustling spot, great for handmade crafts and street food
2. Trinidad Jesuit Mission
◦ UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living fossil of South American colonial history, stunning ancient stone architecture, tickets require advance booking
3. Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam
◦ The world’s second-largest hydroelectric power plant by output, impressive engineering scale, tours available to visit the dam and learn about power generation
4. Ciudad del Este
◦ South America’s “shopping paradise,” wide variety of goods at friendly prices, ideal for souvenir shopping
5. Monday Falls & Crystal Falls
◦ Paraguay’s top natural attractions, majestic waterfalls, surrounding rainforest hiking and photo opportunities
6. Itauguá
◦ Birthplace of traditional ñandutí lace, hands-on weaving experiences, and the Strawberry Market
7. Chaco Region
◦ Pristine South American grasslands, wildlife viewing, indigenous culture experiences, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts
🍩【Must-Try Foods】
1. Chipa: Paraguay’s national snack, made from cassava flour, crispy outside and soft inside, savory and delicious
2. Pajagua Mascada: Fried cake made from cassava mash mixed with minced meat, golden and crispy, a local specialty
3. Empanada: Baked pastry stuffed with beef and vegetables, street stalls sell them for about 5 yuan, very filling
4. Paraguayan Barbecue: Enjoy beef freedom, charcoal-grilled, tender meat with minimal seasoning
5. Mate Tea (Paraguayan Tea): The national drink locals sip from morning till night, refreshing and cleansing
6. Surubí (River Bass): Freshwater fish from the Paraguay River, served with lime juice and coconut milk, sweet and flavorful
7. Strawberry Products: Fresh strawberries and strawberry desserts from Itauguá’s Strawberry Market, sweet and tangy
🏨【Accommodation Tips】
1. Asunción: Recommended hotels in the city center for convenient transport; colonial-style guesthouses offer local charm
2. Ciudad del Este: Hotels near shopping areas, convenient and cost-effective
3. Trinidad/Falls Area: Boutique guesthouses close to nature, ideal for deep travel
4. Chaco Region: Eco-campsites for grassland camping and stargazing
🚌【Transportation Tips】
1. International travel: No direct domestic flights, transfer via Istanbul or Paris, round-trip tickets around 6500 RMB
2. Domestic travel:
◦ Private car/custom tours: Worry-free and convenient, suitable for families and beginners, flexible itinerary adjustments
◦ Public transport: Bus fare in Asunción city about 2 RMB, frequent intercity buses, cost-effective
◦ Domestic flights: Suitable for long-distance travel, time-saving
3. Notes: Some remote areas have poor signal; download offline maps in advance
🧡【Tips】
1. Spanish is the main language in Paraguay; prepare translation apps and carry some cash (some small shops don’t accept credit cards)
2. Use sunscreen (SPF50+), bring a portable umbrella during the rainy season (October to March), and wear comfortable walking shoes
3. Respect local culture; ask for permission before entering churches or indigenous areas
4. Popular sites like Jesuit Missions require advance online ticket booking during peak season
5. For outdoor areas like Chaco, take mosquito precautions and travel with professional guides
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