Paraguay, Paraguay - Travel Guide

- Paraguay offers a unique South American experience with its rich Guarani culture, Jesuit ruins, and vast natural landscapes like the Chaco. It's a less-traveled destination, perfect for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

AsunciónParanáGran ChacoGuaraníSouth American country

🇵🇾 Country Information: Paraguay

CapitalAsuncion

CurrencyParaguayan guarani (₲)

LanguageSpanish, Guarani , Portuguese, German, English

Phone Code+595

Electricity220V (Type C)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service in restaurants (10%)
For taxis, rounding up the fare is common
For hotel staff, a small gratuity is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are available, especially in cities
Credit cards are accepted in major establishments, but cash is preferred in many places
It's advisable to bring some USD cash for exchange, especially smaller denominations
There can be an informal currency exchange market, but official exchanges are safer and more reliable

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Punctuality is important for business meetings, but social gatherings can be more relaxed
It's common to greet with a handshake, and a kiss on the cheek for close friends and family

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights in Paraguay are evolving, with some protections but no legal recognition of same-sex marriage or civil unions.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 20
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas
Do not openly display valuables

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh)

YesSí (see)

HelloHola (oh-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-vor)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-mee-so)

Thank youGracias (grah-see-ahs)

Climate

Generalized climate for Paraguay.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot and humid: Dec
Feb
Coldest months: Jun
Aug
Floods: May
Jun (Paraguay River)

Getting There

Fly into Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción
Direct flights are limited, often requiring connections through São Paulo, Buenos Aires, or Santiago
Long
distance buses connect major cities within Paraguay and to neighboring countries

Getting Around

Public buses are common in cities
Taxis are widely available
Ride
sharing apps like MUV and Uber are available in major cities like Asunción and Ciudad del Este

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio) are recommended
Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid vaccines are often recommended
Yellow Fever vaccine recommended if traveling from an endemic area
Malaria risk exists in certain rural border areas, consult a doctor for prophylaxis
Consider probiotics for digestive health

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available
Local providers include Tigo, Personal, and Claro
Apps like Airalo and Nomad offer eSIMs for Paraguay

Local Cuisine

Sopa Paraguaya must_try

Despite its name, this is not a soup but a savory, dense cornbread-like dish. It is made with mashed corn, cheese, milk, and onions, often baked until

Chipa snack

A popular, ring-shaped bread made primarily from mandioca (cassava) starch, cheese, and egg. It has a distinctive chewy texture and is commonly sold b

Vori Vori regional_speciality

A thick, hearty chicken soup featuring small, cornmeal and cheese dumplings. This comforting dish is especially popular during the colder months or wh

Chipa Guazú must_try

Similar to Sopa Paraguaya, this dish is a creamy savory cake made with fresh sweetcorn, milk, cheese, and often eggs. Unlike Sopa Paraguaya, it is mad

Bife Koygua regional_speciality

A comforting beef stew that is traditionally topped with a poached or fried egg. The stew includes pieces of beef, onions, and tomatoes, creating a ri

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Pakuri Restaurant (Asunción) Dining

Book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinner.

Pakuri is a pioneer of 'Neo-Paraguayan' cuisine and is frequently cited as one of the best and most unique dining experiences in Asunción, making reservations highly sought after.

Pez de Mar Dulce (Asunción) Dining

Book 10 days to 3 weeks in advance.

Known for its highly-regarded Nikkei cuisine, this restaurant is considered a top-tier dining experience in Asunción and reservations are advised to secure a table.

Itaipu Dam Tour (Ciudad del Este) tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 weeks in advance, especially for specialty tours.

While general tours are often available, booking in advance is recommended to secure spots on specific language tours or technical/specialized visits that have limited daily capacity.

Fun Facts

1. Paraguay is the only country in the world with a national flag that has a different emblem on each side, featuring the national coat of arms on the obverse and the words “República del Paraguay” on the reverse.
2. Despite being landlocked, Paraguay maintains a substantial navy to patrol its extensive river systems, which play a crucial role in trade and defense.
3. It is estimated that Paraguay lost up to half of its male population during the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870), one of the bloodiest conflicts in Latin American history.
4. Paraguay has one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants, the Itaipu Dam, which it co-owns with Brazil and uses to generate a significant portion of its electricity.

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