La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná Ruins
Region: Itapúa Department
Cultural Heritage
17th–18th century Jesuit mission ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site with majestic stone church remains.
Tourism in Paraguay
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Jesús de Tavarangue Ruins
Region: Itapúa Department
Cultural Heritage
A counterpart to Trinidad, featuring impressive Jesuit-carved stone sculptures.
Itaipú Dam
Region: Alto Paraná Department
Modern Architecture
A massive dam with one of the world's largest hydroelectric power outputs. Guided tours in English are popular.
Ciudad del Este Duty-Free Shopping District
Region: Alto Paraná Department
Modern City
A shopping paradise with clusters of electronics, perfumes, and outdoor goods stores near the Friendship Bridge border crossing.
Encarnación Beach
Region: Itapúa Department
Nature
The country's premier resort with beautiful white-sand beaches and promenades along the Paraná River.
Pantanal Wetlands (Paraguay side)
Region: Alto Paraguay Department
Nature
One of the world's largest wetland ecosystems, a base for eco-tours to observe jaguars and capybaras.
National Pampas del Chaco Park
Region: Boquerón Department
Nature
Home to large trees, succulents, and rare animals like ocelots in the dry Chaco.
Parque Ñu Guairá (Giant Waterfall Park)
Region: Canindeyú Department
Nature
A viewpoint commemorating the former Guaíra Falls and rainforest trails.
Lopez Palace (Presidential Palace)
Region: Asunción
Historic Architecture
The 19th-century presidential residence, beautifully illuminated at night.
Itauguá, Town of Ethnic Crafts
Region: Central Department
Culture
The birthplace of ñandutí lace, with colorful lace and pottery markets.
Suggested itineraries
6-Day World Heritage & Dam Tour of Eastern Paraguay
Duration (days): 6
Highlights: Asunción Old Town, Trinidad Ruins, Jesús Ruins, Itaipú Dam, Ciudad del Este
After exploring the capital, take an overnight bus to Itapúa and efficiently visit Jesuit ruins and the Tri-border area.
4-Day Chaco Plain Wildlife Experience
Duration (days): 4
Highlights: Filadelfia, National Pampas del Chaco Park, Mennonite Museum
An adventure combining German immigrant culture and wildlife observation in semi-arid savannah.
3-Day Encarnación Summer Beach & Carnival
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Encarnación Beach, San Juan Carnival Venue, Local Cuisine Tour
A January–February exclusive short trip to enjoy carnival and riverside resort.
Travel tips
- Passport required for Itaipú tour; online reservation recommended by the day before.
- Summer (December–February) often exceeds 40°C; sun protection is essential.
- Tereré coolers and bombillas can be cheaply purchased at souvenir shops.
- Public buses rely more on destination signs than route numbers; pay the conductor when boarding.
- East-west travel commonly uses overnight buses, but the Transchaco route is rough—plan extra time.
- ATMs outside Asunción may not operate 24/7. Carry cash (small bills).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required at entry.
- Tap water should be boiled or bottled; regional water is often hard.
- English is rarely spoken outside tourist areas; learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
- Drone photography requires Ministry of Defense permits in certain zones; apply in advance.
- Mobile SIMs are cheaper at city carrier shops than at the airport. Main carriers are Tigo and Claro.
- Security is better than neighboring countries, but bus terminal areas at night have pickpockets.
- Shops close for long hours on public holidays; secure food and cash in advance.
- When renting a car, slow down at livestock crossing points.
- On soccer national team match days, expect traffic jams and crowded bars.