Paraguay doesn’t always make the travel lists, but it’s a hidden gem that grabs your heart. It’s a country of rivers, forests, and warm people who make you feel at home. If you want a trip that’s real, full of beauty and stories, Paraguay’s waiting for you. Here’s a handful of experiences that show what this place is all about.
Float down the Paraguay River for a moment of peace. Just outside Asunción, in towns like Limpio or Puerto Pabla, you can hop on a wooden canoe or a small lancha with a local. It’s not a fancy tour, just you, the water, and the world slowing down. Fishermen cast nets, birds glide by, and as the sun sets, the river glows gold. It’s quiet, simple, and beautiful. Bring a camera, but don’t forget to just soak it in.
San Bernardino, or “San Ber,” is where Paraguayans go to unwind. By Lake Ypacaraí, it’s lively in summer with music, food stalls, and families sharing tereré under trees. Even in quieter months, its cobbled streets and colonial houses feel charming. Take a catamaran across the lake, paddle a kayak, or walk the waterfront. The Mirador Bella Vista gives you a view that’s pure magic at sunset. At night, grab a drink at a lakeside café and let the evening settle in.
Ybycuí National Park, a few hours from Asunción, is nature at its best. Think green forests, clear rivers, and waterfalls like Salto Mina that beg you to jump in. Trails lead you through trees where butterflies flutter and monkeys might peek out. There’s also La Rosada, an old iron foundry turned museum, mixing history with the wild. It’s a spot for anyone who loves the outdoors, whether you stay for a day or sleep at an eco-lodge.
Atyrá, an hour from the capital, is Paraguay’s cleanest town, and it feels like a hug. Flowers line the streets, locals smile, and artisans craft leather and wood into beautiful things. The Iglesia San Francisco de Asís is a gem, with its colonial charm. If you like hiking, Cerro Ñemby or Cerro Chororí have trails with views that make the climb worth it. It’s a place to slow down and feel the soul of Paraguay.
The Chaco is another world. Vast, wild, with skies that go on forever. Towns like Filadelfia mix Mennonite roots with Paraguayan life, but the real show is at night. Far from city lights, the stars explode across the sky, and the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. By day, explore savannas where you might see ñandúes or peccaries. It’s raw and perfect for nature lovers.
Concepción, up north, is a riverside city where time feels paused. Its colorful colonial buildings and wide plazas are peaceful, and the costanera along the Paraguay River is perfect for a walk. Take a boat to see capybaras or even dolphins. The Museo Municipal shares stories of indigenous life and the Chaco War. It’s a spot to disconnect and sink into Paraguay’s heart.
The Jesuit Missions near Encarnación are something special. Jesús de Tavarangue and Trinidad del Paraná, UNESCO sites, blend European and Guaraní history in stone churches and carvings. Visit by day for the ruins, but the night sound-and-light show brings their stories to life. It’s moving, grand, and intimate all at once.
San Solano in Misiones hides a secret: hot springs. The warm waters, around 40°C, flow in a quiet area perfect for relaxing. Small hotels offer pools to soak in, easing travel’s aches. It’s not crowded, just pure calm, a great way to end a trip.
Encarnación’s Carnaval in January and February is Paraguay’s biggest party. Samba dancers, bright costumes, and music fill the streets. By day, San José Beach is great for sunbathing or jet skiing. At night, the Sambódromo lights up with parades that pulse with joy. It’s a mix of beach and festival you won’t forget.
Don’t skip a local market. Mercado 4 in Asunción is chaos in the best way. Try mbeju, sopa paraguaya, or vori vori, all bursting with flavor. You’ll find crafts, herbs, and fresh fruits too. It’s loud, colorful, and shows you Paraguay’s everyday life.
So, where will you start? Paraguay’s ready to surprise you.
