One of South America’s least-traveled corners, Paraguay is a genuinely off-the-beaten-path destination — welcoming, affordable, and refreshingly untouristed. Below are the best things to do and see across the country, from the UNESCO-listed Jesuit ruins to the wild Chaco and the colonial heart of Asunción. Most travelers experience Paraguay as part of a wider South America trip, often paired with Argentina, Brazil, or the Iguazú Falls region next door.
What Paraguay lacks in crowds it makes up for in authenticity — this is a place to slow down, meet people, and see a side of the continent few visitors ever reach.
Updated for the 2026-2027 Paraguay travel season.
I visited Paraguay and spent ten days touring it quite extensively. I would highly recommend animal watching in the Chaco Region in the western part of the country. I highly recommend taking a wilderness tour from Neuland and exploring El Chaco’s wildlife which includes many species of large birds, caymans, giant anteaters, jaguars, ocelots, pumas and much more. Truly a hidden gem for animal lovers.
-Mike Bonnett
Paraguay Travel Expert
Located in the center of South America, and bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina, Paraguay is incredibly varied in its natural landscapes and wildlife. Sharing the immense Pantanal wetlands with Brazil, some of the best wildlife viewings are available in Paraguay. While the Amazon rainforest is an impressive and exciting region to explore in South America, few visitors consider the underrated Pantanal wetlands. Unlike the dense brush of the Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands offer an uninterrupted view of the horizon. With a plethora of rare flora and fauna habitation the area, like the giant anteater and leopard, wildlife viewing can get no better in South America.
In Paraguay’s capital city, Asunción, history enthusiasts will be greeted by quintessential colonial architecture and national museums, perfect for understanding this lesser-known nation’s past. The Casa de la Independencia is perfect for learning about Paraguay’s fight for independence and the gorgeous red facade of the Palacio de López, the seat of Paraguay’s government, is a must-see.
Iguazu Falls are located on the tri-meeting point of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. As one of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the world, beholding the tremendous cascade of these falls is a memorable experience. Tours explore not only the region by boat and trekking, but also bring visitors to the wildlife heavy Iguazu National Park, which features the rare jungle terrain surrounding these falls.
Mercado Municipal 4 is a massive market located in Asuncion. Featuring thousands of stalls specializing in street food, fresh produce, clothing, artwork and international goods, a visit through this lively market is a must on your tour through Asuncion. Perfect for seeing the real Paraguay, visitors will truly experience a South American market here, while also stalking up on affordable goods.
Paraguay's cultural highlight and its UNESCO World Heritage centerpiece: the beautifully preserved 17th- and 18th-century Jesuit mission ruins of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue. Carved sandstone churches, plazas, and living quarters recall the remarkable Guaraní-Jesuit communities immortalized in the film The Mission. Explore them on our Jesuit Missions tours.
Half of Paraguay lies in the Gran Chaco — a vast, sparsely populated wilderness of dry forest and wetland that's one of South America's last great frontiers. It's a paradise for wildlife and birdwatching (jaguars, giant anteaters, and hundreds of bird species), dotted with fascinating Mennonite colonies. Remote and raw, it rewards the adventurous traveler on a Paraguay adventure tour.
From monuments in the capital to engineering marvels and colonial towns, here are the landmarks that tell Paraguay’s story.
The National Pantheon of Heroes is not only a significant cultural and historical site in Paraguay’s capital but an architectural jewel of the country’s. The white, cathedral-like building houses the tombs and monuments of Paraguay’s most famed heroes. With a dark past rooted in warfare, Paraguay’s leading generals and rulers are honored here, providing visitors a fantastic window into the history of this country.
The Jesuit Mission sites of Paraguay are some of the grandest on the continent. Dating back to 1609, these once extravagant cathedrals and residences were built by missionaries from Europe. For 150 years, throughout Paraguay, these missionaries constructed beautiful monuments, testifying to the historic and cultural richness of the country. Today monuments like La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangüe have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Fortin Boquerón is a significant site in Paraguay. It is one of the places of the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia in 1932-35. The war even involved the local German immigrants, who fought for both sides of their countries. The fort provides an in-depth look at the history of both Paraguay and Bolivia.
Post World War II thousands of Germans immigrated to South America, with many settling in Paraguay. Independencia was founded in the 1920s by German immigrants and remains today a quintessential German town. With loads of European influences, from architecture, festivals, and cuisine, the town is an unusual gem to Paraguay. For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding areas offer some spectacular hikes, like the salto suizo and walk and curuzu hill, with viewpoints over the city.
Ciudad Del Este is the home of Itaipu – the most powerful hydro plant in the world. This massive structure is considered one of the modern wonders of the world. Powerful enough to produce more energy than 12 nuclear plants, the structure showcases Brazil and Paraguay’s ability to compete in the modern world of architecture and energy. Additionally, the hydroelectric dam is famed for its intricate light shows. Visitors flock to the dam after sunset to watch the dramatic performance accompanied by local music.
Asunción is the entry point, served by flights from São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and other regional hubs. Within the country, comfortable long-distance buses connect the main towns, and the Jesuit missions in the south are an easy trip from the border city of Encarnación. Because Paraguay is compact and off the main tourist trail, most travelers fold it into a broader itinerary — it pairs especially naturally with the Iguazú Falls region and onward travel into Argentina or Brazil. We handle the cross-border logistics. See our custom Paraguay trips.
Paraguayan cuisine is hearty and distinctive: sopa paraguaya (a savory cornbread, despite the name), chipa (cheesy manioc bread), and grilled meats are staples, alongside freshwater fish like surubí. The national drink is tereré — ice-cold yerba mate sipped through a metal straw — a social ritual you’ll see everywhere.
Yes. Paraguay is one of South America’s quieter, more relaxed countries, and the main travel areas are welcoming and low-key. As anywhere, use ordinary sense in Asunción with valuables. On our trips you travel with local guides and pre-arranged transport. See our Paraguay safety guide.
The best time to visit Paraguay is the cooler, drier winter, roughly May to September, when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and the Chaco is more accessible. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, though it brings the lush green landscapes and Paraguay’s liveliest festivals.
Paraguay is known for its bilingual Guaraní culture, the UNESCO Jesuit mission ruins, the colossal Itaipú Dam, tereré and yerba mate, the wild Chaco, and its warm, unhurried way of life — the quiet heart of South America.
Three to four days covers the highlights — Asunción, the Jesuit ruins near Encarnación, and Itaipú Dam. Add more for the Chaco. Because Paraguay is compact and off the beaten path, most travelers visit as a 2–4 day extension of a wider South America trip rather than a standalone destination.
Beautifully as an add-on. Paraguay sits between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, and pairs most naturally with the Iguazú Falls region — you can cross from the falls into Paraguay and continue into Argentina or Brazil. Our planners build it into custom multi-country routes so the logistics are seamless.
Paraguay itself is very affordable day-to-day. Because it's usually combined with neighboring countries, our tailored trips that include Paraguay generally start around $2,900 per person and vary with the wider itinerary, hotel tier, and length. Ask us for a quote built around your route.
They're Paraguay's UNESCO World Heritage highlight — the ruins of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, remarkably preserved 17th–18th century mission towns built by Jesuits and the Guaraní. They're near Encarnación in the south and are the cultural centerpiece of most Paraguay itineraries.
For travelers who want the authentic, uncrowded side of South America, absolutely. Paraguay offers genuine culture, warm hospitality, striking history, and near-total absence of mass tourism. It won't suit those chasing marquee sights, but as a change of pace within a larger trip it's a rare and rewarding find.
