Landlocked Paraguay has the nickname “Corazon de America” (“Heart of America”) because of its central location in South America. The country is 95 per cent mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian). Lay claim to a nice room or two at HotelTravel.com.
Surrounded by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, Paraguay is affectionately known as South America's 'empty quarter'. Until recent years, little was known about this country that is home to subtropical forest. Breathtaking waterfalls, emerald lagoons, lush jungle terrain and grassy plains make this little land-locked country an adventure traveller's dream.
Since it lacks any coastline, most of the attractions in Paraguay involve the mountainous jungles and tropical rainforests. There are eleven national parks which are being developed by the government into eco-tourism centres. The tranquil Jesuit Ruins region in the south is a time capsule of the old missionary days and the jungles of the northeast are teeming with colourful birds, jaguars and other exotic creatures.
Its indigenous people still largely live as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago, offering intrepid travellers a glimpse of centuries-old traditions. Many visitors are now flocking to Paraguay to experience its unspoilt beauty and to participate in the untainted celebration of Carnival in February.
If you'd like to see a jaguar or alligator in their natural habitat on beautiful reserves, observe the culture of native people, relax on beautiful lakeshores, or visit historic Jesuit missions Paraguay will deliver.
Accommodation in Paraguay is modest by most scales, but travellers can find a decent range of rooms and some good quality hotels in the capital Asuncion. Paraguay’s capital and largest city retains much of its 19th century charm. The narrow streets are lined with orange trees and small balconied buildings. Its lively waterfront strip and historic city centre offers some relaxed exploration.
Paraguay primarily remains a destination for intrepid travellers seeking a taste of South America that truly has not been tainted by tourism.
- About Paraguay
- Activities for Children in Paraguay
- Activities in Paraguay
- Car Hire in Paraguay
- Casa de la Independencia
- Chaco in Paraguay
- Ciudad del Este
- Dia de San Juan Paraguay
- Flight to Paraguay
- Independence Day in Paraguay
- Lake Ypacarai
- Museo de Bellas Artes
- Paraguay Accommodation
- Paraguay Airport
- Paraguay Bank
- Paraguay Carnival
- Paraguay Cerro Cora
- Paraguay Climate
- Paraguay Culture
- Paraguay Currency
- Paraguay Festivals
- Paraguay Food
- Paraguay History
- Paraguay Immigration
- Paraguay Information
- Paraguay Restaurant
- Paraguay Shopping
- Paraguay Sports
- Paraguay Time
- Paraguay Tour
- Paraguay Tourism
- Paraguay Vacation
- Paraguay Visa
- Paraguay Weather
- Parque Nacional Cerro Cora
- Parque Nacional Ybycui
- Plaza Uruguaya
- San Bernadino Paraguay
- Silvio Pettirossi Airport
- Tebicuary River
- Things to do in Paraguay
- Trinidad in Paraguay
- Verbena de San Juan Paraguay
For enhanced city views, please select a map!
Even seasoned travellers will have a hard time pinpointing the exact location of inconspicuous Paraguay. This small landlocked South American country has been kept off the tourism radar thanks to a long history of corrupt dictators and political instability. Things are a little better these days, but Paraguay remains primarily a destination for intrepid travellers searching for an undiscovered taste of South America that is hard to find in neighbouring Latin countries.
Paraguay is the kind of place that attracts seasoned travellers who have already explored the rest of South America and are looking for something less discovered. For children, this translates into very little to do. There is a small zoo in the capital, Asuncion, as well as a couple of decent national parks around the country. But without any coastal territory, there are no tropical beaches or swimming.
New Year’s Day
Paraguay celebrates the New Year just as the rest of the world, with all-night celebrations, fireworks and music. Asuncion is the best spot to catch the action.
Even seasoned travellers barely give Paraguay a second thought, thanks to its long history of internal conflict and military dictators. Depending on your perspective, this is either a positive or negative thing. For those seeking a taste of South America that truly hasn’t been tainted by the tide of tourism, this tiny forgotten country may offer just the ticket. The tranquil Jesuit Ruins region in the south is a time capsule of the old missionary days and the jungles of the northeast are teeming with colourful birds, jaguars and other exotic creatures. The sun-scorched Chaco plains are another natural highlight. If you are looking for a laid-back experience, where nature and social mingling are the priorities, Paraguay may pleasantly surprise you.
Air
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, located 15kms from downtown Asuncion, is Paraguay’s main airport and the primary entry point for international travellers. There are not many direct flights into this somewhat isolated country. American Airlines is the only US carrier serving Paraguay, flying from Miami via Sao Paulo. The country’s national airline is TAM Mercosur. It does not fly directly to the US, but connects with Sao Paulo in Brazil for flights to other regions of the world. Most of the scheduled flights into the airport come from South American capitals such as Santiago, Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz.
The currency in Paraguay is called the Guarani (PYG). Paper currency comes in denominations of 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Guaranis.
