Paraguay 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Paraguay (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Asunción (Capital City)

Places to Go:

  1. Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: A stunning neoclassical cathedral that is a must-visit in the city.
  2. Palacio de López: This beautiful, neo-gothic style building was once the residence of former President Francisco Solano López.
  3. Museo del 4 de Agosto: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Paraguay, with a focus on the Chaco War.

Activities:

  1. Stroll around the city center, enjoying local street food at Mercado Richard Cabral.
  2. Visit the handicraft market “Ti’ Ko’ Ra’ Py”, where you can buy traditional Paraguayan items like Guarani art and jewelry.
  3. Enjoy a typical Paraguayan asado (barbecue) in one of the local restaurants.

Things to Know:

  • Spanish is the official language, although many people also speak Guaraní.
  • The currency is the Guaraní (PYG).
  • Tap water is safe to drink from the tap in Asunción, but it might taste different for some travelers.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available and affordable. Uber is also operational in Asunción.

Day 2: Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná

Places to Go:

  1. Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these missions are a testament to the cultural and architectural influence of the Jesuits in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Activities:

  1. Explore the ruins of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and learn about its history.
  2. Visit nearby Mission San Ignacio Mini, another well-preserved mission site.

Things to Know:

  • These sites are located in the Alto Paraná Department, about 3 hours from Ciudad del Este.
  • Guided tours are highly recommended.

Day 3: Ciudad del Este and Itaipú Dam

Places to Go:

  1. Itaipu Dam: The world’s largest hydroelectric power station by capacity, it offers guided tours that provide insights into the inner workings of this engineering marvel.
  2. Mall of the Three Borders (Mall del Indio): A unique shopping center where Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil meet.

Activities:

  1. Take a guided tour of Itaipu Dam and learn about its significance.
  2. Shop for bargains at Mall del Indio.

Things to Know:

  • The best time to visit Itaipu is during the day, when the generators are operating and you can witness the impressive power in action.

Day 4: Encarnación (Ciudad de la Verdad)

Places to Go:

  1. Islas del Mbaracayú: A nature reserve with a variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
  2. San Bernardino Church: An impressive Jesuit church built in the 18th century, located on a hill overlooking Encarnación.

Activities:

  1. Take a boat tour around Islas del Mbaracayú and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
  2. Climb up to San Bernardino Church for panoramic views of Encarnación.

Things to Know:

  • Encarnación is located on the Paraná River, which forms the border with Argentina and Brazil.
  • The city is known as “Ciudad de la Verdad” (City of Truth) because it was a refuge for those escaping Inquisition in Spain.

Visa Requirements:

Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter Paraguay and can stay for up to 90 days. However, it’s always best to check the current requirements with your local embassy or consulate before traveling.

Enjoy your trip to Paraguay!