Paraguay may not have spectacular highlights as its neighbours do, but the country's historical and cultural aspects make the country a top travel destination in its own right – we found ourselves travelling here for more than two months. Among the best souvenirs of our travel in Paraguay are the open and welcoming contacts with its Paraguayan, Guaraní and Mennonite citizens.
Tourist attractions in Asunción – street life, museums, Franciscan churches
Paraguay's capital warrants a day or two. Wander around downtown to watch the vendors selling and drinking tereré– a cold mate [hot drink], to which fresh herbs are added and which is often drunk from a cow's horn. Asunción has several interesting museums and parks are brightened up with murals.
Asunción's suburbs and surrounding villages have several Franciscan churches dating from the sixteenth to eighteenth century. Whereas some of these churches have made way for modern kitsch and glittering interiors, others have retained their Baroque and Rococo-styled retables, pulpits and confessionals. Among the best maintained or restored Franciscan churches are in Yaguarón and Atyra.
Touristic highlights of east Paraguay
One of the main reasons to travel to east Paraguay is to admire the ruins of the old Jesuit Missions. These reducciones were built in the seventeenth century, when Guaraní Indians were converted to Catholicism but also protected against the slave hunters from Brazil. The best-preserved ruins are situated in Jesús and Trinidad. We found the best time of the day to visit them was sunrise or sunset, when the soft light colours the ruins in orange-red tinges.
But east Paraguay has more interesting travel destinations to offer. Near the Brazilian border lies Ciudad del Este, not so much a tourist attraction but a shopping walhalla for Brazilians and Argentineans [and other foreigners] who flock here in large numbers to shop for tax-free electronics and other gadgets.
Furthermore, near Ciudad del Este lies the technological wonder of Itaipu Dam, which is worth a visit. This hydroelectric power plant in the Paraná River is a joint venture of Brazil and Paraguay. It is possible to travel to the site by public transport, where a museum and a bus tour along the dam give insight into the pros and cons of this overwhelming project.
Cultural travel destinations in west Paraguay
The western part of the country is called the Chaco, a harsh territory due to its climate. Throughout the centuries it has been inhabited by Indian tribes, of which only few have survived colonization. In the beginning of the twentieth century stretches of land were given to the Mennonites, a religious order, who have turned part of the Chaco into fertile agricultural fields and cattle ranches.
The best-known Mennonite colony of Paraguay is Filadelphia, which has basic tourist facilities such as hotels. It is a good basis to visit surrounding towns or to explore the surrounding Chaco wilderness. A Mennonite colony nearby Asunción, with the convenience of a hotel, is Friesland, located on a side-road of Ruta 3.
Paraguay is a top travel destination!
Paraguay has Jesuit Missions and Franciscan churches for the historically inclined; shoppers can enjoy Ciudad to their hearts’ content; lovers of modern wonders will enjoy a tour at the Itaipu Dam; and the museum enthusiasts have enough to see in Asunción – there is a tourist attraction to be found for all travellers. Last but not least, the good-natured Paraguayans will pleasantly surprise all travellers, who will leave the country wondering what had kept them away for so long. For more information on Paraguay, this overview will give you lots of additional information.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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