Overview of Paraguay
Landlocked among South America's tourist favourites of Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia, Paraguay is unfairly overlooked by all but the most intrepid travellers and eco-tourists.
The country is unique in South America in that it largely resisted the cultural devastation wrought by the Spanish conquistadors, and has therefore preserved the cultural dominance of its pre-Columbian Guarani people.
A series of dictatorships have marred its progress since Paraguay became a republic in 1811, but more recently the country has enjoyed a period of relatively peaceful democracy and is fairly prosperous thanks to its thriving agricultural economy.
Those who fly into the capital, Asuncion, will find a large, relaxed city with a great Latin American atmosphere and plenty of historical interest. The city's rich 450-year history is reflected in the downtown architecture, including the Asuncion Cathedral, as well as some modern marvels such as the beautiful Lirico Theatre. In addition, Asuncion boasts a fun nightlife, vast shopping malls, and some excellent hotels and restaurants.
Rivers are the lifeblood of Paraguay and a scenic cruise from Asuncion to Concepcion is a popular option for tourists. Concepcion is a laidback little town about 130 miles (210km) north of the capital, the most notable feature of which is its riverside setting.
Travellers of a more adventurous persuasion can make expeditions to the western Chaco region, where some fascinating German Mennonite communities can be found living alongside the indigenous Guarani people, and hundreds of species of flora and fauna flourish in the marshes.
Paraguay is essentially a blank travel book awaiting further chapters. Although tourist amenities may be lacking outside of the capital, those keen on getting off the beaten track in a largely unspoilt South American country will find plenty of charm, raw wilderness and authentic indigenous culture in Paraguay, making it a rewarding and memorable destination.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Both Spanish and indigenous Guarani are official languages. English is not widely spoken or understood.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Those requiring visas must apply to the nearest Paraguayan consulate. It is recommended that travellers always have six months' validity on their passports as immigration officials may impose restrictions other than those officially stated. Vaccinations against yellow fever are required for passengers arriving from or transiting infected areas.
- Currency:
-
The currency of Paraguay is the Paraguayan guarani (PYG). United States Dollars are also widely accepted. Visitors are advised to use banks or official Bureaux de Change for exchanging money rather than street exchange kiosks because there are many counterfeit notes in circulation. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside the major cities and may come with a surcharge. There are numerous ATMs in urban centres, which generally take Cirrus, Maestro, and Visa cards, but visitors who use them are advised to be vigilant due to the risk of crime. Banks are open Monday to Saturday between about 8.00am and 1pm.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are standard.
Travel to Paraguay
Overview
This vibrant country in the centre of South America is relatively unfrequented by tourists and therefore doesn't have the same extensive list of traditional sightseeing attractions as that of some of its well-known neighbours.
Although this can make it more difficult to know where to go and what to do, the non-commercialised and unscripted nature of travel in Paraguay is a huge part of the country's appeal for travellers, as the culture feels authentic and the tourist sites aren't overcrowded.
Paraguay is a great place to visit for those who enjoy marvelling at waterfalls and exploring lush rainforests. The beautiful Saltos del Monday waterfall is the centrepiece of the Municipal Park Monday, which is a great outdoor playground for tourists wanting to experience the natural splendour of Paraguay.
There are camping facilities, picnic sites, and hiking trails, while tour operators offer fun adventure activities such as climbing and rappelling alongside the dramatic falls. The park is easily accessible from the city of Ciudad del Este, which is also the gateway to the magnificent Iguazu Falls shared by Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Other wonderful wilderness areas in Paraguay include the eight Itaipu Ecological Reserves, which protect swathes of Paraguay's remaining rainforest, as well as the vast Cerro Cora National Park and Ybycui National Park, conveniently located near Asuncion.
Although the historic centre of Asuncion offers some worthy landmarks, museums and monuments, the most highly regarded cultural attraction of Paraguay is surely the collection of 17th-century Jesuit missions near the city of Encarnacion. These UNESCO-listed wonders are a treat to explore, the best preserved of which is Trinidad de Parana. La Santisima and Jesus de Tavarangue are definitely also worth a visit, though.
Climate in Paraguay
Situated on the Tropic of Capricorn, Paraguay enjoys a hot subtropical climate, with long sultry summers (October to March) and an average annual temperature of about 75ºF (24ºC). The east of the country is more humid and wet, with only slight seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall throughout the year. The western Chaco region has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, almost semi-arid, with plenty of rainfall in the summer months but severe dry spells in winter.
Generally, the best time to visit Paraguay is between March and October when it is cooler, as the peak summer months (December to February) can be uncomfortably hot and humid.
Health Notes when travelling to Paraguay
All travellers should be vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and those planning to travel in rural areas and eat outside of hotels and restaurants should consider a vaccination for typhoid. All travellers arriving from yellow fever risk areas need to carry proof of vaccination to enter Paraguay and the vaccination is also generally recommended for travel in the country.
Travellers should also be up to date with vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. The risk of malaria is low, though medication is recommended. Tap water is safe in Asuncion, but bottled water is generally the better option, particularly for those who are sensitive to minor dietary changes. Caution should be exercised with street food and any uncooked food.
Healthcare facilities are good in Asuncion but may be very limited beyond the capital. Comprehensive travel and health insurance is recommended and all required medication should be carried into the country, along with a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Paraguay
Most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free but visitors should note that incidents of violent crime are on the increase, particularly pickpocketing, muggings and other street crimes in Asuncion, Ciudad del Este, and Pedro Juan Caballero.
Visitors should take sensible precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash, wearing visible jewellery, or displaying valuables, especially when walking the streets or using public transport.
Those who travel around the country should note that there are frequent military and police roadblocks and checkpoints in operation. Travellers are advised to avoid protests, as they occasionally become violent.
Customs in Paraguay
Visitors should respect the fact that Paraguayans are a conservative people who value old-fashioned courtesies. Homosexuality is legal but public displays of affection are frowned upon. All residents and visitors are required to carry identification at all times. Generally, authorities will accept a photocopy of documents like passports. As with neighbouring countries, locals enjoy a siesta over lunch when they snooze or drink maté (local tea) with friends. Shops and businesses may be closed at this time.
Duty Free in Paraguay
Visitors to Paraguay may bring into the country amounts of tobacco products, alcohol and perfume deemed sufficient for personal use during their stay. The value of goods brought into the country should not exceed USD 300 if arriving by air or water, and USD 150 if arriving by land.
Doing Business in Paraguay
Those heading for business meetings in Paraguay would be well advised to hire an interpreter or have a working knowledge of Spanish, as English is not widely spoken, even in the capital. Business appointments are formal and generally occur in the mornings.
Dress should be conservative, preferably lightweight business suits for men and the equivalent for women. Business hours are from about 8am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on Saturday.
Communication in Paraguay
The international direct dialling code for Paraguay is +595. Local SIM cards are significantly cheaper than roaming and wifi is common in the cities, where all hotels and most bars and restaurants offer it.
Tipping in Paraguay
Tips of a few thousand guaranies are usually appreciated, though travellers shouldn't insist if locals reject the offers. As a rough guide, bars do not expect tips, and a gratuity of between 5000 and 1000 PYG is standard for meals at pricier restaurants.
Passport/Visa Note
Those requiring visas must apply to the nearest Paraguayan consulate. It is recommended that travellers always have six months' validity on their passports as immigration officials may impose restrictions other than those officially stated. Vaccinations against yellow fever are required for passengers arriving from or transiting infected areas.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
United States citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay. Visas can be issued on arrival at Asuncion for a max stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay, but visas can be issued on arrival at Asuncion for a max stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens require a valid passport valid for 6 months from the date of exit, but can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay, but visas can be issued on arrival at Asuncion for a max stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Citizens of Ireland require a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay, but visas can be issued on arrival at Asuncion for a max stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Tourist Offices
National Tourism Secretariat: 595 21 450 965. Official Tourism Website: http://www.senatur.gov.py
Paraguay Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Embassy of Paraguay, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 483 6960.
- In Canada:
-
Embassy of Paraguay, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 1283.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Embassy of Paraguay, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7610 4180.
- In Australia:
-
Consulate-General of Paraguay, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6156 4522.
- In South Africa:
-
Embassy of Paraguay, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 347 1047.
Foreign Embassies in Paraguay
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Asuncion: +595 (0)21 213 715.
- Canadian Embassy
-
Honorary Consulate of Canada, Asuncion: +595 (0)21 227 207.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Asuncion: +595 (0)21 614 588.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires, Argentina (also responsible for Paraguay): +54 (0)11 4779 3500.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Buenos Aires, Argentina (also responsible for Paraguay): +54 (0)11 5070 0700.
- South African Embassy
-
South African Honourary Consulate, Asuncion: +595 (0)21 441 971.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Paraguay
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Paraguay, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Paraguay. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Paraguay, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Paraguay
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Paraguay, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. Country entry requirement: The government of Paraguay requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Paraguay. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. |  |
| Malaria | Although the risk of malaria is low in Paraguay, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Some travelers to certain areas who are at higher risk for complications from malaria (such as pregnant women) may need to take extra precautions, like antimalarial medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Paraguay, see malaria in Paraguay. |  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Paraguay, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Paraguay. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Paraguay, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Paraguay
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Paraguay, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.
Country entry requirement: The government of Paraguay requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Paraguay. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Although the risk of malaria is low in Paraguay, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Some travelers to certain areas who are at higher risk for complications from malaria (such as pregnant women) may need to take extra precautions, like antimalarial medicine. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Paraguay, see malaria in Paraguay.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Paraguay, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Paraguay. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Paraguay. For more information, see Zika Virus in Paraguay.
Hide If your travel plans in Paraguay include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Paraguay’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Paraguay. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Paraguay may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Paraguay, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Paraguay for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Paraguay.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The currency of Paraguay is the Paraguayan guarani (PYG). United States Dollars are also widely accepted. Visitors are advised to use banks or official Bureaux de Change for exchanging money rather than street exchange kiosks because there are many counterfeit notes in circulation. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside the major cities and may come with a surcharge. There are numerous ATMs in urban centres, which generally take Cirrus, Maestro, and Visa cards, but visitors who use them are advised to be vigilant due to the risk of crime. Banks are open Monday to Saturday between about 8.00am and 1pm.
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Exchange rate for 1 PYG - Paraguayan Guaraní
|
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
0.00 EUR
Euro
|
0.00 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.00 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
0.02 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.00 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.00 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.00 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
0.00 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
0.06 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
0.27 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.00 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
0.00 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
0.02 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
|
0.00 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.00 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
0.00 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
0.00 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
0.00 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
0.01 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
0.00 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
0.00 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
0.10 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
0.00 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
0.00 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
0.00 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
0.00 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
0.02 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
0.21 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
0.00 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
0.00 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
0.12 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
0.08 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
0.00 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
0.00 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
0.02 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
0.52 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
0.00 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.00 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
0.01 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
0.01 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
0.01 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
0.00 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
0.00 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
0.00 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
0.03 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
0.01 THB
Thai Baht
|
0.00 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
0.00 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
0.00 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
0.00 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
0.10 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
3.96 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
0.00 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
0.00 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
0.00 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
0.00 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
0.00 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
0.00 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
0.55 COP
Colombian Peso
|
0.01 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
0.05 HUF
Hungarian Forint
|
0.00 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
|
2.41 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
|
0.00 EGP
Egyptian Pound
|
0.21 KRW
South Korean Won
|
0.00 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
|
0.10 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
|
0.00 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
|
0.02 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
|
0.01 RUB
Russian Rouble
|
0.00 ZAR
South African Rand
|
0.00 TND
Tunisian Dinar
|
0.00 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
|
0.00 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
|
0.00 TRY
Turkish Lira
|
0.01 PHP
Philippine Peso
|
0.01 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
|
0.03 NGN
Nigerian Naira
|
0.02 XPF
CFP Franc
|
0.00 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
|
0.02 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
|
0.00 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
|
0.00 BND
Brunei Dollar
|
0.02 RSD
Serbian Dinar
|
0.00 CNY
Chinese Yuan
|
3.51 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
|
0.00 DKK
Danish Krone
|
0.00 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
|
0.01 INR
Indian Rupee
|
|
|
|
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Paraguayan Guaraní
Exchange Rate for
Euro to Paraguayan Guaraní
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Paraguayan Guaraní
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Paraguayan Guaraní
Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Paraguayan Guaraní
Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Paraguayan Guaraní
Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Paraguayan Guaraní
Asuncion Airport (ASU)
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport
Location: Asuncion The airport is situated in Luque, a suburb of the capital Asuncion, about six miles (10km) from the city centre.
Time: GMT -4.
Getting to the city:
A bus and taxi services connect to the city. The bus is a short walk away from the terminal and trips take around 40 minutes. Taxis are more expensive but can get passengers to the city in around 20 minutes.
Car rental:
Several car rental companies are represented at the airport, including American Rent A Car, Sudamerica Rent A Car, and Travel Rent A Car.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
The airport terminal offers currency exchange facilities, ATMs, baggage wrapping, a duty free shop, and restaurants.
Parking:
Overview of the Attractions in Paraguay
This vibrant country in the centre of South America is relatively unfrequented by tourists and therefore doesn't have the same extensive list of traditional sightseeing attractions as that of some of its well-known neighbours.
Although this can make it more difficult to know where to go and what to do, the non-commercialised and unscripted nature of travel in Paraguay is a huge part of the country's appeal for travellers, as the culture feels authentic and the tourist sites aren't overcrowded.
Paraguay is a great place to visit for those who enjoy marvelling at waterfalls and exploring lush rainforests. The beautiful Saltos del Monday waterfall is the centrepiece of the Municipal Park Monday, which is a great outdoor playground for tourists wanting to experience the natural splendour of Paraguay.
There are camping facilities, picnic sites, and hiking trails, while tour operators offer fun adventure activities such as climbing and rappelling alongside the dramatic falls. The park is easily accessible from the city of Ciudad del Este, which is also the gateway to the magnificent Iguazu Falls shared by Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Other wonderful wilderness areas in Paraguay include the eight Itaipu Ecological Reserves, which protect swathes of Paraguay's remaining rainforest, as well as the vast Cerro Cora National Park and Ybycui National Park, conveniently located near Asuncion.
Although the historic centre of Asuncion offers some worthy landmarks, museums and monuments, the most highly regarded cultural attraction of Paraguay is surely the collection of 17th-century Jesuit missions near the city of Encarnacion. These UNESCO-listed wonders are a treat to explore, the best preserved of which is Trinidad de Parana. La Santisima and Jesus de Tavarangue are definitely also worth a visit, though.
Ciudad del Este
Asuncion
Located on the border with Brazil, Ciudad del Este is the second largest city in Paraguay and is considered the top shopping destination in the country. The border crossing gets a steady stream of traffic from neighbouring countries for this reason, with visitors taking advantage of the low taxes. The city may not be particularly attractive to tourists otherwise, though there are some sightseeing options and a variety of good restaurants to enjoy. Ciudad del Este is also conveniently situated for tourists heading to Iguazu Falls or the Salsto del Monday waterwall.
Encarnacion
Asuncion
The market town of Encarnacion lies 200 miles (374km) from Asuncion and is Paraguay's most attractive city. Known as the Pearl of the South, the city's main attractions are the ruins of the Jesuit Missions of La Santisima, Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangue, listed jointly as a UNESCO World Heritage site and depicted in the famous 1986 film, The Mission. The city also boasts a pleasant artificial beach along the river, which is a popular place for sunning, swimming, and watersports such as boating, jet skiing and wakeboarding. Paraguay's most famous carnival celebrations take place here in January and February, making this a fun time to visit the city and join in the revelry.
Filadelfia
Asuncion
Founded as a Mennonite colony in 1930, Filadelfia is a pocket of German culture in Paraguay. This small, neat farming community resembles a German suburb more than it does a Paraguayan city, and life largely revolves around its huge dairy cooperative. Visitors can learn about the colony's history at the Jakob Unger Museum, which offers tours in German and Spanish; and the Haushaltsmuseum, which has a particularly interesting exhibit on the Chaco War. Filadelfia also acts as a sort of gateway to the Chaco region, as it is the last stop for groceries and other essentials before heading into the wild.
Public Holidays in Paraguay
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Independence Day |
Thu. May 15 |
Thu. May 15 |
| May Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Maundy Thursday |
Wed. April 9 |
Tue. April 1 |
| National Heroes' Day |
Sat. March 1 |
Sat. March 1 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| Asuncion Foundation Day |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Independence Holiday |
Wed. May 14 |
Wed. May 14 |
| Virgin of Caacupe Day |
Mon. December 8 |
Mon. December 8 |
| Boqueron Battle Victory Day |
Mon. September 29 |
Mon. September 29 |
| Chaco Armistice Day |
Thu. June 12 |
Thu. June 12 |
