Nestled deep in the center of the continent, Paraguay remains one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Largely untouched by mass tourism, it is a deeply authentic, bilingual nation where the indigenous Guaraní language and culture blend seamlessly with Spanish colonial heritage. Traveling here offers a raw, unfiltered experience. You will find yourself sipping ice-cold tereré with welcoming locals in leafy town plazas, exploring pristine 17th-century Jesuit missions, and spotting exotic wildlife in the vast, remote expanses of the Gran Chaco. For the intrepid traveler seeking genuine hospitality and a relaxed pace of life, Paraguay is an incredibly rewarding destination.
Main Gateway
Silvio Pettirossi Int. (ASU)
Best Time
May to September
Currency
Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG)
Culture Vibe
Authentic & Welcoming
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Central • Capital
Asunción
The Mother of Cities. A fascinating mix of faded historic mansions, lush tropical plazas, modern malls, and a vibrant new riverside promenade.
Explore Asunción Guide →Essential Paraguay Travel Tips
Need-to-know information before you board your flight.
If there is one thing you must understand about Paraguay, it is Tereré. This traditional drink is a cold infusion of yerba mate and medicinal herbs, sipped through a metal straw (bombilla) from a shared cup (guampa). More than just a refreshment to beat the heat, drinking tereré is a vital social ritual. If a local offers to share their tereré with you, consider it a genuine gesture of friendship and welcome.
Buses are the lifeblood of transportation in Paraguay. To travel between major cities like Asunción, Encarnación, and Ciudad del Este, you will find highly comfortable, air-conditioned double-decker buses (often with lie-flat seats) operated by companies like NSA. For shorter distances, you will encounter colorful, older local buses. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are very popular, incredibly affordable, and widely used in the capital, Asunción.
Paraguay is a truly bilingual nation. While Spanish is spoken by almost everyone and is used in business and government, Guaraní is the language of the heart. Most locals blend the two into a dialect known as "Jopara." Learning a few words of Guaraní—such as Mba'éichapa (How are you?) or Aguyje (Thank you)—will instantly endear you to the locals, who are famously warm but not accustomed to seeing many international tourists.
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