Travel to Paraguay – Episode 927

Hear about travel to Paraguay as the Amateur Traveler talks to Alex from AdventureToEveryCountry.com about this lesser-visited country that he has come to love.

Why should you visit Paraguay?

Alex says, “So Paraguay is more about the culture than anything else. It’s not a country that you come to for bucket list tourist attractions. That’s something where you might go to neighboring Brazil for Rio or Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina. Paraguay is much more low-key. It’s more about authentic culture, getting to know the locals, and getting off the tourist trail.”

Alex recommends several attractions and experiences for visitors to Paraguay, focusing on its unique cultural, historical, and natural offerings:

Asunción (Capital City)

1. Palacio de los López: The President’s Palace, an iconic colonial-style building.
2. Pantheon of Heroes: A mausoleum and site of national pride where past heroes are honored.
3. Casa de la Independencia: A free museum showcasing Paraguay’s peaceful independence history.
4. Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera: A cultural center highlighting traditional Paraguayan music and arts.
5. Costanera: A riverside promenade with views of the Paraguay River and the city.
6. Paulista Grill: A Brazilian-style steakhouse serving exceptional meat and a variety of other dishes.
7. Negroni Sky Bar: An upmarket bar offering panoramic views of the Paraguay River.

Day Trips from Asunción

1. Areguá:
   • Known for ceramics and pottery.
   • Hosts a Strawberry Expo during winter (mid-July to mid-September), offering strawberry-related treats.
2. San Bernardino:
   • A popular beach resort for the wealthy, located on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí.
   • Features German-inspired bakeries and sports facilities.
   • Offers boating on the lake (swimming is discouraged due to pollution).

Encarnación and Surroundings

1. Jesuit Missions (UNESCO World Heritage Sites):
   • Santísima Trinidad del Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue: Historical ruins showcasing the collaboration between Jesuits and Guaraní people.
   • San Cosme y Damián: Includes an observatory and more isolated ruins (requires careful planning for transportation).
2. Beaches: Encarnación offers some of Paraguay’s best beaches during the summer months.

Ciudad del Este and Surroundings

1. Saltos del Monday: Smaller but quieter waterfalls compared to Iguazú Falls, offering an authentic experience without crowds.
2. Itaipu Dam: A massive hydroelectric dam shared with Brazil, featuring free tours on the Paraguayan side.

The Chaco Region

1. Wildlife: Home to exotic animals like tapirs, crocodiles, and rare jaguars, as well as livestock roaming freely.
2. Indigenous Culture: Traditional villages of the Toba people, showcasing unique lifestyles and customs.

Cultural Highlights

1. Football (Soccer): Paraguayans are passionate about the sport, with lively matches featuring local and international players.
2. Tereré Culture: Paraguay’s national drink, a cold herbal tea similar to mate, often shared communally.

Festivals and Holidays

1. Semana Santa (Holy Week): A week of religious processions and celebrations.
2. Virgin of Caacupé Day (December 8): A significant religious event.
3. Founding of Asunción (August 15): Features traditional dances, crafts markets, and food.

Unique Experiences

• Markets:
  • Mercado 4 in Asunción: A sprawling, chaotic local market selling everything from live chickens to street food.
  • Local Shopping: Paseo La Galería for upscale malls or smaller traditional markets.
• Food: Renowned steakhouses and local delicacies such as empanadas and desserts.

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Show Notes

AdventureToEveryCountry.com
Paraguay
Asunción
Palacio de los López
Carlos Antonio López
National Pantheon of the Heroes
Casa de la Independencia Museum
Cultural Center of the Republic
Paulista Grill restaurant, Asuncion
Aquarella restaurant, Asuncion
Rodizio restaurant, Asuncion
Sul Brasil restaurant, Asuncion
Brasa&Lena restaurant, Asuncion
O Gauchi restaurant, Asuncion
Paraguay national football team
Cerro Porteño, football
Club Nacional, football
Paseo La Galería in Asunción
Mercado Municipal 4
Negroni Downtown Skybar, Asuncion
Ypacaraí Lake
Areguá
San Bernardino
Strawberry Expo
Alfajor
Alemana 1, San Bernardino
Encarnación, Paraguay
Ruins of Jesús de Tavarangue
La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
San Cosme y Damián
Guaraní people
Chaco (Paraguay)
Toba people
Ciudad del Este
Saltos del Monday
Itaipu Dam
Tereré
7 Day Paraguay Itinerary: From Asuncion To Ciudad Del Este
19 Best Things To Do In Asuncion, Paraguay

Community

on Travel to Ushuaia, Argentina – Episode 925:

Great episode. End of the world post office was permanently closed as of mid-December 2024. – avc.4×4

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