Highlights
The UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue are the country's cultural treasures — evocative red-stone ruins of 17th- and 18th-century mission settlements (the world of the film 'The Mission'), beautifully carved and atmospheric, especially at sunset.
Asunción, the relaxed riverside capital and one of the Americas' oldest cities, offers colonial architecture, the Panteón de los Héroes, lively markets, a growing food scene and a laid-back pace. The nearby 'Circuito de Oro' loop links craft towns famous for the delicate ñandutí lace, silver filigree and leatherwork.
For nature and adventure, the vast Chaco — a hot, wild expanse of scrub and wetland in the west — offers exceptional birding and wildlife (jaguars, giant anteaters) and fascinating Mennonite colonies, while the Pantanal fringes and the Ñacunday and Monday waterfalls near the Brazilian border add scenery. It's a country for travellers seeking somewhere genuinely untouristed.
When to go
May to September (the cooler, drier season) is the most comfortable time to visit — pleasant days for the city, the Jesuit ruins and the Chaco, avoiding the intense summer heat.
Summer (December to February) is very hot and humid, often above 35-40°C, making sightseeing tiring, though it's lush and green. Spring and autumn are transitional. The Chaco in the west is hot and dry; the east greener and more humid. Paraguay is a genuine year-round destination but far more pleasant outside the sweltering summer. For the Jesuit missions, the capital and wildlife, aim for the mild dry season, May to September.
Visa & entry
Many nationalities (including the EU, UK, Canada, Australia) can enter Paraguay visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days, while some may need a visa or can obtain one on arrival — requirements vary by nationality. A passport valid six months and proof of onward travel are typically required.
Confirm the current, nationality-specific visa requirements with a Paraguayan embassy or official sources before you travel, as rules can change, particularly for US citizens whose requirements have varied over time.
Health & safety
Paraguay is generally welcoming and among the quieter countries in the region for tourists, though it is less set up for travellers, so a little Spanish (and patience) helps. Petty theft occurs in Asunción and Ciudad del Este (a bustling border-trade city that warrants extra caution), so take normal urban precautions and avoid displaying valuables.
The main practical challenges are the intense summer heat, long distances, and rough roads in the remote Chaco (where travel needs preparation and, ideally, a guide). Drink bottled water. Healthcare is limited outside Asunción. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure; most areas are calm.
Getting around
Long-distance buses are the main way to travel, connecting Asunción with Encarnación (for the Jesuit ruins), Ciudad del Este and other towns affordably, with comfortable 'ejecutivo' services on main routes. A hire car offers flexibility for the Circuito de Oro and eastern regions on decent roads, though the remote Chaco demands a sturdy vehicle and care.
Asunción has city buses and ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber), the easiest way around the capital. Given the distances and the off-the-beaten-path nature, buses plus a hired driver or car for rural sites work best. Domestic flights are very limited.
Money
The Guaraní is the local currency and comes in large numbers, and Paraguay is largely a cash economy — carry plenty of cash, especially outside Asunción, as card acceptance is limited to hotels, malls and larger establishments in the main cities. ATMs are available in towns and dispense guaraníes (and sometimes US dollars), but rural areas are cash-only.
US dollars can be exchanged (bring clean notes). Paraguay is one of the cheapest countries in South America, offering excellent value. Tipping is modest — round up or leave around 10% for good restaurant service, and small tips for guides and drivers.
Paraguay