Things to do in Paraguay

I spent a month in Paraguay traveling around the country to learn more about this not-so-popular travel destination in South America.

In this guide, I will share with you the best things to do in Paraguay.

1. Salto Cristal

2. Monday Falls

3. Asuncion

4. San Bernardino & Aregua

5. Encarnacion & Jesuit Missions

6. Eco Reserva Mbatoví 

7. Chaco

Salto Cristal

I want to start with my personal favorite - Salto Cristal. It is a wonderful place where to spend a day. It will be a bit of a road trip to get there from Asunsion but the final destination is worth it. There is a small entrance fee to enter the territory but there you will find convenient parking and a lunch spot. To get to the waterfall you will need to climb quite a few steps. A little walk through the jungle and you will reach this beautiful waterfall where you can also swim. To swim close to the waterfall you will need to wear a lifejacket but you can dip in the area around.

The only challenge you might have to face is the way how to reach it. There is no public transport going there and I couldn't find any tours offering the transfer so your only way is by renting a car. From Asunción, by car, the journey takes approximately 3 hours.

While on the route to the waterfalls, you can also explore the surrounding Ybycuí National Park. The park serves as a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna. Its lush forests host numerous plant species, such as hardwood trees and vibrant orchids. The wildlife includes mammals like capuchin monkeys and armadillos, along with an abundant variety of bird species. In the park, you can go hiking and swim in the natural pools formed by waterfalls.

Monday Falls

Talking about waterfalls, another impressive waterfall system I have to mention is the Monday Falls located in Ciudad del Este. I don't think it is worth taking the 6-hour bus ride just to see them, but they could be a great stop on your way to or back from Iguazu Falls.

While in Paraguay you have an amazing opportunity to visit Iguazu Falls. Do not miss out on this spectacular place. It is the biggest waterfall system located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, next to the border of Paraguay. The internal flight tickets in Brazil and Argentina are always more than $100 one way. From Asuncion, you can get a 6h bus ride for less than $20! Paraguay is definitely the cheapest on most convenient way how to get to Iguazu Falls. With the bus, you will reach the city Ciudad del Este, get a taxi to the border, cross the border, and get a taxi to your accommodation. If you are lucky, like I was, I arranged with my taxi in Paraguay to take me through the border to the hotel in Brazil.

While in Ciduad Este, you can also visit Itaipu Dam, which is one of the biggest and most powerful dams in the world. Located on the Paraná River between Paraguay and Brazil, it provides approximately 75% of Paraguay's electricity and 15% of Brazil's. You can book a guided tour to learn more about the dam and its influence on Paraguay, visit the Itaipu Dam museum, or simply enjoy the impressive views.

Asuncion

Of course, you can't skip the capital - Asuncion. Asuncion Downtown features some of the most important sites in Paraguay, like:

• The President's Palace - The Palacio de los López

• A mausoleum for notable figures in Paraguay - The National Pantheon of the Heroes

• The building where Paraguay's independence was signed - Casa de la Independencia

• Main Catholic church in Paraguay - Catedral Metropolitana de Asunción

In Asuncion, you will also find several interesting museums and an amazing restaurant scene. I go more into detail about all my favorite places in Asuncion in my '10 things to do in Asuncion' Guide!

San Bernardino & Aregua

If you fancy a quick and easy day trip from Asuncion then San Bernardino will be your best option! It is a wonderful town by the lake Ypacaraí. There you can enjoy a nice walk by the promenade, take a boat ride, or simply sit at one of the relaxing spots by the lake. The lake is quite big and unfortunately, in some places, it is not advised to swim, but by San Bernardino, you can swim. Although I personally opted out from swimming due to health concerns. I enjoyed simply chilling by the lake and watching the sunset.

On the way to San Bernardino or back, you can also stop at the town of Aregua. It features a beautiful church and I really enjoyed the visit to Centro Cultural del Lago. The center features a wide variety of Paraguayan art, such as ceramics, paintings, and indigenous crafts. It serves as a space for both renowned and up-and-coming artists to showcase their creations. It is free of charge and is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The best time to visit Aregua is from early July to late September when the peak harvest season of strawberries is on. Aregua is famous for its strawberry production, celebrated each year at the Strawberry Expo (Expo Frutilla). During this time, the town buzzes with activity as vendors sell fresh strawberries and a variety of strawberry-based treats like jams, liquors, pastries, and even empanadas.

Encarnacion & Jesuit Missions

If you do want to go for a swim anywhere in Paraguay it will be quite difficult as Paraguay is the only country in South America that does not have direct access to the sea. To enjoy a 'beach day' in Paraguay you will need to make your way to Encarnacion, a city in the South of Paraguay. There you will find Playa San José which is situated on the right bank of the Paraná River, facing Argentina.

While in the area, you can also visit the Jesuit Missions that were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing the remarkable partnership between Jesuit missionaries and the indigenous Guaraní people. These settlements, called reducciones, blended European religious and cultural traditions with Guaraní customs, creating a unique and thriving society that lasted over 150 years.

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Eco Reserva Mbatoví 

For all those looking for some fun time in nature, I recommend Eco Reserva Mbatoví. It is a nature reserve that offers experiences such as canopy walks, zip-lining, and hiking trails. The park is also conveniently located only about a 2-hour drive away from Asuncion. The park is only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Chaco

For those wanting to roam into more remote parts of the country, Chako will be the best choice. It covers over 60% of Paraguay's land but is home to less than 3% of Paraguay's population, making it one of the most sparsely inhabited regions in South America. The Chaco is a place of extreme weather, with very hot summers, cooler winters, and little rain, making it dry and tough. Even so, it is full of amazing wildlife like jaguars, giant armadillos, and many birds, making it a great spot for a safari tour. Indigenous groups like the Guaraní and Ayoreo have lived here for centuries, adapting to the land. For travelers looking for adventure, the Paraguayan Chaco is a chance to explore wild landscapes, see unique animals, and learn about the culture of the people who live there.

If you are planning your trip to Paraguay, make sure to check out my guide of important things you need to know before traveling to Paraguay!