Tourist attractions in Paraguay

Paraguay is small enough to see properly and quiet enough that you will often have a place to yourself. Below are the places worth travelling for — the ruins, the parks, the waterfalls and the city — with self-guided trip guides that explain how to get there.

Trip guides to these places

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Smiling farmer in a straw hat harvests yerba mate leaves on a rural plantation

Yerba Mate Tour: Visiting Paraguay's Mate Country

Plan your own yerba mate tour to the plantations and drying houses of southern Paraguay: where to go, when, how to get there and how to arrange a visit.

Shoppers with bags walking through a bright mall atrium in Asunción

Shopping in Asunción: Where and How to Shop

A shopping Asunción guide to malls, electronics, leather and markets, with tips on checking authenticity, warranties, payment and customs.

Families stroll along the palm lined lakefront promenade of San Bernardino at sunset

San Bernardino Trip: A Self-Guided Day Trip from Asunción

Plan your own San Bernardino trip from Asunción: getting there, German colonial history, bollos, lookouts, the lake and the best time to visit.

People swim in a turquoise pool beneath the Salto Cristal waterfall while another rappels down

Salto Cristal Tour: How to Visit the Waterfall on Your Own

Plan your own Salto Cristal tour: how to reach the waterfall in Paraguarí, what the road and the stairs are like, what to bring, and how to stay safe.

Diners at the counter of the historic Lido Bar restaurant in downtown Asuncion since 1953

Restaurants in Asunción: How to Eat Out Well

A restaurants Asunción guide to parrillas, garden dining and fusion kitchens, with tips on reserving, ordering, dietary needs and tipping.

Traditional chipa bread rings next to a mate cup and a Paraguayan flag ribbon

Paraguay Tour: A Suggested Independent Itinerary

Plan your own Paraguay tour with a suggested independent itinerary, ideas for heritage, nature and photography trips, and tips on transport and local guides.

Market stall displaying traditional Paraguayan crafts including mate gourds lace and ceramics

Paraguay Souvenirs: A Buyer's Guide to Authentic Crafts

A buyer's guide to Paraguay souvenirs: Ñandutí lace, filigree jewellery, leather and ceramics, where they are made and how to tell handmade from copies.

Modern apartment towers along a tree-lined street in Villa Morra, Asunción at sunset

Paraguay Real Estate Tour: A Self-Guided Neighbourhood Scouting Guide

A self-guided Paraguay real estate tour for people considering buying or renting: neighbourhoods to explore, what to check on the ground and where to get official advice.

Tour guide talks to a group of tourists in front of the Pantheon of Heroes in Asuncion

Paraguay Culture Tour: A Self-Guided Golden Circuit

Plan your own Paraguay culture tour through Itauguá lace, the Caacupé Basilica and Areguá pottery, with transport, timing and etiquette tips.

Brick columns and grass courtyard of the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad in Paraguay

Jesuit Ruins Tour: How to Visit Trinidad and Jesús on Your Own

How to plan your own Jesuit ruins tour of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue, the UNESCO sites in Paraguay's Itapúa region, by bus, car or local driver.

Tourists in hard hats watch water rushing over Itaipu Dam with a rainbow forming

Itaipu Dam Tour: How to Visit the Dam on Your Own

How to plan an Itaipu Dam tour on your own: getting from Asunción to Hernandarias, the visitor programmes, what to bring and how to combine it with Ciudad del Este.

Wide panorama of Iguazu Falls with a full rainbow arching over the cascades

Iguazu Falls from Asuncion: A Self-Guided Trip Guide

How to plan Iguazu Falls from Asunción on your own: routes via Ciudad del Este, the Brazilian and Argentine sides, border documents and how long to allow.

Slices of traditional Paraguayan sopa paraguaya cornbread served on a plate

Paraguayan Food Tour: A Self-Guided Eating Route

A food Paraguay tour you can do yourself: what to eat from breakfast chipa to a late-night lomito, where to find it and how to eat safely.

Two fishermen reel in a leaping dorado fish from a boat at sunset

Fishing Charters in Paraguay: How to Plan and Hire a Trip

How fishing charters in Paraguay work, what you can catch on the Paraná, and how to evaluate and hire a boat, guide or lodge directly.

Aerial view of the white church and town of Aregua surrounded by hills and trees

Day Trips from Asunción: Self-Guided Options Near the City

Plan day trips Asunción visitors can do on their own: the Golden Circuit, the Franciscan route to Yaguarón and eco-adventure options, with transport tips.

Birdwatcher with binoculars observes a toco toucan perched on a branch

Bird Watching in Paraguay: Where and How to Go

A practical guide to bird watching in Paraguay: the best habitats, when to go, what to bring, and how to find and hire a local bird guide on your own.