Paraguay might not be the first place you think of when it comes to stunning photography, but this underrated gem is full of surprises. From its natural landscapes to incredible cultural sights, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to fill up your camera roll.
Best Locations for Photography in Paraguay
1. Asunción – Historic Streets and Architecture
Asunción, the capital city, is a great starting point. The old part of town has beautiful colonial architecture. If you’re into capturing street scenes, the colorful markets and charming buildings make for great shots. Try snapping photos early in the morning to get that soft natural light.
It’s also a must to visit La Costanera. This long riverside promenade offers views of both the city skyline and the Paraguay River. It’s a perfect spot for sunset shots with dramatic colors in the sky.
2. The Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are incredible for photography. The ruins are best captured during the golden hour, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You’ll get stunning light that softens the textures of the ancient walls and emphasizes shadows.
Make sure to bring a wide-angle lens if you have one; the vastness of the ruins really comes out in wide shots. Even with a smartphone, using panorama mode can work wonders here.
3. Cerro Cora National Park
If you like nature shots, head to Cerro Cora National Park. With wide landscapes, hills, and dense forest areas, it’s a goldmine for nature photography. I recommend heading here at sunrise for foggy, magical shots or late afternoon for vibrant colors.
Don’t forget to take a zoom lens if you can; the distant mountains and unique rock formations are stunning but hard to capture with just a standard lens. If you’re using a smartphone, focus on using the zoom feature in moderation to avoid grainy results.
4. Lake Ypacaraí
Lake Ypacaraí is the perfect spot for water photography, sunsets, and reflections. This popular retreat spot is a short drive from Asunción, and a visit during sunset will give you calm waters and beautiful reflections of the sky. Don’t forget to focus on symmetry with your shots to make the most of the reflections in the water.
If you have a camera with a tripod, this is the place to use it. A long exposure shot can capture silky water and accentuate the gentle movement of the sky.
5. The Chaco Region
The Chaco is one of the most remote areas in Paraguay, but it’s full of unique desert landscapes, indigenous culture, and wildlife. It’s best to visit during early morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense, but also because these are the best times for dramatic light.
Bring a lens with zoom capability for wildlife, as animals like large birds or even jaguars can be spotted here. Since the Chaco is more rural, make sure you are respectful when photographing indigenous people and always ask permission before taking photos of them.
Best Times to Capture Stunning Shots
If you want to make the most of your photography in Paraguay, timing will make all the difference. For landscape photography, aim to shoot during “golden hour.” This is the time just after sunrise and just before sunset, when the light is soft and warm.
Midday is generally not the best time to shoot, as the light can be too harsh and cause overexposure. However, in places with heavy tree cover, like forests, this time can work better than in open landscapes.
For street photography, weekdays are vibrant in cities like Asunción. Markets and busy plazas are especially active in the mornings as vendors set up their stalls. You can also capture authentic life shots without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos
Though Paraguay is laid-back, it’s always important to respect local culture when taking photos. In general, people in public spaces don’t mind having their photo taken, especially in cities like Asunción.
However, if you’re photographing indigenous communities or rural areas, it’s courteous to ask for permission first. A simple smile and gesture toward your camera will often convey your request. Always respect those who decline, and never photograph inside churches or during religious ceremonies without explicit permission.
Photography Equipment Tips
1. Camera Options
You don’t need a fancy camera to capture the beauty of Paraguay. Even a good smartphone can produce incredible shots if you know how to use it. However, if you want to step it up, a mirrorless camera or a small DSLR is ideal for travel. Both are lighter than bulky professional cameras and offer the flexibility to change lenses.
2. Recommended Lenses
If you’re bringing a camera with interchangeable lenses, keep it simple with just a couple of lenses. A wide-angle lens is perfect for landscapes and architectural shots. Meanwhile, a zoom lens will help for wildlife or when you’re photographing from a distance.
If you’re only bringing one lens, a 24-70mm lens is versatile enough to handle most situations, from wide-angle landscape shots to decent zoom for closer subjects.
3. Smartphone Photography Tips
For smartphone photographers, the best rule is to take advantage of natural light. Always position your subject with the sunlight in mind. Since smartphones aren’t great in low light, avoid shooting after sunset without proper lighting.
Take advantage of your phone’s portrait mode for subjects like people or even food photography. This can blur the background and allow your subject to stand out. Mid-range phones today have decent quality cameras, but if you’re looking for top-tier images, models like the iPhone Pro or the Google Pixel are your best bet.
4. Tripods and Stabilizers
If you like shooting landscapes or experimenting with night photography, bring a small travel tripod. They’re lightweight and work for both classic cameras and smartphones. A tripod will allow you to take long exposure shots to capture stunning night skies, smooth water effects, and prevent any motion blur.
For video, especially if you’re planning to vlog or capture moving subjects, consider a stabilizer for your phone or camera. Gimbals are compact nowadays and will help you get smooth video footage, especially if you’re filming while walking or from a moving vehicle.
Editing Tips to Enhance Your Photos
Whether you’re using a camera or a smartphone, editing your photos can take them to the next level. You don’t need professional software for that. Apps like Lightroom (available on both desktop and mobile) can give you the tools to adjust lighting, contrast, and color balance.
The key to good editing is to keep it natural. Don’t overdo filters. Adjust exposure if your shot is too dark, and play around with the color temperature to emphasize warm or cool tones. Editing can turn a decent shot into something extraordinary with the right tweaks.
Extra Tips for Drone Photography
If you’re a drone enthusiast, Paraguay has stunning landscapes that are perfect for aerial shots. Just remember to check local regulations before flying your drone in national parks or urban areas.
The Jesuit Missions and Lake Ypacaraí offer great opportunities for wide, sweeping shots. Make sure you scout your locations ahead of time to ensure you’re not flying in restricted areas. Drones with stabilized cameras like the DJI Mini 3 Pro are ideal because they’re lightweight and take high-quality images.
Final Thoughts
Paraguay may not be as talked about as its neighbors, but it’s full of photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re capturing city scenes in Asunción, breathtaking landscapes in Cerro Cora, or detailing the intricate ruins of La Santísima Trinidad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to improve your photography.
So, pack light, plan around the sun, and respect the culture. You’ll leave with not just great pictures but also unforgettable memories.
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