Day 1: Arrival in Asunción
Welcome to Paraguay! As soon as you land in Asunción, the country’s capital, get settled into your accommodation. I recommend staying near the city center so you can easily explore.
If you’re not too jetlagged, head out for a casual evening walk. Start by visiting the Plaza de la Democracia to stretch your legs and get a feel for the local vibe. You’ll notice plenty of street vendors, bustling markets, and locals enjoying some tereré (cold yerba mate). It’s a great chance to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere.
Afterward, grab dinner at Lido Bar, a local favorite known for serving traditional Paraguayan dishes like sopa paraguaya and chipa guasu. Get a good night’s sleep—it’s going to be a busy 10 days!
Day 2: Exploring Asunción’s Historic Sites
Today is all about Asunción’s history. Start with a visit to the Palacio de los López, the presidential palace. It’s an iconic building and one of the best examples of colonial architecture in the city.
From there, walk to the Casa de la Independencia Museum, where Paraguay’s independence from Spain was planned. It’s a small museum but packed with history. You’ll learn a lot about Paraguay’s past in no time.
In the afternoon, head over to the Mercado 4. It’s the city’s largest market and a bit chaotic, but that’s part of the fun. You’ll find everything from electronics to fresh produce here. Be sure to try a local snack or two—it’s the real deal.
Wrap up the day with a sunset walk along the Costanera de Asunción. The view of the Paraguay River during sunset is something you won’t forget anytime soon.
Day 3: Day Trip to Areguá
Leave the city hustle behind and head to Areguá, a charming colonial town about an hour’s drive from Asunción. Known for its arts and crafts, Areguá is one of the best places to buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
Start the day at Lago Ypacaraí. It’s a scenic lake surrounded by hills and is a lovely spot for a morning walk or boat ride. Then wander around Areguá’s historic center. The cobbled streets and colonial-era houses make it an ideal place to unwind.
Don’t miss the artisanal market near the main plaza. You can find colorful pottery, handwoven textiles, and all sorts of crafts. If you’re lucky, you might meet some of the artisans themselves. In the afternoon, you can take a hike up the nearby Cerro Koi, famous for its rare hexagonal rock formations.
Day 4: Head to San Bernardino
It’s time for a slow day. Head to San Bernardino, a popular weekend getaway spot about 45 minutes from Asunción. This town sits right on Lake Ypacaraí, making it perfect for relaxing by the water.
You can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake or rent a kayak if you’re feeling active. There are also some great local restaurants along the waterfront. Try the fresh fish from the lake—it’s a local specialty here.
In the late afternoon, lounge around with a drink by the lake and catch another beautiful sunset. There’s no rush today; it’s all about taking things slow.
Day 5: Exploring Encarnación
Today’s travel day. It’s time to head to Encarnación, a city that’s an eight-hour bus ride south of Asunción. The journey is long, but the buses in Paraguay are fairly comfortable, and you’ll get to see local life along the way.
By the time you arrive, you’ll want to check into your hotel and relax for a bit. Encarnación is known as the “pearl of the south” and has a great riverside promenade called the Costanera, where locals hang out in the evenings.
Spend a relaxed evening walking along the beach here. Yes, that’s right—Encarnación has nice sandy beaches! It’s a great place to cool off from the southern heat or just chill by the water.
Day 6: Visit the Jesuit Ruins at Trinidad and Jesús
Get ready for some history today. Encarnación is the perfect base for visiting the nearby Jesuit ruins, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The two most important are Trinidad and Jesús.
The ruins of Trinidad are the larger of the two, and you’ll want to spend a couple of hours wandering through this historic site. It gives you an idea of the colonial missionary efforts in Paraguay.
Next, head to the ruins of Jesús, which are smaller but equally impressive. The churches, sculptures, and overall structure show the mix of indigenous and European influences.
In the evening, head back to Encarnación for dinner at a local parrilla (grill). Try the asado (barbecue) here—it’s delicious!
Day 7: Travel to Ciudad del Este
Today, you’re off to Ciudad del Este, Paraguay’s second-largest city and a major shopping destination. It’s a six-hour bus ride from Encarnación, so bring a good book or a podcast to pass the time.
Ciudad del Este is located near the famous Iguazú Falls, so it’s often overlooked by tourists. But the city’s markets are worth browsing if you want electronics or cheap clothing.
You’ll arrive in the afternoon, and it’s best to take it easy today. Check in to your accommodation, explore the markets if you have the energy, or simply rest up for tomorrow’s adventure to Iguazú Falls.
Day 8: Iguazú Falls Day Trip
Although Iguazú Falls is technically in Argentina and Brazil, it’s just a short ride from Ciudad del Este. Today, you’ll cross the border into Argentina or Brazil (you can choose either side) to see these breathtaking waterfalls.
The Argentine side is larger, offering extensive walkways with close-up views, while the Brazilian side provides the panoramic picture-perfect shots. Both are incredible, so you can’t go wrong. Make sure to bring your passport for the border crossing.
Spend the day marveling at one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. There are plenty of trails to explore, and you can even take a boat ride closer to the falls if you want an adrenaline rush.
Return to Ciudad del Este in the evening, exhausted but fulfilled. Iguazú Falls is one of those places that’ll stick with you long after you leave.
Day 9: Itaipú Dam and Saltos del Monday
Start your day with a visit to the Itaipú Dam, which is just outside Ciudad del Este. This huge dam is one of the largest in the world and supplies around 75% of Paraguay’s electricity. Opt for a guided tour if you’re into learning how this engineering marvel works.
Next, head toward the Saltos del Monday, Paraguay’s own waterfall and a much less crowded alternative to Iguazú Falls. It’s a great spot for photos, and you won’t be dealing with as many tourists here.
In the afternoon, explore Ciudad del Este’s markets or grab a coffee at one of the riverside cafes. It’s your last full day, so take it easy!
Day 10: Return to Asunción
Your last day is all about getting back to Asunción. It’s a six-hour bus ride from Ciudad del Este, so make sure to leave early.
If you have some time when you get back, visit the Manzana de la Rivera or take a final walk along the Costanera. Don’t forget to grab any last-minute souvenirs to take home.
End your trip with a dinner at a local spot like Taberna Española, where you can reminisce about the past 10 days. Then, it’s time to pack up and get ready for your flight home the next day.
Final Thoughts
Paraguay isn’t a place that gets a lot of attention, but as you’ll see from this itinerary, it’s filled with rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring big cities like Asunción or relaxing in small towns like San Bernardino, Paraguay offers something unique at every turn.
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