Day 1: Arrival in Asunción
Your adventure begins in Paraguay’s capital: Asunción. Once you land, take it easy. After settling into your hotel or hostel, explore the area around Plaza de los Héroes. Stroll through this neighborhood, grab some local cuisine like chipá (delicious cheese bread), and soak in the city’s relaxed vibe. While you don’t need to pack too much into the first day, it’s worth visiting the National Pantheon of the Heroes for some Paraguayan history.
Day 2: Discover Asunción
Start with a visit to the Palacio de los López, the seat of the Paraguayan government. Afterward, head to the Museo del Barro to see contemporary and indigenous art. Have lunch in Mercado 4: a chaotic but authentic food market. In the afternoon, explore some of the quieter side streets, and maybe pick up a few artisan goods. Wind down by the waterfront at La Costanera, where you can relax with a cold cerveza (beer) and watch the sunset over the Paraguay River.
Day 3: A Visit to Areguá
Take a day trip to Areguá, less than 30 kilometers from Asunción. Known for its arts and crafts, this town is perfect for wandering through pottery shops and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Spend a couple of hours at Lago Ypacaraí; bring a picnic or grab some food at one of its cozy beachfront eateries. You’ll also want to hike up to Cerro Koi to see the unique hexagonal rock formations. Return to Asunción in the evening.
Day 4: San Bernardino & Lake Ypacaraí
Today, head to San Bernardino. Located around Lake Ypacaraí, this town is a popular summer destination for locals. Spend the morning walking by the lake, then rent a bike or take a pedalo out for a spin on the water. There are various charming lakeside cafés where you can relax for lunch. If you need to shop for souvenirs, the nearby San Bernardino markets offer a range of traditional goods. Return to Asunción in the late afternoon and pack for tomorrow’s drive into the heart of Paraguay.
Day 5: Road Trip to Ybycuí National Park
Start early and make the two-hour trip to Ybycuí National Park. This lush area is known for beautiful waterfalls, like the Salto Minas. You’ll spend the day hiking through subtropical forest trails, spotting birds, and cooling off by the falls. The highlight is the iron foundry museum, which adds a bit of history to your nature adventure. Spend the night camping in the park or return to a nearby guesthouse.
Day 6: Villarrica
Next stop: Villarrica. It’s one of Paraguay’s oldest cities and only 90 minutes away from Ybycuí National Park. Take a morning walk downtown, checking out its colonial buildings, like the Catedral de Villarrica. Grab some mbejú for breakfast—a traditional Paraguayan pancake. In the afternoon, visit Parque Manuel Ortíz Guerrero, a peaceful park where locals like to hang out. You can spend the evening relaxing in a local café or have a traditional Paraguayan BBQ, known as asado, at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Waterfalls at Saltos del Monday

Pack up and head southeast toward Ciudad del Este, Paraguay’s second-largest city, but make a stop to visit the Saltos del Monday. This powerful waterfall makes for stunning views and is far less crowded than some of the more famous neighboring destinations. Depending on how adventurous you feel, you can zip-line across the falls for an adrenaline boost. Arrive in Ciudad del Este later in the day and get settled in your accommodation.
Day 8: Ciudad del Este & Itaipú Dam
Spend the day visiting the Itaipú Dam: one of the largest in the world. The guided tour is fascinating, covering both the engineering marvel and its environmental impact. After the dam, get back to town and wander through Ciudad del Este’s bustling markets, especially if you’re interested in electronics or bargain shopping. If you have time, visit the Republic Lake, where locals like to picnic or hang out in paddleboats.
Day 9: Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad
Head deeper into Paraguay to visit the UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná, near Encarnación. These ruins tell the story of Paraguay’s colonial history and provide a glimpse into the life of the Guaraní people during Jesuit times. Spend the afternoon wandering among the ruins, exploring the intricate stonework, and learning about the indigenous culture. Return to Encarnación for the night and enjoy the city’s riverfront promenade.
Day 10: Encarnación
Encarnación is known for its laid-back vibe and its riverside playa. Spend the day relaxing by Playa San José. Dip your toes in the river and enjoy the sandy beaches, one of the few urban beaches in Paraguay. If you’re in the mood for some exploring, the city’s riverside promenade, the Costanera, offers great cycling paths and a vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to try the grilled surubí (a local river fish) or some tasty sopa paraguaya (Paraguayan ‘soup’ that’s actually a cornbread). In the evening, treat yourself to the mild nightlife Encarnación offers.
Day 11: Road Trip to Ayolas
Leave Encarnación and head to Ayolas, a quiet town by the Paraná River. Along the way, you can make a quick stop at the town of Carmen del Paraná for a scenic view of the river. Once you’re in Ayolas, take a look at the wildlife at the Refugio Faunístico de Atinguy. You’ll spot caimans, monkeys, and plenty of birds. The rest of your time here is all about relaxing. Check into a riverside guesthouse and enjoy the slow pace of life in this quiet town, perfect for unplugging from the world.
Day 12: San Ignacio & Santa María
Today, explore two of Paraguay’s most picturesque colonial towns. First, head to San Ignacio, which boasts a lovely colonial square and some of the country’s oldest Jesuit buildings. Then, take a short drive to Santa María de Fe, which is known for its beautiful church as well as workshops where artisans still carve wooden religious statues. Both towns are perfect for walking around and absorbing the rich historical atmosphere. Return to your guesthouse in Ayolas for a relaxed evening.
Day 13: Return to Asunción
Make your way back to Asunción. This leg of the road trip will take around five hours, so take breaks when needed. Once back in the capital, treat yourself to a hearty Paraguayan dinner and maybe venture into some of Asunción’s popular late-night spots for a final celebration. Whether it’s dance clubs or chilled-out bars, the city comes alive at night.

Day 14: Departure
If you have time before your flight, squeeze in a slow morning. Enjoy a last walk through Asunción’s markets or sip tereré (cold herbal tea) in one of the city’s parks. Reflect on your two-week adventure before heading to the airport and bidding farewell to Paraguay.
Leave a reply