5-Day Itinerary for Traveling Through Paraguay
Paraguay might not be on everyone’s travel radar, but it’s worth checking out. This South American gem has a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. The country is small enough to explore without feeling hurried, but it’s essential to have a plan to get the most out of your time.
Here’s a laid-back, 5-day itinerary that combines Paraguay’s cities, historical sites, and natural beauty. It’s flexible, so you can adjust it depending on your interests and pace.
Day 1: Arrive in Asunción
Morning: Exploring Downtown Asunción
Start your trip in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción. It’s the country’s largest city but still feels laid-back compared to other capitals in South America. Head downtown and check out the Palacio de los López, the presidential palace. It’s not open to the public, but its impressive architecture is worth seeing from the outside.
Walk through the city to visit the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes. This small but significant monument honors Paraguay’s national heroes and is located right in the heart of the city. It’s easy to spend about half an hour here.
Afternoon: Local Flavors and Street Art
For lunch, grab some typical Paraguayan food. Try “sopa paraguaya,” which is actually a cornbread-like dish, despite the name. Another local snack to try is “chipa,” a cheesy bread that everyone eats around here.
After lunch, wander through the neighborhoods of Loma San Jerónimo or La Chacarita. You’ll find plenty of colorful street art, charming houses, and quiet spots perfect for unwinding. These areas give you a good feel for Asunción’s alternative and artistic side.
Evening: Dinner and Sunset by the River

End your day by heading to the Costanera. This long promenade along the Paraguay River is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a walk or bike ride. The sunset views over the river are especially nice from here.
Finish your day at a riverside restaurant with a good meal and a local beer. Be sure to try “cocido,” a mate tea variant that’s mixed with hot water or milk, a beloved drink here.
Day 2: Day Trip to Ybycuí National Park
Morning: Heading Out to Ybycuí
Set out early on a 2-hour trip toward Ybycuí National Park. This lush park is home to hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It’s a great way to experience Paraguay’s natural beauty without traveling far from Asunción.
Afternoon: Waterfalls and Trails
Spend the afternoon hiking the park’s trails. One of the highlights here is the Salto Mina waterfall, where you can cool off after your hike. The park is not overly crowded, making it a peaceful escape from the city. Be sure to pack some water, snacks, and insect repellent for the hike.
Evening: Return to Asunción
After a full day of exploring, head back to Asunción in the late afternoon. Keep it low-key in the evening with a simple dinner. You could dine at a local “boliche” (informal eatery) for some grilled meats or empanadas.
Day 3: Visit the Historic City of Yaguarón
Morning: Exploring Colonial History
Take a short 1-hour drive out of the capital to Yaguarón, a small city with deep colonial roots. The main attraction here is the Iglesia de San Buenaventura, a striking 18th-century church featuring intricate wooden carvings and frescoes.
Spend some time walking around the old town, visiting the local markets, and chatting with residents. Yaguarón’s quiet streets make it ideal for a laid-back morning stroll.

Afternoon: Climbing Cerro Yaguarón
In the afternoon, you can hike Cerro Yaguarón, a small hill just outside the city. The climb takes about an hour and isn’t too challenging. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great spot for photos and some quiet time in nature.
Evening: Back to Asunción
After spending the day in Yaguarón, head back to Asunción. You’ll likely arrive in the early evening. Treat yourself to some Paraguayan barbecue (locally called “asado”) for dinner. There are plenty of “parrilladas” (steakhouse-style restaurants) around the city.
Day 4: Adventure to Encarnación
Morning: Journey to Encarnación
Take an early morning bus or drive to Encarnación (around 5 hours from Asunción). Paraguay’s most southern city, Encarnación is known for its laid-back vibe and the nearby Jesuit Missions that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Afternoon: Visit the Jesuit Ruins
Encarnación is a good base for visiting the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús. These 17th-century mission sites give you a sense of Paraguay’s history during the time of Spanish colonization. Both sites are just a short drive from Encarnación.

Guides are available at the ruins, but you can also explore on your own. Trinidad is the larger, more famous of the two, with well-preserved ruins and a small museum.
Evening: Stroll on Playa San José
After visiting the ruins, relax at Encarnación’s riverfront beach, Playa San José. This long, sandy beach along the Paraná River is one of the best spots in the city to catch sunset over the river. It’s a popular spot for families and tourists to swim or have a picnic.
Grab dinner at a beachside cafe, and if you’re lucky, you might also catch some local live music.

Day 5: Enjoy Encarnación’s Vibe
Morning: Visit La Costanera
Spend your last day in Paraguay taking it easy by exploring Encarnación further. Your first stop should be La Costanera, the city’s well-maintained riverfront avenue. It’s perfect for an early morning walk or bike ride. The scenic views along the Paraná River will leave you relaxed.
Afternoon: Exploring the City’s Markets
Head over to one of Encarnación’s markets for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Try the Mercado Municipal, where locals sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s a great spot to pick up some unique Paraguayan keepsakes and gifts.
Evening: Departure or Stay for the Night
If you’re flying home, the nearest airport is back in Asunción, so you’ll want to catch an evening bus or an overnight stay before heading to the capital in the morning. Otherwise, if you have some extra days, it’s easy to head across the border to Argentina for further exploration.
Final Thoughts
Paraguay offers a well-balanced mix of history, nature, and modern culture, giving travelers an authentic experience away from more crowded South American destinations.
Use this 5-day itinerary as a guide, but remember to move at your own pace. Travel in Paraguay is easy and laid-back, so enjoy it!
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