7-Day Itinerary for Paraguay: A Well-Rounded Experience
Paraguay is one of South America’s most underrated destinations. It’s often overlooked, but this hidden gem offers a lot: from vibrant cities to natural wonders. With a week to explore, you’ll be able to dive into the country’s rich cultural history and take in incredible landscapes. Here’s a flexible 7-day itinerary that will introduce you to the best of Paraguay without rushing you around.
Day 1: Arrive in Asunción
Morning: Explore Asunción’s Historic Center
When you touch down in Paraguay’s capital city, Asunción, your adventure begins. Head out to explore the historic center with a focus on the Plaza de Armas. This main square is home to iconic landmarks like the Palacio de los López, the presidential palace. It’s not open to the public, but you can admire the impressive architecture from the outside.
Ashort walk away is the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, a mausoleum dedicated to the country’s key figures. It’s a quiet place that lets you reflect on Paraguay’s history.
Afternoon: Mercado 4
Take a taxi or a bus over to Mercado 4 after lunch. This huge local market is chaotic and full of life. It’s the perfect spot to grab some fresh fruit, souvenirs, or even a mate (a traditional drink in Paraguay).
Evening: Stroll Along the Costanera
Asunción’s Costanera (riverfront) is perfect for watching the sunset. Enjoy a relaxing evening walking along the river or grab a spot at a local café nearby.
Day 2: Asunción to La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
Morning: Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts
Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts. You’ll find art pieces from Paraguay’s most famous artists as well as rotating international exhibits. It’s a small, peaceful museum that doesn’t take long to tour, but it’s worth visiting.
Afternoon: Drive to La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
Take a bus or drive to La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná, about 6 hours from Asunción near Encarnación. These ruins are one of the best-preserved Jesuit missions in South America and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Evening: Explore at Sunset
The best time to explore the ruins is around sunset. The golden light gives the place an unforgettable atmosphere. The site is vast, so plan to spend a couple of hours walking around. You can hire a guide if you want more detailed historical context.
Day 3: Encarnación
Morning: Discover the Beach
Encarnación is known for its riverside beach, Playa San José, which feels more like a seaside resort than a beach along the Paraná River. Relax here for a while and take advantage of the warm weather.
Afternoon: Take a Walk Along the Costanera
Later, stroll along Encarnación’s Costanera. This promenade offers great views of the city and river. It’s a perfect spot for people-watching and you can stop at one of the cafés for a cold drink or ice cream.
Evening: Enjoy Local Food
For dinner, try some local Paraguayan dishes. Look for dishes like sopa paraguaya (a cornbread-like dish) and chipa guazú. Encarnación has great local restaurants scattered around the city.
Day 4: Visit Ciudad del Este and Itaipú Dam
Morning: Travel to Ciudad del Este
Get an early start traveling to Ciudad del Este. It’s about a 5-hour bus ride from Encarnación. Ciudad del Este is known for its shopping, but your goal today is to focus on its incredible natural and man-made wonders.
Afternoon: Tour Itaipú Dam
Head straight to Itaipú Dam, an enormous dam that supplies much of Paraguay’s electricity. The free tours give you a great understanding of its history and significance. There’s also a visitor center that explains its impact on the region. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the dam’s massive water flow in action.
Evening: Walk Around Ciudad del Este
Ciudad del Este is bustling. Enjoy exploring the city center in the evening. It’s definitely different from the more relaxed places you’ve visited so far, but there’s charm to be found in its crowded streets.
Day 5: Trip to Saltos del Monday
Morning: Visit Saltos del Monday
Just outside Ciudad del Este is one of Paraguay’s most impressive waterfalls: Saltos del Monday. While it’s often overshadowed by the much more famous Iguazú Falls nearby, Saltos del Monday is spectacular in its own right. Spend the morning walking the well-marked trails around the falls.
Afternoon: Return to Ciudad del Este or Cross into Foz do Iguaçu
After spending time around the falls, head back to Ciudad del Este and relax. Alternatively, if you’re adventurous, you can cross the border into Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil for dinner and a peek at the Brazilian side of the famous city’s offerings.
Evening: Rest After a Day of Exploration
After a day of hiking and sightseeing, take it easy for the evening. Enjoy a quiet meal back in Ciudad del Este before prepping for your final few days of adventure.
Day 6: Drive Through Paraguayan Countryside to Ybycuí National Park
Morning: Travel to Ybycuí National Park
You’ll want to head out early to experience Paraguay’s rural side. Take a bus or drive to Ybycuí National Park (about 2-3 hours from Ciudad del Este). This park is one of the country’s best national parks, boasting rolling hills, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
Afternoon: Enjoy Hiking and Waterfalls
Ybycuí has several hiking trails that take you through beautiful sceneries filled with natural pools and waterfalls where you can take a dip. Plan to spend a few hours exploring, hiking, and swimming.
Evening: Overnight Stay Near the Park
If you love the outdoors, consider staying overnight in a nearby eco-lodge or camping (if available). This is a great way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Alternatively, you can return to Asunción in the evening if you prefer.
Day 7: Back to Asunción
Morning: Paraguayan Breakfast
Start your last day with a typical Paraguayan breakfast: try cocido (a type of brewed mate with sugar) and mbejú (a hearty cheese pancake). It’s one of the simplest meals, but it’s delicious when done right.
Afternoon: Visit Museo del Barro
Museo del Barro is a must-see before you leave. It’s a small museum in Asunción with a superb collection of indigenous and colonial art, including pottery, masks, and textiles. A quick but worthwhile cultural stop.
Evening: Say Goodbye to Paraguay
As your week wraps up, enjoy a final dinner in one of Asunción’s restaurants. Sip on a cold Paraguayan beer or a glass of South American wine. Reflect on your week-long journey as you relax before catching your flight home.
Final Thoughts
Seven days is a good amount of time to get a real feel for Paraguay. You’ll get a mix of historic sites, cultural experiences, and time spent outdoors. Of course, Paraguay is a hidden gem, so you may have areas all to yourself. Take it slow, and enjoy soaking in all that this unassuming but richly diverse country has to offer.
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