About
Paraguay is a landlocked country at the heart of South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. Visitors who come here tend to be looking for something quieter than the continent's better-known destinations: a place where cultural life unfolds at its own pace, away from large crowds.
What to see
- Colonial Asunción, the capital, where the old city offers a sense of the Spanish colonial past alongside everyday city life.
- Jesuit ruins, remnants of the mission settlements that stand as reminders of the region's history.
- Vast wetlands, which give the country a landscape very different from its cities and a setting for unspoiled nature.
Culture and daily life
Much of Paraguay's character comes from its Guaraní heritage, and visitors often notice the warmth of the hospitality they receive. Traditional crafts are part of the experience, and the local custom of drinking yerba mate, a bitter herbal infusion shared from a single gourd, is something you are likely to be invited into. Sitting down to share a cup is one of the simplest ways to understand how people here spend their time with one another.
Because Paraguay sees fewer visitors than many of its neighbours, the encounters you have tend to feel direct and unhurried. Travellers who enjoy slow exploration, cultural detail and open landscapes will find the country rewarding. Those who prefer a busy itinerary of famous landmarks may want to plan their trip around that difference.
