Your Ultimate Two Week Paraguay Itinerary
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime across Paraguay. During this two week Paraguay itinerary, you will find that Paraguay has a large diversity of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, often undiscovered by tourists.
As someone who has called Paraguay home for the past year, I’m excited to share an itinerary that captures the essence of Paraguay.
We begin our adventure in the capital city, Asunción, where many tourists often find the journey in Paraguay ends and begins. However, in this itinerary, we will be discovering much more than just Asunción… let’s get started.
Day 1: Initial Exploration of Downtown Asuncion
Morning: I highly recommend starting out your first day with a trip to Palacio de López, the official workplace of the President of Paraguay. This neoclassical building, overlooking the Bay of Asunción, is a testament to the country’s architectural heritage. While the interior isn’t open to the public, the exterior alone is worth the visit.
Tip: If you are looking for a lunchtime meal, I recommend visiting Casa Clari, my personal favourite best restaurant in all of Asuncion. Be sure to read the linked article for more details on the reservation times and how to get a table with a view!
Afternoon: A short walk from the Palacio brings you to the Casa de la Independencia Museum. Built in 1772, this historic house is where Paraguayan independence was clandestinely planned. The museum showcases artifacts from that pivotal era, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Evening: Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the Costanera de Asunción, a riverside walkway offering beautiful sunset views of the Paraguay River. This area is perfect for people-watching, enjoying street food, or simply soaking in the sunset at the end of your first day in Asuncion.
Tip: If you want the best views of the sunset from the lake, check out this highly recommended boat and wildlife tour to soak in the best views of the Costanera.
Day 2: Immersion into the Local Culture
Morning: Dive into Paraguay’s artistic heritage at the Museo del Barro. This museum houses an impressive collection of indigenous and contemporary art, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. There is a lot to see here, and if you are an avid museum go-er, you can easily spend hours here exploring the local culture of Paraguay. The admission is free, but be sure to budget your time accordingly for how long you expect to spend here.
Afternoon: After lunch in your two week Paraguay itinerary, I recommend to visit the National Pantheon of the Heroes, a mausoleum honoring Paraguay’s national heroes. The changing of the guard ceremony here is a reminder of the nation’s history, and something I recommend seeing if you happen to the on the hour.
Tip: Its difficult to take in all the sites of downtown Asuncion while understanding the history of the country. I recommend booking a private tour with a local to understand the history and wars of Paraguay and how this country came to be.
While the Pantheon itself is small, you can go inside and there is history and artifacts to discover. It wont take long to explore inside the Pantheon, however I recommend spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the Plaza Uruguaya and nearby plazas and restaurants located on Calle Palma, downtown Asuncion.
However, be sure to be aware of your safety, as this is one of the areas of Asuncion that is less safe, especially so in the evening.
Evening: Dinner in the Carmelitas neighborhood is a must. Known for its nightlife on weekends, this area offers a good variety of dining options, from traditional Paraguayan dishes to international cuisine. If you are looking to enjoy the Asuncion nightlife, this is the best place in the city to do so.
Day 3: Day Trip to Areguá and San Bernadino
Morning: Start your day early with a 30-kilometer drive from Asunción to Areguá, a charming town nearby to Asuncion known for its artistic ambiance and colonial architecture. Begin your trip here by exploring the local artisan markets, where locals craft various ceramics and handcrafted goods that share the town’s cultural heritage.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to Cerro Koi, a hill known by locals for its unique geological formations. The hill’s distinctive Triassic sandstone formations, known as “botanical fossils,” are rare. A guided walk provides both scenic views and educational value.
Evening: At this point, you will be close to San Bernadino, the small town about an hour outside Asuncion. San Ber is a popular summer destination for locals who are looking to escape the extreme heat in Paraguay’s summers.
I recommend a lakeside walk, and there is a low-cost boat you can take along the shoreline to explore the small lake. You won’t want to swim in the lake, as the water is dirty, but there are various restaurants dotting the shoreline to explore for an evening in San Ber.
Keep in mind if you are visiting in the winter months, you may find many of the restaurants closed (even McDonalds is closed in the winter), so it may be more difficult to find a bite.
Top Paraguay Based Hotels
Paraguay bound? Here are my top hotel recommendations for visiting Asuncion
Day 4: Culinary Touring in Asunción
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Manzana de la Rivera, a cultural complex of several restored colonial houses. This space offers history into Asunción’s architectural history and hosts various art exhibitions and cultural events.
Afternoon: For lunch, you must try the local Paraguayan cuisine by visiting a local restaurant. Traditional dishes like Sopa Paraguaya (a cornbread-like cheese dish) or Chipa Guasu (a savory corn cake) offer you a unique culinary experience, authentic only to Paraguay.
I recommend visiting Lido Bar or El Bolsi for a classic taste of authentic Paraguayan cuisine.
Tip: Not far from Asuncion are the stunning waterfalls of Salto Cristal. You can easily do a day trip from Asuncion and be back by evening. I highly recommend booking a tour to the falls if you can fit it into your itinerary.
Day 5: Travelling from Asunción to Encarnación
Morning: The next day, its time to venture from Asunción to Encarnación, one of the largest cities in the country. The drive is around 370 kilometers and typically takes around 5 to 6 hours via National Route 1 (Ruta 1), which is the most direct route. As you travel south to the bottom of the country, you’ll pass through picturesque Paraguayan countryside.
Tip: You can take a bus or rent a car for this journey, but if you want to explore more in Encarnacion (and trust me, there are some interesting sites to see there, which we will explore below), you will want to rent a car for the full experience. I recommend renting with Rentalcars.com for a smooth experience.
Afternoon: After arriving in Encarnación, often referred to as “The Pearl of the South,” I recommend first visiting the Costanera de Encarnación, a scenic waterfront promenade along the Paraná River.
This area is perfect for a leisurely walk, with nice views of the river and the neighboring Argentine city of Posadas. The promenade is lined with cafes and eateries, making it a great spot to enjoy lunch in the afternoon. Welcome to Encarnacion!
Evening: As the sun sets, we’ll visit Playa San José, Encarnación’s most popular beach. Here, you can relax, take a swim, or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Paraguay’s only official beach.
Along the coast, you can find various restaurants and bars to enjoy the evening before heading back for a jam-packed day tomorrow.
Day 6: Exploring the Jesuit Missions
Morning and Afternoon: On day 6, its time to explore the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, both UNESCO World Heritage sites located about 30 kilometers from Encarnación. These sites are little known to most tourists in Paraguay, as likely even you didn’t know Paraguay had ruins!
These missions, built in the 17th century, offer a fascinating insight into the Jesuit efforts to evangelize the indigenous Guaraní people. The well-preserved ruins showcase intricate stone carvings and architectural designs that reflect a blend of European and indigenous influences.
I highly recommend spending the morning and afternoon here during your two week Paraguay itinierary, and this is why you will likely want a car for your journey, as it can be quite difficult to get to the ruins, especially the smaller ruins, via a bus or public transport.
Evening: Returning to Encarnación, you’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square. This area is often full with activity and is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Parroquia Catedral Nuestra Señora, a cathedral that stands as a testament to the city’s religious heritage.
Day 7: Water Park Fun in Encarnación
Morning: The next day, its time to visit the Parque Acuático y Ecológico El Dorado, a local water and ecological park. This is a low cost but fun waterpark to explore, allowing for a full day of fun and an escape from the extreme Paraguayan heat if you are visiting in the summer.
Evening: If you are up for another aqua adventure, you must visit Tirolandia Acqua Park, which is approximately 20 kilometers from Encarnación, in the district of Capitán Miranda.
The park has multiple water slides catering to different thrill levels, from gentle slopes suitable for children to more adventurous options for thrill-seekers. Several pools, including wave pools and relaxation areas, provide enjoyment for all ages.
I recommend choosing either the morning or evening activity for today, as these waterparks can easily take up an entire day of adventuring and exploring.
Day 8: Last Day Local Experiences
Morning and Afternoon: Start your day with a visit to the Mini Zoológico Juan XXII, a small local zoo that houses a variety of native animal species. The entrance cost is low, and you can buy tickets at the entrance when you arrive, no need to purchase tickets in advance or online.
Evening: To end off your stay in Encarnación, experience the local nightlife by visiting the Carnaval Sambadrome. Known for hosting vibrant carnival celebrations, the sambadrome features live music and dance performances. If you are visiting during Carnaval time of year (between February to March), this is an experience you cannot afford to miss! This city has the best Carnaval festivals in the country (aside from Brazil’s, of course).
Day 9: Travel to Ciudad del Este
Morning: The next morning, its time to depart from Encarnación to Ciudad del Este, a journey of approximately 290 kilometers that typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by car via Route 6.
You can see scenic views on the drive, but don’t expect many restaurants along the way. At best you will find a small mom and pop shop on the roadside for a bite on the journey.
Afternoon and Evening: Upon arrival in Ciudad del Este, its time to venture out to explore the city’s famed shopping district. Known as a major commercial hub, Ciudad del Este offers a variety of markets and malls where a wide array of goods—from electronics to local crafts—can be found.
I have lived in this city for some time, and its worth noting that while there is a great deal to explore here (in the downtown area where all the shopping takes place) it is a slightly dirty city, and the downtown shopping area isn’t always the safest.
You will want to be aware of your belongings, especially valuables like cellphones, at all times. While you can find a good bargain (with low tax, which is why the Brazilians love it), in malls like Shopping Paris, it’s the big shops, like Shopping China, that the Brazilians head over the border for.
Hotel Hunting
Tip: Be sure to stay in a safe area of the city. Area 1 or 2 are good areas that aren’t far from the main city center. I recommend the below hotels, which are in safer areas of the city.
Megal Suite Hotel
Local Homestay in Area 1
Day 10: Ciudad Del Este’s Natural Beauty
Morning: Today, its time to visit one of the city’s biggest attractions. Set off to visit the Itaipu Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, right on the Paraná River, bordering Paraguay and Brazil.
On your two week Paraguay itinerary, I recommend taking a guided tour, which will offer you details and insights into the dam’s construction, its role in energy production, and its environmental significance, which plays a big part in Paraguay.
You’ll have the opportunity to view the structure up close and learn about the collaborative efforts between Paraguay and Brazil and its sustainability efforts.
Tip: You will need to be on the Brazilian side, in Foz de Iguazu, for the tours. I highly recommend checking out this panoramic dam view tour… this is an experience you want a guide to walk you through the history and significant of.
Afternoon: Following your visit to the dam, I recommend visiting the nearby Monday Falls (Saltos del Monday), located in the nearby area of Presidente Franco, the southern part of the city of Ciudad del Este.
These impressive waterfalls, cascading over 45 meters, are in a park that offers nature views and walking trails. This waterfall will be much easier to get to from the Paraguayan side, as the entire falls are based in Paraguay. They are not on the border of Brazil or Argentina.
While these falls are much smaller than what you can expect at the bordering falls, these are still a marvel and natural wonder of Paraguay that I highly recommend visiting while in the East of the country.
Tip: Book this guided tour of Monday Falls, Tres Frontiers, and the Itapúa Dam to cover all attractions easily in one day!
Evening: Returning to Ciudad del Este, explore calming the Lago de la República, a lake situated right in center of the city. The surrounding park is ideal for an evening walk, and the nearby Shopping Lago Mall has a great food court with one of the best Paraguay BBQ (asado) restaurants.
Tip: The restaurant is called Sin Culpas, and its located in the food court of the Shopping Lago Mall. If you are ready to eat asado and sides, I recommend the 1 minute walk from the lake over to the mall to check it out!
Day 11: Journey to Filadelfia – Visiting the Chaco
Morning: The next morning, journey from Ciudad del Este to Filadelfia, the heart of Paraguay’s Chaco region and one of the largest cities in the Chaco. This trip covers about 800 kilometers and typically takes around 12 hours by car.
You’ll travel west on Route 7, connecting to Route 2 towards Asunción, and then merge onto Route 9, known as the Trans-Chaco Highway, leading you directly to Filadelfia. The Trans-Chaco Highway is a significant route that connects Paraguay to the border of Bolivia, and offers travelers of it a unique perspective on Paraguay’s less-explored regions.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Filadelfia, its time to explore the town, which serves as the administrative center of the Fernheim Colony, established by Mennonite settlers in the 1930s. The town’s unique blend of Germanic and Paraguayan cultures is seen in this city’s architecture, language, and local customs. Take some time and stroll through the town center and take in the completely different culture and architecture to what you saw in Asuncion or Ciudad del Este.
Evening: Check out some of the top restaurants in the city, and see how the food changes just a few hours away from the capital of the country. You can often find even better quality (and priced!) meats and steaks in the Chaco, as most of the country’s meat production comes from this region.
Day 12: Exploring the Chaco’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Morning: Today, its time to visit the Jakob Unger Museum, which gives a glimpse into the history of the Mennonite settlers and their adaptation to the challenging environment of the Chaco.
The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of resilience and community building. This visit provides a deeper understanding of how the Mennonites transformed the Chaco into a booming agricultural region.
Afternoon and Evening: Take a short drive to the Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco, one of Paraguay’s largest national parks, known for its biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and over 500 species of birds.
Exploring the park’s trails can give you a chance to see the unique flora and fauna of the Chaco. It’s best to have a knowledgeable guide to enhance our understanding of the area’s natural significance and the history the park has to the country of Paraguay during your two week Paraguay itinierary.
Day 13: Filadelfia’s Culture and History
Morning and Afternoon: A quick drive from the center of Filadelfia, is the Reserva Laguna Capitan, which is an excellent natural park and destination for bird watching and star gazing in the evening. Check out the photos on Instagram of what to expect from the park, and be sure to bring or rent binoculars for a relaxing day in the sun and park.
Evening: If you’re up for it, head to a local Mennonite farm and explore life on the farm – from milking the cows to daily life chores, this experience can give you a glimpse inside the life of the Chaco locals.
Tip: If you are wanting a guided tour of the Chaco and Filadelfia, this is the tour for you. It is a multi-day tour that offers a real-life glimpse of a tourism ranch, horseback riding, and life in the Chaco.
Day 14: Heading Back to Asuncion
The next day, it’s time to pack up and prepare for the journey back to Asuncion, where your flight out of the country is likely from. While you can get flights from smaller cities like Ciudad del Este, it is often quite a bit more costly to get flights from smaller airports in Paraguay, and Asuncion’s airport is usually the safest bet with the most flight options.
If you are back in Paraguay for the evening, or another day or two, I recommend checking out one of the most popular expat café brands in the country, El Café de Aca. This café is well-known and has three locations in Asuncion, and offers delicious food and drink with an always-inviting environment.
If you are staying near the Villa Morra area, also be sure to check out La Cuadrita street, a small walking street full of local restaurants and bars, perfect for a relaxing evening out with friends or family.
Final Thoughts on Your Two Week Paraguay Itinerary
From the busy streets of Asunción, to the shopping city of Ciudad del Este, and the scenic, natural views of the Chaco, you have now seen the best and brightest sights of this beautiful country I call home, and explored the best activities and sights from your two week Paraguay itinerary.
I am sure you have already discovered this, but one of the true beauties of Paraguay is the people. The ever- kind, sincere locals, who (even if they don’t speak English well, or at all), are always willing to help foreigners wherever they can. This is one of the many things I love about the country, and this is something you will find most foreigners and expats raving about after living in Paraguay.
You have now discovered one of the least-discovered countries in Latin America, and not only the capital city, but various cities and regions of the country. Let me know below in the comments which activity or city you are looking forward to visiting the most during your two week Paraguay itinerary, and enjoy your time exploring the beauty and culture of Paraguay.
🌍 Read More on Digital Nomad Life in Paraguay
- Paraguay Digital Nomad Guide – Everything you need to know about working remotely from Paraguay, including cost of living and internet connectivity.
- Banking in Paraguay for Expats – A guide on setting up banking as a foreigner or digital nomad in Paraguay.
- Mailbox in Paraguay – How to get a virtual or physical mailbox to receive mail while living abroad.
- Healthcare in Paraguay – Understand Paraguay’s healthcare system and options for expats.
- Is Paraguay Expensive? – A detailed breakdown of costs in Paraguay for digital nomads.
- Food Prices in Paraguay – A closer look at grocery and dining expenses in Paraguay.
- Living in Paraguay – First-hand experience of everyday life, housing, and lifestyle in Paraguay.
- Pros and Cons of Living in Paraguay – Weighing the benefits and challenges of life as a digital nomad in Paraguay.
- Apartment Hunting in Paraguay – Tips and tricks for finding a rental as a foreigner.
FAQ about Traveling in Paraguay
Visa requirements for Paraguay vary depending on your nationality. For example, U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. However, it’s important to check the specific requirements based on your country of residence before planning your trip. Most governments publish this information on their websites.
Travelers are advised to consult with their healthcare providers or local travel clinics to determine necessary vaccinations before visiting Paraguay. The Yellow Fever vaccination is generally recommended, especially if you are going to other countries in LatAm after your trip to Paraguay.
Paraguay is considered quite safe for tourists, and I always feel safe, even in the evening. However, note that some areas are much safer than others, especially in Asuncion, so be sure to know the areas that are safe, and the areas you should stay away from in the evening. You can read more about this in this guide.
Paraguay has a subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination. However, the cooler months from May to September are preferred by most travelers to avoid the intense summer heat. I highly recommend visiting in the winter or fall, as Paraguay can easily get to above 40 degrees in the summer months.
The official currency of Paraguay is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). In city areas, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, in rural areas, cash is the preferred method of payment, so it’s best to carry local currency when traveling outside major cities.
I use Amex for almost every purchase in Paraguay, and have an issue as long as I am not buying from local street vendors.
Paraguay is a bilingual nation, with Spanish and Guaraní both recognized as official languages. While Spanish is widely spoken, Guaraní has significant cultural importance and is commonly used in everyday conversations between locals, especially in rural areas.
In urban areas like Asunción, tap water is treated and considered safe. However, to avoid potential stomach upset, I recommend not drinking the tap water and only drinking bottled water.
Paraguayan cuisine offers a variety of unique dishes. Some must-tries include:
Sopa Paraguaya: A cornbread-like dish made with cornmeal, cheese, and onions.
Chipa: A savory cheese bread, often enjoyed as a snack.
Mbejú: A starch-based pancake made from cassava flour and cheese.
Asado: Traditional barbecue, showcasing various grilled meats.
