Backpacking Paraguay Itinerary
Welcome to this backpacking Paraguay itinerary.
It’s difficult to sum up Paraguay effectively but it’s a lovely landlocked country that offers waterfalls, remote areas worth exploring, and exciting history.
If you are already in South America and want to visit this beautiful country, this Paraguay travel itinerary will help you to organize a trip here!
Backpacking Paraguay Itinerary
There’s so much more to Paraguay than what we’ll mention here today.
With this we mean, whether you’re spending 1 week in Paraguay or 2 weeks in Paraguay, you’ll have the time of your life and it still won’t feel like enough.
Is Paraguay Worth Visiting?
Paraguay is by far one of the least visited countries in all of Latin America.
This landlocked nation has a much more mysterious feel, and is an adventure for those looking for a more of the beaten path experience.
From undiscovered cultures to pristine jungle and waterfalls, Paraguay is worth the visit despite its lesser visited status.
BLATAM backpacking data:
- 💰 Currency: Guaraní
- 🇵🇾 Language: Spanish, Guaraní
- 🌎 Population Size: 7.1 Million
- 📍 Best Secret: Trinidad
- 🍴 Eat: Chipa, Mbeju
- 🥛 Drink: Tereré
- 💸 Average Daily Budget: $15-20
See our Paraguay travel tip section below for more useful information.
Is Paraguay Safe?
Paraguay is not the most popular country in the region and that has a lot to do with the fact that it’s one of the poorest ones.
Our basic tips for safety in Paraguay include:
- Dress to blend in, not to stand out.
- Only carry the cash you’ll need and keep the rest safe.
- Avoid bad neighborhoods.
- Limit your time in tourist and crowded areas.
- Beware of unauthorized vendors so you don’t get scammed.
However, it’s a lot safer to visit than people may expect. Of course, there’s the issue of petty crime, which is not uncommon in South America, so muggers, pickpocketers, and robbers are a risk to keep in mind.
Safety facts about Paraguay
- The best way to evaluate safety is by looking at the 2020 Global Peace Index. This measures the state of peace of each country in comparison with the rest of the World, by evaluating both tangible and qualitative indicators.
- Paraguay ranked as 75th out of the 163 nations measured, which is similar to that of Argentina and The Dominican Republic. For comparison, The United States ranked as 121st.
- Overall, Paraguay is one of the safer countries to visit in South America. Even in the capital of Asunción there’s relatively little crime here in comparison with other big cities in the continent.
- The only advice we’d give here is to dress down. Not so much to avoid unwanted attention and to lessen the chance of being robbed (which is usually the case), but more so to respect locals as this is one of the poorest countries in South America.
See this EPIC guide on safety in Paraguay for detailed and up-to-date info.
Don’t worry too much about safety in Paraguay for now though, we’ll provide some more dedicated safety tips you can follow for peace of mind!
Places to Visit in Paraguay
There are many off the beaten track places to visit in Paraguay and in this article we’ll look at the spots you simply can’t miss.
Why not try reading this in conjunction with our popular backpacking South America travel guide which shows you even more place to see in Paraguay?
Asuncion
This Paraguay backpacking itinerary starts in Asuncion, so after dropping your bags: go to Mercado Cuatro for some Paraguayan cuisine, such as pira caldo.
You can spend some time browsing the stalls before you move onto the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes where you’ll learn about the War of the Triple Alliance and admire the incredible building.
You can also spend time at Museo del Barro to learn more about the country’s history and indigenous art. Another area that’s really worth checking out is El Chacho. A remote region in western Paraguay, it’s home to unique landscapes and many rare animals. You’ll need to head on a multi-day tour to get there.
Saltos del Monday
Saltos del Monday are three beautiful and large waterfalls on the Monday River and it’s just pure paradise. They are located near Ciudad del Este in the Presidente Franco village.
It’s surrounded by native forest, so you can go tree climbing, zip-lining, hiking, climbing, and much more. It’s not super crowded because it’s not well-known, so it’s nice and relaxing.
Ciudad del Este
Ciudad del Este can be your next stop on this Paraguay backpacking itinerary, a place known for the Itaipu Dam, Monday Waterfalls, and inexpensive shopping among other things.
In Ciudad del Este you’ll find amazing food and places to visit, such as the Itaipu Dam, which is on the Parana river and it’s one of the largest power stations in the world. You can also enjoy the nightlife and go shopping as well.
Check out this awesome shopping tour where you’ll shown around the very best markets.
Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is another must-see in your Paraguay travel itinerary and they are very popular. They are one of the seven natural wonders of the world, so expect a crowd.
There is lots to do here apart from visiting the waterfalls, which are stunning, such as going to Blue Park Foz, an amazing waterpark, going to Marco das Tres Fronteiras, a lookout post with views of the Parana River, and a lot more.
Since it’s so close to Ciudad del Este, you can easily visit the Iguazú falls within a day. Why not jump on this tour where all logistics are handled? Then you’ll also have a ride through the falls on a Machco Safari Boat!
Encarnación
Encarnacion could be the next stop on your Paraguay travel itinerary and it’s known for its Jesuit ruins, which are impeccably preserved.
Encarnacion has a lot to offer. For example, you can visit the Trinidad Jesuit Ruins, take a walk at La Costanera, the riverfront coastline.
How about a visit to San Jose Beach and Playa de Armas? Or, exploring the Parroquia Catedral Nuestra Senora, the biggest church in town, and more.
When heading to the beach, make sure to bring a high quality power bank so you’re never without charge on your phone or camera device.
Parque Nacional Ybycuí
The Parque Nacional Ybycuí can’t be missing from your Paraguay backpacking itinerary and you’ll enjoy an amazing experience.
The best way to experience this park is to book a private tour so you can enjoy the natural pools, hike the trails to see the Escondido and Guaraní falls.
You can also visit La Rosada, and try to spot the neon-blue morpho butterflies that are abundant in the park where you can enjoy picnics and delicious food!
Backpacking Paraguay (2 Weeks)
Below we’ll cover our best itinerary of Paraguay. As well as keeping an eye on time, it’s also been designed to keep things fresh and exciting too for you.
Asunción (Days 1-3)
We first start by exploring the Paraguayan capital, which can be reached either by international flight, or by crossing the close-by border from Argentina.
Asunción is the true heart of Paraguay, and the best place to experience it’s unique Guaraní culture as well as explore many of its bustling markets.
The best area to stay in is within La Encarnación, which is close to most of the top sights.
Here you can see the striking Palacio de los López building, as well as the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes which is a shrine to important figures such as Don Carlos Antonio López – the first president of Paraguay.
During these days you’ll definitely want to visit the Mercado 4, which is full of unique clothes, indigenous novelties and also foods.
Make sure to try out Chipa whilst here, and also the Paraguayan drink that is Tereré.
Asunción also has some good nightlife, and if you’re up for a boozy one then you’ll want to head to Paseo Carmalitas in the centre, which is the hotspot of the capital.
This strip is home to a range of options from local bars and taverns to upscale joints and nightclubs.
While here consider heading on this city tour where you’ll see the very best sites of the capital.
Encarnación (Days 4-6)
From Asunción we’ll now take a night bus over to Encarnación, which also lies along the Argentinian border.
This city could easily be located somewhere within Europe, with a very safe and residential feel, and also lots of friendly locals.
The absolute biggest pull for those coming to Encarnación (and in Paraguay too) are the Jesuit Mission Ruins.
Whilst found in numerous South American countries, the ruins in Paraguay are by far the best and well preserved.
The two very best are called Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná (a proper mouthful), and also those of Jesús de Tavarangüe.
Both are located in the town of Trinidad, about an hour away from Encarnación, which makes for a perfect day trip.
Within Encarnación, some of the best things to do include heading to the Plaza de Armas, which is very well-kept and also has some stunning Japanese Gardens great for a wander through.
There’s also it’s beaches too. Despite Paraguay being landlocked, this hasn’t stopped locals from finding their own slice of beach paradise.
Playa San José and Mboi Ka are the best city beaches here, and are perfect to spend the day on to relax and bronze-up.
Ciudad del Este (Days 7-8)
From Encarnación we’ll now travel by bus along the border up to the city of Ciudad del Este. This place seems to really divide opinion – many hating it and also many loving it.
We’ll be honest, it’s not the most attractive city. However despite this it makes up for with its raw and bustling markets.
Due to low taxes and costs, you’ll find many Brazilians and Argentinians crossing over to buy the much cheaper goods here than back home.
When you’re not exploring it’s chaotic markets, then be sure to take a taxi up to the Itaipu Dam, which is the second largest in the World.
Providing almost all energy needs for Paraguay (as well as for some parts of Brazil too), you can actually visit from both sides of the border, however this side is cheaper and you’ll be able to go inside with a tour.
When you’re tired and want to relax, then head to the giant Lago de la República, which is a tranquil lake with lots of nice walkways in town.
It’s also a nice area with lots of restaurants and bars nearby, allowing a peace of mind from the otherwise sometimes overbearing nature of this city.
Don’t forget your Water Purifier & Filter Bottle!
Foz do Iguaçu (Days 9-12)
Last but not least we head to across the Brazilian border to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. Yes yes, we know. It’s not actually in Paraguay.
However we’ve included it as it’s so close to Ciudad del Este (that it could even be visited as a half day trip), and also as Brazilian immigration tends to be a breeze to get through (this goes without saying – please check your own requirements before trying to cross).
During these days you’ll have ample time to visit the stunning Iguaçu Falls, which are among some of the most beautiful in the world.
There’s hourly buses from the terminal that take you to the park, and you’ll need around 3-4 hours to see the Brazilian side (you can also cross into Argentina relatively easily to explore the worthy Argentinian side too).
Other great things to do here include a visit to Marco das Tres Fronteiras, which marks the spot of the triple border with Paraguay and Argentina, and also the Parque das Aves to see some rare and exotic birds from the region.
From Foz it’s really easy to cross into Argentina, where the other half of the Iguazú Falls lies. We recommend this awesome day tour where you’ll a chance to see the views from the higher viewpoints, as well as explore the surrounding National Park.
And there we have our 2 week itinerary traveling through Paraguay.
Now let’s move on to our most important tips, so you can have the best experience possible here.
Paraguay: Travel + Safety Tips
As mentioned before, Paraguay is pretty safe to visit but there are certain risks you still need to prepare for and keep in mind.
⬇️ Below you can find a list of our top recommendations for Paraguay:
- Avoid flashing your valuables, especially in public transport.
- Remember to keep valuables at home or a hotel safe. Be sure to take out travel insurance to protect you during your trip.
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
- Always be vigilant in crowded places.
- Pickpocketing is a high risk, as well as bag snatching, so don’t let your guard down.
- Some tourist attractions in Paraguay include: Ybycuí National Park, Palacio de Lopez (Asunción), Misión Jesuítica de la Santísima (Encarnación). See this list of top rated tours in Paraguay
- Paraguayan food is highly varied, with many of its dishes originating from indigenous tribes. We recommend Bori-Bori, which is a soup with meat and different vegetables, as well as trying Mbeju, a traditional savoury cake usually eaten for breakfast.
- If you get mugged, DO NOT resist. Learning some Latin American Spanish before you arrive can help you in many situations.
- Being honest Paraguay is nowhere near the party of neighbouring Brazil and Argentina, however there are some great spots to enjoy the night. In Asunción, head to Palo Santo Brewing Co. for craft beer, and Seven for techno and house.
- Look out for the top rated hostels in Paraguay for the most comfortable rooms and meeting like minded people etc.
- Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and forest fires are a risk.
- Paraguay is one of the poorest countries in South America, meaning there’s little public toilets, especially so in the countryside. Whenever you spot one, use it, as you may not find another for a while!
These are the basic safety travel tips that will keep you safe from common risks and provide some peace of mind while you’re exploring the city.
Traveling Around Paraguay
Buses are the primary means of transportation in Paraguay, so you’ll be able to get around the country very easily. Bus tickets are quite cheap and buses vary in shape and size.
Some are old and can get crowded, while others are modern, roomy, and very comfortable. Urban buses have big city routes and long-distance buses are always comfortable, but the ride can be quite bumpy and they’ll cost more.
You’ll have many different bus companies to choose from and different comfort classes to enjoy so you can have comfortable trips to major destinations around the country.
Using buses will make it a lot easier for you to hit all the stops in your Paraguay travel itinerary and not spend a fortune while you’re at it.
Given certain areas can be poor, it’s best to keep your things as secure as possible. This Money Belt is our go-to when traveling in buses and in less safe areas.
Some of our favourite hostels in Paraguay include:
El Nómada Hostel Asunción (Asunción), Posada Basiliza (Encarnación).
Best time to visit Paraguay
We’ve spoken a lot about the best time to visit South America on this blog (George is absolutely obsessed with checking the weather when we travel).
Paraguay’s climate is generally warm, although there is a pronounced summer and winter season where temperatures do vary. The capital of Asunción is arguably the most popular destination to visit and stay in Paraguay.
The summer runs from October until April (remember we’re in the Southern Hemisphere here), where average daily temperatures range from 77-84°F.
Highs can reach up to a scorching 95°F (January is the hottest month to visit the capital), and lows of down to around 66°F. Rainfall is at its highest during this season, with between 130-150mm falling throughout each month.
The winter season, which runs from May until September, sees quite a drop in day-time temperatures, with an average of around 66-72°F.
Highs can reach up to 82°F, whereas lows to around 55°F (June and July are the coolest months to visit). Rainfall is lower during this time of year, with 30-70mm of downpour per month.
Another popular destination to visit in Paraguay is Iguazú Falls. These stunning waterfalls are mostly visited from the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, however Paraguay’s is also worthy of a visit.
Iguazú also follows the same seasonal pattern, with hot summers and cool winters. From October until April, average daily temps range from 75-79°F.
Highs can reach up to 90°F (March being the hottest month), with lows of around 59°F. Rainfall is heavy year-round, although it seems to peak around these months with around 170-210mm of downpour throughout each.
The remaining winter months of May until September have an average daily temperature of between 63-66°F.
Highs can reach up to 81°F, with lows dipping to around 50°F (June and July again being the coolest months to visit, which is quite similar throughout Paraguay.
Rainfall throughout these months are still pretty heavy, although slightly less so when compared with the summer season. You can expect anywhere from 100-150mm of precipitation throughout each of these months.
What to Pack for Paraguay?
Now we’ve explored the different seasons of Paraguay, as well as its main destinations, now it’s time start packing for your trip there!
Paraguay can vary depending on which season you visit. In the summer you’ll want mostly light clothes and swim-wear, and also lots of sunscreen as the sun here can burn pretty easily.
The winter season is not cold per se, however you’ll definitely want to bring a couple of extra layers as things wind down come the evening, and even more so when exploring the more remote and mountainous regions.
As well as the above, you’ll also want to pack all of the essentials which includes toiletries, a document holder, towels, a water bottle as well as a daypack for any excursions you’ll be taking part in.
Got travel insurance for Paraguay?
Paraguay Backpacking Itinerary
With this Paraguay travel itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy your time in the country and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Though it’s not a trending destination among backpackers, Paraguay is an underrated gem worth visiting if you’re already backpacking South America.
While ever in South America take inspiration from this itinerary and prepare for spending 1 week in Paraguay or even better, 2 weeks in Paraguay!
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
“Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”
