Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Paraguay Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Paraguay – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type I
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) £1 ≈ PYG 7,684 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in major cities, though cash is still preferred in many areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Paraguay, but small tips are appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and by hotel staff. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally prohibited in Paraguay. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in licensed venues or private spaces. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but there are restrictions on smoking in public places. |
| Independence Day (14–15 May) |
Celebrating Paraguay’s independence from Spain |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | None |
| Other: | Paraguay offers a rich cultural and historical experience, with many natural landscapes and traditional villages to explore. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Paraguay, Paraguay
Climate varies by region: eastern Paraguay is humid with rain year-round, the Chaco in the west is dry and extremely hot, with dirt roads that become impassable after rain
Wildlife viewing in the Pantanal and Chaco is best in the dry season from May to September
Heavy summer rain from November to March can wash out unpaved roads and make rural areas hard to reach
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Marvel at the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús
- 🏰 Stroll through Asunción’s historic center and visit Palacio de López
- 🛥️ Cruise along the Paraguay River at sunset
- 🛍️ Explore the craft markets in Areguá and buy ceramics
- 🏖️ Swim or relax by Lake Ypacaraí’s scenic shores
- 💦 Witness the cascading Salto Cristal waterfall in Paraguarí
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Paraguay?
Paraguay's appeal lies in its authentic cultural experiences and diverse landscapes that remain relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. The country is divided into distinct regions, each with its own climate and character - from the semiarid Gran Chaco in the west to the more humid, subtropical east. Visitors can explore historic sites, experience traditional Guaraní culture and enjoy a variety of natural attractions from rivers and lakes to forests and wetlands.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Asunción
A vibrant capital where colonial architecture meets modern commerce, Asunción offers wide avenues lined with cafés and historic churches. The Paraguay River borders the city, providing scenic promenades and easy access to nearby cultural museums and parks.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Carnival (February)
-
Semana Santa (Easter)
-
Festival de San Juan (June)
-
Asunción Foundation Day (August)
-
Independence Day (May)
-
Nanduti Festival (July)
-
Expo Feria de Mariano Roque Alonso
-
Fiesta de San Blas
-
Festival del Takuare'ê
-
Oktoberfest in Colonia Independencia
Knowledge before you go
- Carry passport copy always. Police checks are frequent nationwide.
- Use Uber in Asunción; avoid street taxis and buses prone to pickpocketing.
- Drink only bottled water; mosquitoes carry dengue in summer rainy season.
- Visit Jesuit ruins in south; Encarnación's Carnival in February rivals Rio's festivities.
How to travel to Paraguay
Most international visitors arrive in Paraguay through Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, which has connections to major South American cities and some international hubs. Land entry is possible from neighboring countries like Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, with bus services connecting major cities across borders. The Paraguay and Paraná rivers also provide access points for those traveling by boat. As of March 2025, many nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free for up to 90 days, though it's advisable to check current requirements before traveling.
Access summary
- Asunción: Fly to Silvio Pettirossi (ASU) from major South American hubs.
- From Argentina/Brazil: Buses or cars to Asunción, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este.
- Paranair hub at ASU; regional carrier, no major global alliance membership.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Paraguay
Paraguay offers accommodations ranging from international hotel chains in Asunción and Ciudad del Este to more basic options in smaller towns and rural areas. In Asunción, you'll find luxury hotels alongside mid-range and budget options, while tourist destinations like Encarnación and San Bernardino have a growing number of tourist-oriented accommodations. In remote areas, particularly in the Chaco, facilities can be quite basic. Prices are generally affordable compared to neighboring countries, making Paraguay good value for travelers.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Paraguay
Getting around Paraguay typically involves a combination of buses, taxis and private vehicles. In cities like Asunción, local buses and taxis provide affordable transportation, though the system can be confusing for newcomers. For intercity travel, long-distance buses connect major destinations, with varying levels of comfort from basic to executive class. For exploring more remote areas, especially in the Chaco region, renting a 4WD vehicle is often necessary as road conditions can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Paraguay are around 65% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to PYG) is 19% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably more expensive compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Paraguay is generally safe for tourists in main areas, though petty theft can occur in urban centers. Exercise normal precautions, especially in border areas like Ciudad del Este. Rural areas are typically safer, but remote regions may have limited police presence.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Heat-related illnesses are a risk, especially in summer months. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases can occur, particularly during rainy season.
Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging throughout Paraguay. Even major cities have limited infrastructure for mobility-impaired travelers, with uneven sidewalks and few ramps. Historical sites and natural attractions present significant barriers and public transportation rarely accommodates wheelchairs.
Tap water
Tap water quality varies across Paraguay. In major cities, it's generally treated but many locals and visitors prefer bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive. In rural areas, always stick to bottled or purified water.
Packing recommendations for Paraguay
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
especially October–April
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
☂️
Folding umbrella
especially October–April
🪰
Insect repellent
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🧶
Light jumper
for winter evenings
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Paraguay
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