Destinations & Things To Do
The 13 Best Places to Visit in Paraguay for an Unforgettable Trip
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Paraguay quietly captivates visitors with its rich history, natural wonders, and warm hospitality. In 2023, this landlocked nation welcomed 1.2 million tourists—a 15% increase from the previous year. Yet, Paraguay remains one of South America’s best-kept secrets.
Best places to visit in Paraguay span bustling cities, serene landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This guide unveils the top Paraguay tourist places for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the continent.
1. Asunción: The Vibrant Capital
Paraguay’s capital pulses with life. Colonial architecture mingles with modern high-rises in this city of 525,000. Must-see places to visit in Asunción, Paraguay include:
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Palacio de los López: The government palace glows pink in the evening light. Tours are available Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am-4 pm. Admission: ₹300.
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Panteón Nacional de los Héroes: This national monument honors Paraguay’s heroes. Open daily, 7 am-5 pm. Free entry.
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Casa de la Independencia: Explore the site where Paraguay declared independence in 1811. Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. Admission: ₹200.
|
Attraction |
Hours |
Admission |
|---|---|---|
|
Palacio de los López |
Tue-Sun, 11 am-4 pm |
₹300 |
|
Panteón Nacional de los Héroes |
Daily, 7 am-5 pm |
Free |
|
Casa de la Independencia |
Tue-Sun, 9 am-5 pm |
₹200 |
2. Encarnación: The Pearl of the South
Encarnación charms with its riverside setting and Jesuit mission ruins nearby. Top experiences in this southern city include:
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Costanera de Encarnación: Stroll the picturesque riverfront promenade lined with parks and eateries.
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Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad: Explore the UNESCO-listed remains of a 17th-century mission, located 30 km from Encarnación. Guided tours are available.
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Carnival: Encarnación hosts Paraguay’s biggest carnival celebration each February.
3. Ciudad del Este: Shopping Haven
Paraguay’s second-largest city buzzes with commerce. Visitors flock to Ciudad del Este for:
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Shopping: Find electronics, clothing, and more at low prices in the city’s bustling markets.
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Itaipú Dam: Marvel at the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Brazil-Paraguay border. Guided tours are available from Ciudad del Este.
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Monday Falls: Admire the stunning 40-meter cascade located 10 km from the city centre.
4. San Bernardino: Lakeside Retreat
San Bernardino, nestled on the shores of Ypacaraí Lake, is a favourite weekend getaway for Asunción residents. Highlights include:
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Watersports: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and pedal boating on the serene lake.
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Ecological Reserve Kanguery: Spot capybaras and over 200 bird species in this protected area bordering the town.
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Sunsets: Watch the sun sink behind the lake from the waterfront promenade.
5. Ybycuí National Park: Natural Playground
Ybycuí National Park, located 120 km from Asunción, showcases Paraguay’s biodiversity. Activities include:
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Hiking: Trek through the Atlantic forest to waterfalls like Salto Mina and Salto Guaraní.
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Wildlife Watching: Look for monkeys, coatis, and toucans on the park’s trails.
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Iron Foundry Ruins: Visit remnants of a 19th-century foundry, Paraguay’s first iron factory.
6. Trinidad Jesuit Ruins: Colonial Legacy
The Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a window into Paraguay’s colonial past. Don’t miss:
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Church Ruins: Admire the red sandstone remains of the mission church, built in 1745.
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Museum: Learn about mission life and see artefacts like ceramics and religious art.
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Sound and Light Show: Experience the ruins illuminated with a historical narration, held Thursday-Sunday evenings.
7. Saltos del Monday: Majestic Falls
The Monday Falls, tumbling 40 meters over a sandstone cliff, are among the most beautiful places in Paraguay. Visit to:
-
Marvel at the Cascade: Best viewed from the overlook, reached via a short hike from the parking area.
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Swim: Cool off in the pools at the base of the falls. Use caution on slippery rocks.
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Picnic: Pack a lunch to enjoy at nearby picnic tables with fall views.
8. Cerro Corá National Park: Natural and Historical Treasure
Cerro Corá National Park, in northeastern Paraguay, combines stunning landscapes with historical significance. Highlights include:
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Cerro Corá Peak: Climb to the top of this flat-topped hill for panoramic park views.
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Aquidabán River: Take a refreshing dip or paddle a kayak on this winding waterway.
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Battlefield Memorial: Pay respects at the site where the Paraguayan War ended in 1870.
9. Paraguarí: Outdoor Adventure Hub
Paraguarí, located 66 km from Asunción, is a launching point for adventures in the nearby Ybytyruzú mountain range. Popular activities include:
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Hiking: Summit Cerro Tres Kandú for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
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Horseback Riding: Explore the foothills on a guided trail ride.
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Paragliding: Soar over the scenic landscape with a tandem flight from Cerro Mbatoví.
10. Areguá: Arts and Nature Escape
Areguá, situated on the shores of Ypacaraí Lake, is known for its artisan workshops and natural beauty. Don’t miss:
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Pottery Shops: Browse colorful ceramics in the workshops lining Avenida Los Ceramistas.
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Cerro Koi: Hike to a scenic viewpoint or go rock climbing on this hill overlooking the town.
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Playa De Los Pynandi: Relax on this sandy lakeshore beach, a favourite summer spot.
11. Itauguá: The Ñandutí Capital
Itauguá, located 30 km from Asunción, is famous for its intricate ñandutí lace. Visit to:
-
Shop for Handicrafts: Purchase delicate ñandutí tablecloths, blouses, and more directly from artisans.
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Learn the Craft: Take a workshop to try your hand at creating the spider web-like lace.
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Attend the Ñandutí Festival: Celebrate the art of ñandutí each July with demonstrations, music, and dance.
12. Ayolas: Gateway to Yacyretá Dam
Ayolas is a small city best known as the base for visiting the nearby Yacyretá Dam. Traveller tips:
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Yacyretá Dam Tour: Take a guided excursion to learn about this hydroelectric marvel on the Paraná River.
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Fishing: Cast a line for dorado, surubí, and other prize catches in the Paraná’s waters.
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San José Beach: Soak up some sun on this sandy riverfront stretch, 12 km from Ayolas.
13. Concepción: Northern Cultural Center
Concepción, the largest city in northern Paraguay, offers a glimpse of traditional Paraguayan culture. Key attractions include:
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Museo del Norte: Delve into the region’s history and customs at this museum housed in a 1920s mansion.
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Pinedo Park: Stroll through the city’s largest green space, home to a lagoon and sculpture garden.
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Río Beach: Cool off with a swim at this sandy spot where the Apa River meets the Paraguay River.
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From the capital’s colonial charms to the natural wonders of the countryside, Paraguay offers a wealth of experiences for intrepid travellers. As you discover this hidden gem, stay connected with Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Plans.
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Leaving the motel room where I’d rested the past 3 nights felt a little sad but I wanted to be moving again. I grabbed a sandwich for lunch and another for the road from a cute deli nearby too. This did mean I got to the trail a little late though, roughly 2:30. My stupid ankle was hurting again now and it made the walk fairly unpleasant. I got to Red’s Meadow where I’d heard they were serving ice cream but it was the evening now and it looked like they had closed down for the day. My mood already low and not wanting to pay for camping, I continued onward instead, forgetting that they also had a hot spring.
I ended up finding a tiny tent site nearby Sotcher Lake and grumpily set up there. Lesson learned here; try not to spiral. My ankle hurting led me to skip past Red’s Meadow which meant I missed the hot spring there.
Day 83: Uneventful Days
The night was cold and I slept in then had a slow morning. My pack was heavy and I was moving slowly which, combined with getting out of camp late, limited my miles today; I barely did 12. I ate lunch at a campground and had to scare away an particularly industrious Stellar’s Jay who kept trying to get to my food. I respect the effort but this food is for me, little bird.
The rest of the walk was largely uneventful. The entire day was one long but thankfully gradual uphill and the views of the valley and surrounding mountains only got better. I continued to churn through audiobooks as they were kinda the only thing keeping me going. I ended up making camp on the side of a mountain with a gorgeous valley below. It was surprisingly well-sheltered for being up on a ridge. I ate dinner staring out at the snowcapped peaks and the trees and lakes below.
Day 84: Donohue Pass; Into Yosemite!
The night was again cold and I was glad my habit of stuffing my water filter into my sleeping bag had stayed so consistent this trail. For the curious, our water filters are vulnerable to freezing. If the water inside turns to ice it will expand and compromise the filter in a way that is almost undetectable. Usually this is only a risk at night thankfully so simply going to sleep with it usually means it will stay warm.
The morning was fairly unremarkable as I walked to the base of Donohue Pass, save for Thousand Island Lake which was absolutely gorgeous. I met a hiker called Trooper there before taking my lunch and nap. Afterwards I began the climb and while going up I began to hear distant thunder. It remained distant thankfully which was a very good thing as I was well above the tree line and with limited places to take cover. The numerous marmots showed no fear of course; must be nice having a hole you can retreat to. Thankfully there was almost no snow on the ground so although the ascent was steep it did go quickly.
As I reached highest point and crossed into Yosemite National Park snow flurries started and the thunder suddenly got louder. I could see it was raining a few miles ahead in the valley below. Wanting to get below the tree line in case the storm turned my way, I hustled downhill, the fast speed also helping to keep me warm on a day that had turned quite cold. The snow intermittently fell all the way down though it was thankfully mild. There were many JMT hikers around again too.
While descending on a gravely switchback, my shoes suddenly lost traction on the rocks underneath me and before I knew it I was falling. Falling backwards thankfully, not forwards or to the side down the mountain. I cried out in expectation of the painful impact of my butt on the earth but to my surprise it never came. Sitting there I realized my pack had cushioned the fall almost completely, turning a bone-jarring jolt into just a bit of a jerk to my hips. Thank you, backpack.
I camped that evening in Lyell Canyon, enjoying the gorgeous meadows surrounded by the sharp canyon walls. Remembering my fall, I inspected my shoes and discovered that the tread was seriously worn down. The shoes it seemed were near their end of life and I suddenly realized that they were probably contributing to my ankle irritation now that they could no longer provide sufficient support. Clearly new shoes were in my future.
Day 85: Burgers in Tuolumne Meadows
The day began with a nice, gradual downhill through beautiful meadows. I passed many JMT hikers but started to see more and more day hikers as I approached Tuolumne Meadows. Suddenly, the trail joined with a well-paved road and I abruptly re-entered civilization. Cars were passing, tourists were walking about goggling at the sights, and at least two groups of deer were practically posing for photos.
I reached Tuolumne Meadows Grill right at lunch time. The hunger was in full swing and I consumes two burgers, fries, a salad, and a soda while my electronics charged. It was reasonably priced too, a surprise for such a touristy area!
I headed out around 3, quickly running into Myles and Swing Set who I’d met in Mammoth. We hiked together past multiple waterfalls and vast views. Yosemite felt noticeably different than the previous stretch of the Sierra; the mountains felt lower but rocker somehow. I camped that night at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, quite close to the base of Tuolumne Falls. I was still full from those lunch burgers too so slept early.
Trail Stats:
Catholes: 28
Stops to filter water: 117
Resupplies: 14
Hitches: 15
Zeros: 15
Crys on trail: 12
Blisters: 12
Gear repairs: 19
Miles Skipped: 212.3
Significant Water Crossings: 75
Falls: 1
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Destinations & Things To Do
Iran Now Joins The UNWTO Top 20 Global Tourism Destinations, Showcasing its Strong Recovery and Growing International Appeal Made Through Heritage, Culture, and Strategic Reforms
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Sitting, now, among the top 20 tourist destinations, for the first quarter of 2025 according to the latest figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This is a milestone that marks how far Iran has come in tourism aspects, a testament to a maturing policy environment, sector resilience and improved global perception as a safe, culturally rich and diverse travel destination.
Tremendous Increase in International Tourism Arrivals
One of the highest growths in the region, as UNWTO publishes first World Tourism Barometer of the year According to the UNWTO report, international tourist arrivals to Iran increased from 4.9 million in 2017 to 7.3 million in 2018, the best growth amongst the 40 most visited countries in theos world. This significant growth has been thanks to several strategic measures such as efficient government planning, huge growth in infrastructure and proactive attempts to give a positive turn to the country’s global image.
That increase in the number of visitors not only reflects the country’s natural potential for tourism but also reveals how it has successfully dealt with historical misinterpretations. The strong numbers reflect Iran’s dedication to welcoming international tourists alongside the country’s ever-expanding number of historical attractions, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, while also serving as a testament to the world’s proclivity to see past political headlines and to not confuse individual people from a country with wider… political issues.
Strategic Initiatives Driving Tourism Development
Given this focus on digital engagement, Iranian tourism officials have undertaken a complete digital overhauling. Key features of the Trust’s programme is the programme is the next step for the Trust in using advanced audience insights to create personalized, engaging web experiences. Future developments are set to include an interactive travel guide aimed at enthralling prospective tourists with Iran’s long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, using rich multimedia to tell the country’s story.
What’s more, tapping into social media has become a key prong of Iran’s tourism approach. By leveraging local storytelling and genuine stories, India aims to strike a chord with the world, i.e., ‘A chord is struck when the world connects with such stories, enabling a room for genuine interest and curiosity for potential travellers’.
Focused Efforts in Strategic Branding
Iran’s tourism ministry is also involving homegrown and foreign professionals to make riveting multimedia content. The purpose of this branding campaign is to elevate the visibility of Iran on international stages and introduce to the world the unparalleled attractions of this country. Local talent meets global branding know-how: Iran has set itself up to draw in a wide spectrum of global travellers, ensuring steady tourism growth.
Infrastructure and Access: The Foundations of Tourism Development
Improvement of the infrastructure has also contributed to Iran’s success in tourism. Excellent transportation systems, accommodations, and guest facilities have made tourism easy and comfortable. Such developments have been instrumental in helping Iran emerge as one of the hottest destinations in the world, providing the facilities of accessibility and comfort for the world travelers.
The powerful part of Iran experience is the wide range variety of cultural heritage you will find there. With its historic legacy (The ruins of Persepolis and Isfahan’s cultural and architectural splendor) and various and complex landscapes of deserts, mountains and coastlines, the country offers a wide range and variety of experiences for adventure-seekers. “Promotion of different aspects of Iranian tourism has been highly effective in promoting the country as a global tourist destination. However, by pushing these features using targeted marketing, this has helped to greatly increase Iran’s overall tourism profile globally.
Economic and Social Impacts
Rising tide of international tourists Having thousands of foreign visitors adds up significantly to the country’s economy and welfare. Tourism plays a role in driving local economies, supporting jobs and fostering cultural interaction. Such enhanced interaction would not merely lead to more economic welfare, but also pave the way for greater global knowledge and respect for Iran’s unique culture and past.
Future Prospects: Sustaining Momentum for Tourism in Iran
In the future, the further development and expansion of Iran’s tourism industry will depend largely on ongoing policy innovation, effective marketing, and investment in infrastructure. The country’s success in being an early adopter of digital platforms, strategic branding and authentic storytelling will become essential in sustaining the winning momentum.
The fact that Iran is considered one of the world’s most sought after tourism destinations is an important step in globalizing and diversifying the economy. The list of winners is our place at the top 30! We believe that if we take advantage of this win, we can make Iran Muslim Friendly Destination as a more popular place among tourists in the world for the next years.
- Hightower Parking Lot (908.8) zero at Country View Lodging, Elkton, VA
- 0 feet ascent, 0 feet descent
We assessed the heat damage. It was not inconsequential. Three days hiking in 100 degree weather had taken its toll. I was covered in heat rash, some so bad I could not move without pain. The Historian was feeling very weak. We both felt hot to the touch, even after an overnight sleep in an air conditioned room.
We decided it would be unwise to go back out to try to hike. Heat exhaustion is real and can be dangerous. We didn’t want to end our hike or put others at risk if we needed help. Hike Smart. The sign at the beginning of the Shennandoah told us that. We smartly requested another night. The heat was supposed to peak today.
Our Kingdom for the Day
Our room was delightful. We had two double beds, one to sleep on and one became the continent for pack explosions.
It was a luxury to be able to sort our resupply and rumage through our gear without bending over.
We Even Have a Kitchen
We did not expect a kitchenette but there was one. We availed ourselves of all its glories.
The Historian braved the heat to get ice from the office. After giving us “water with treats,” he put the ice bucket in the freezer. Clever man. We had ice all day.
Water with Treats
I should explain what water with treats is. We dream of it on the trail and discuss it often. We had a dog who loved ice cubes out of the refrigerator door. She would sit below the fridge and stare longingly after ice dispenser, I suppose dreaming of an opposable thumb. We were careful never to let her see how it worked when we offered her “treats”. Over time, she trained us to give her ice cubes in her water, aka “water with treats.”
In the heat we guzzeled warm water from our bottles dreaming of it having treats. Today, we had water with treats.
Grocery Delivery
We had leftover pizza for breakfast. By second breakfast we wanted real food. After last night’s 1 1/2 hour delivery saga of right room number, wrong hotel, we were concerned.
I also needed more medicated powder for my heat rash. Quite by accident, I discoved the grocery store had delivery. We could get our chores done without leaving the confines of our Kingdom for the Day.
I filled our shopping cart and took a lot out. Finally, I was satisfied. Not too much but plenty of what we wanted.
The groceries arrived flawlessly. Our shopper had called to see about apples. They were only available in 3 pound bags. I asked her if she could use the extra apples and she said she could. We took three for us, plenty to carry and gave her the rest. It was a good compromise.
Our Main Meal
I rehydrate our home dehydrated pork with green tomatoes. We added this to a salad. It was so very satisfying.
We feasted on wet food all day. The watermelon and other fruits were particularly satisfying. After days of poor calorie consumption due to the heat (except for our wayside affair!) it was good to be able to eat and not be nauseated.
ET Call Home
When I was on the trail in 1975, we communicated by letter mostly. When I came to town, I would look for a phone booth and call family collect. We had to keep the calls short as they were very expensive. If I remember correctly, it was about a dollar a minute. Calls were interrupted by a human operator at 3 minutes to remind you how much money you were spending.
Now days, the most common association with pay phones is the Tardis from Dr Who.
The motel had a real, working payphone!
We did not call home on the pay phone, but we did take time to communicate with family. The support and love of family has not changed since 1975.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
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