Don’t want to follow the beaten trek and explore the unknown? There are many things to discover, the second biggest dam, beautiful waterfalls, Colonial European architecture, colourful neighbourhoods, and cheap electronics. Three cities come to mind when thinking of an easy five-day itinerary for Paraguay. Trying to figure out what to do, where to stay, and where you can find a replacement for that stolen camera or smartphone? Read on to find out.
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PLACES IN PARAGUAY THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR FIVE-DAY ITINERARY
Five days is enough time to explore Asunción, Ciudad del Este, AND EITHER add some day trips OR stop in Encarnación for relaxing days on Playa San José. Anyone seeking an adventure and is travelling by car should head to el Chaco. Although, Paraguay’s countryside isn’t easy to explore.
ASUNCIÓN WHAT TO DO
Asunción is a city of contrast. There are many fancy air-conditioned malls, shops, and restaurants, but also incredible European architectural buildings that often are abandoned, and many road works have been left unfinished. Spending two days in Asunción gives you enough time to explore the city.
Historical Squares and Buildings.
Catedral has plenty of small squares and parks to explore, admittedly all of them are underwhelming and you will have seen them in no time. You will come across beautiful 17th century, colonial architecture, and many pink buildings. The ones not to miss are National Pantheon of the Heroes, Casa de la Independencia, and Palacio de López. Head to the Museo del Barro to escape the heat and see some ancient art. There is also a botanical garden and zoo.
Playa Costanera.
You can look, but you cannot touch! Playa Costanera is a short walk from Palacio de López. Take a walk along the riverfront, sunbathe on Playa Costanera, or enjoy the pink-orange sunset. Whatever you decide on, do not get into the water! The sewage is being released into the Paraguay river, so dips are out of bounds – unless that is your thing, no judgments.
Loma San Jerónimo.
My favourite area in Asunción is Loma San Jerónimo. Do you know the famous steps in Rio? Well, Paraguay have their own. This neighbourhood can be explored via small alleyways and colourful stairs. It is a good 20-30-minute walk from the city centre and can be found walking along Avenida Republica.
You will be greeted by a welcoming sign on the side of the road, from where you enter the cheerful neighbourhood. The best time to visit is late afternoon for a 20-minute explore, followed by marvelling at the sunset with a cocktail in hand on the rooftop of ‘La Casa Del Mojito’. I struggled to spell Mojito although I had my fair share over the years – oops. Escalinata Loma San Jerónimo C/ Agustín Barboza, 595 Asunción
Shopping.
There are many shopping centres to escape the heat, and if you have a couple of hours to kill you can head to Mercado Municipal 4 for clothes and food shopping.
WHERE TO EAT IN ASUNCIÓN
Try the ‘local dish’ Milanesa with potatoes, or ‘Schnitzel’ as we call it in Austria. As an Austrian I always argue with my South American friends where this meal originated. The dish can be found at most local joints.
Woko
Delicious build your own Asian noodle and rice dishes for a reasonable price. Mcal Estigarribia nº.144 e/ yegros e, Independencia Nacional, Asunción
Pizzeria Zampano
As a pizza addict may I say the pizzas are delicious and the ‘pizzas grandes’ are big enough to share between two people. Pizzeria Zampano, 480, Asunción
WHERE TO STAY IN ASUNCIÓN
Hostal El Farol, Asunción.
The hostel has only been opened in 2019 and has a modern and homely vibe. The owners are young and full of advice. They also have a cute dog and cat to cuddle with. My only critique is that the breakfast could be broader. Eligio Ayala 195, Asuncion, 1209
WHAT TO DO IN CIUDAD DEL ESTE
Ciudad del Este does not have a lot to offer other than electronics shopping. I recommend you spend a day exploring the city and use it as a base for day trips.
Lago de la República.
Stroll around the lake, which can be reached by foot from most hostels. You might even see baby capybaras running around in the grass. I embarrassingly mistook them for guinea pigs at first.
Electronics Shopping.
Avenida San Blas and it’s surrounding area are more of a cheap electronics shopping destination than a tourist hot spot. There is a black market for electronics, but to be sure that the product you purchase is not a fake you should pass through the busy street market stalls and head to ‘China Imports’ or ‘Paris Shopping Centre’. Bluetooth speakers are cheaper than in the US and Europe, but prices for cameras and tablets are in-line.
Day Trips from Ciudad del Este.
Ciudad del Este is the closest city to Itaipu Dam, the second biggest dam in the world. I didn’t visit but heard it is ‘dam’ impressive – sorry had to do it! The easiest way to get there is by booking a tour with the visitor centre. You can also get there by bus or taxi.
The control room tours don’t have to be booked in advance, but if you want a more extensive tour you will have to organise it in advance. This is a common attraction and your hostel will have all the information you need.
Salto de Monday Waterfalls is a less crowded, cheaper alternative to Iguazu Falls. You can embark on a 2h walk, take a taxi or the local bus towards Tres Fronteras stopping at Avenida Monday. The entrance fee is PYG 35,000.
WHERE TO STAY IN CIUDAD DEL ESTE
Teko Arte Hostel, Ciudad del Este.
There is a pool, hammocks, well-equipped kitchen, small breakfast, and dogs. What more could you need? Avenida Rogelio Benitez casi Aka Karaja, Ciudad del Este, 7000
Heading to Iguazu Falls next? Click here for my Paraguay Brazil border crossing guide.
WHAT TO PACK
The weather in Paraguay is consistently hot throughout the year making it easy to pack for a five-day itinerary. Sweatshirts are only needed for air-conditioned shops and restaurants.
SAFETY
Safety in Asunción and Ciudad del Este is not a concern. However, always be mindful of your belongings.
TRANSPORT
Asunción Bus Terminal.
The terminal is far from the city centre and local taxi prices are expensive at around PYG 40.000. The cheapest option is uber, or to take a bus from outside the terminal.
Encarnación.
Have you decided your perfect five-day itinerary for Paraguay is incomplete without a visit to Encarnación and it’s beach Playa San José? The bus journey from Asunción takes 5.30h, PYG 50,000; and from Ciudad del Este 4.30h, PYG 50,000.
Asunción to Ciudad del Este.
NSA busses are comfortable, and they offer wifi at the bus terminal in Ciudad del Este. A ticket costs PYG 95,000. The bus at midnight gets you in at 5.30 am. There is also a 1 am bus.
Did I do a good job and create curiosity for the widely unexplored Paraguay? Also, did I mention that I mistook capybara babies for guinea pigs? Still, no clue what they are? Capybaras are the biggest rodents in the world and to my defence, the babies do look a hell of a lot like guinea pigs when they sprint past.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
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