Sometimes referred to as the Heart of America, this landlocked country in South America is a paragon of cultural and natural history, and the best places to visit in Paraguay before you die would be an inexhaustible list. Paraguay has a tropical climate, perfect for exploring all the ancient cities and forested areas whilst catching a few rays at the same time. Just remember to take water with you wherever you go, and keep an eye on local news and weather reports in case of anything which could cause problems for your trip.
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Paraguay has a rich political and social history, having been colonized by the Spanish in the 1500s, and a tumultuous political past changing the culture and counterculture of the country even today. The pre-Columbian language and culture, Guaraní, is still very influential, making this country an interesting blend of the old and new world. There is something for everyone from nature-lovers to city-birds – and everything in between! – just check out the list below to see exactly just how diverse this country really is.
With plenty of clean, renewable energy, a stable economy, and – despite its politically-turbulent history – a temperate political climate, Paraguay could easily be described as one of the safest countries in the world to live at peace. However, if you’re only visiting, there are some places that simply should not be missed, no matter how much time you’re spending in Paraguay. The 7 best places to visit in Paraguay before you die are listed below, to help you narrow down your choices and to make sure you don’t miss out on anything that this unique country has to offer.
7. Saltos del Monday
Saltos del Monday is not actually a destination, per se, but a waterfall, contained within the Municipal Park Monday. Stunning natural beauty is not unusual in Paraguay, but this waterfall is definitely worth a stop; the park in which the falls are located in contains such diverse flora and fauna that you’ll never want to leave for fear of missing out on something!
6. Itaipu Dam
A dual-nation endeavor between Paraguay and Brazil, the dam is the largest hydroelectric plant in the world and supplies almost 90% of Paraguay’s electricity. The dam is open to the public, with a museum and visitor centre to educate the children and walks along the dam to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Iguazu River and the Parasana River (South America’s second-longest river).
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5. La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
Named after the Jesuit Reduction (a type of historical religious community) which used to stand on the site, it is one of Paraguay’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is an excellent example of 1700s architecture on a beautiful plane; an absolute must for a mini-religious pilgrimage!
4. Cerro Cora National Park
The biggest protected area in Paraguay, this heavily-wooded area has everything from mountainous hills to crashing waterfalls. The visitor centre provides information on hiking trails if you want to absorb all the natural beauty, and there are even prehistoric caves to explore containing indigenous artwork dating back thousands of years.
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3. Manzana de la Rivera
A cultural symbol of Paraguay, this antique city has been transformed into a museums, libraries, and theatres complex. Educational and fun for adults and children alike, Manzana de la Rivera is as beautiful as it is cultural.
2. Asunción
Settled in the 1500s by conquistadors, this city is one of the oldest in South America. For the children, there are botanical gardens and a zoo with many activities for the youngsters to enjoy (that adults will probably like too, although they won’t admit it!), or for adults there are plenty of museums and a charming historical district.
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And, the best place to visit in Paraguay before you dis is: Ybycuí National Park
A day-trip from Asunción, the sub-tropical rainforest is easily Paraguay’s most beautiful location in which to be absorbed by nature. Once you’ve relaxed into the environment by listening to the running water from one of the many waterfalls, the fauna might get used enough to you to come out and play; including huge butterflies!
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As you can see, Paraguay has such a diverse cultural, social, and natural history, that any trip would be too short to take in all this wonderful country has to offer. This list of the best places to visit in Paraguay before you die is just the beginning; if you have the time, do everything! If you don’t have the time to do everything, perhaps this list has helped you to narrow down your personal list of things to do in this beautiful and diverse country.
