Table of Contents
Introduction
The landlocked South American country of Paraguay remains an under-the-radar destination for many travelers. Most tourists flock to the capital and largest city, Asunción, to experience a slice of Paraguayan culture. However, venturing beyond the capital reveals a wealth of hidden gems, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and mouthwatering cuisine waiting to be discovered across this little-known country.
Hidden Gems Outside Asunción
While Asunción offers historical plazas and museums, several smaller cities and towns around Paraguay showcase unique allure.
San Bernardino
This charming lakeside retreat, located about 60km from Asunción, offers gorgeous natural scenery and fun water sports. Spend sunny days sailing, kayaking, and swimming in the sparkling blue Lake Ypacaraí.
Encarnación
On the southern border with Argentina, Encarnación provides a pleasant surprise with pretty tree-lined streets, a happening beach scene, and Jesuit ruins. Don’t miss sipping tereré while people-watching at the costanera along the Paraná River.
Ciudad del Este
This bustling commercial hub on the Brazilian border often gets a bad rap. But beyond the shopping chaos lies striking Iguazú Falls day trips and Brazilian influence seen through architecture, cuisine, and language.
Jesuit Missions
The 17th-18th century Jesuit missions left a legacy of impressive ruins with ornate designs. The UNESCO sites of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangue offer glimpses into this religious history.
The Chaco
Venture into this arid wilderness stretching across Paraguay’s northwest for an off-the-grid adventure. Spot wildlife like jaguars and toucans while experiencing the traditional culture of indigenous groups like the Ayoreo.
Outdoor Adventures
Paraguay’s landscapes provide endless active pursuits beyond urban exploration.
Hiking in the Mbaracayú Forest Reserve
The pristine Atlantic Forest spanning Paraguay’s eastern Canindeyú department offers tranquil hiking under the jungle canopy. Keep an eye out for exotic creatures like giant anteaters.
Fishing and Boating at the Ypacaraí Lake
The scenic Ypacaraí Lake near San Bernardino allows idyllic fishing trips in search of species like pacú and surubí. Visitors can also rent boats or kayaks to peacefully explore the blue waters.
Birdwatching Opportunities
With over 700 species of birds, Paraguay is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Prime spots include the wetlands of Laguna Blanca and forests of San Rafael National Park.
Experiencing Genuine Paraguayan Culture
Beyond the urban conveniences, authentic Paraguayan traditions remain thriving across small towns.
Indigenous Crafts and Customs
Paraguay’s indigenous roots are alive through crafts like ñandutí lace embroidery and carving of religious figures like the “Virgin of Caacupé.” The music and dance of groups like the Ava Guaraní offer glimpses into native customs.
Colonial Architecture in Small Towns
Red-tiled colonial buildings are beautifully preserved in towns like Villa Florida and Piribebuy. Their slow pace of life contrasts with bigger cities.
Traditional Music and Dance
Folk tunes played on the harp and guitar accompany rich traditions like the bottle dance. The polca paraguaya dance is also popular at festivals and social gatherings.
Tantalizing Cuisine
Paraguayan food culture extends beyond the ubiquitous street food to homestyle comfort dishes and drinks.
Iconic Dishes like Chipa, Sopa Paraguaya, Grilled Meats
Chipa corn cakes and sopa paraguaya corn pudding offer delicious carb-loading. Don’t miss succulent grilled beef and pork – asado parrillero is key part of gatherings.
Drinks like Tereré and Local Rum
Quench your thirst with tereré, a cold yerba mate infusion, or locally distilled caña rum mixed into refreshing cocktails.
Traditional Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with dulces caseros like quince or milk jam, cuñapé sponge cake, and ka’i ladrillo pastries.
Conclusion
Beyond the cosmopolitan conveniences of Asunción, Paraguay tempts with ca veritable cornucopia of underrated experiences. From sleepy colonial towns and Jesuit ruins to birdwatching adventures and indigenous crafts, Paraguay’s countryside vies to be discovered. Don’t miss washing down iconic dishes with tereré while connecting with rich cultural traditions preserved across small communities. Once you experience genuine Paraguayan hospitality beyond the well-trodden tourist trail, you’ll surely find yourself charmed by South America’s often-overlooked heartland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the top attractions outside of Asunción in Paraguay?
Some highlights beyond Paraguay’s capital include the lakeside village of San Bernardino, the border cities of Encarnación and Ciudad del Este, historic Jesuit missions, the untamed Chaco region, and activities like hiking in Mbaracayú and fishing at Lake Ypacaraí.
What type of outdoor activities can you do in Paraguay?
There are great options for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, boating, and swimming across Paraguay’s scenic natural attractions. Top spots include the Mbaracayú Forest Reserve, Ypacaraí Lake, and wetlands like Laguna Blanca.
Where can you experience genuine Paraguayan culture and traditions?
Small towns like Piribebuy and Villa Florida as well as indigenous communities offer glimpses into authentic Paraguayan culture through colonial architecture, handcrafts, music, dance, and preservation of Guaraní languages.
What food and drink should you try in Paraguay?
Iconic Paraguayan cuisine includes chipa corn cakes, sopa paraguaya, grilled meats, tereré yerba mate, and caña rum. Don’t miss dulces caseros sweets like quince or milk jam and pastries like ka’i ladrillo.
Why visit Paraguay beyond just Asunción?
While Asunción offers a good introduction, visiting lesser-known areas unveilshidden colonial gems, abundant nature and wildlife, outdoor adventures, thriving indigenous traditions, and an irresistible blend of local cuisine and culture.