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The Complete Guide to Paraguay on a Budget: How to Experience South America’s Hidden Gem in 2025

Discover how to travel Paraguay on a budget in 2025 with this comprehensive guide covering transportation, accommodation, food, and hidden gems that won't break the bank. Includes insider tips, money-saving strategies, and authentic experiences.

Introduction: Why Paraguay Should Be Your Next Budget Destination

The first time I stepped off the plane at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, I was sweating profusely in the humid Paraguayan heat and wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake. My Spanish was rusty, I knew almost nothing about the country, and I’d chosen Paraguay simply because it was the cheapest South American destination I could find. Fast forward three visits later, and I’m still discovering hidden corners of this incredible country that most travelers completely overlook.

Paraguay remains one of South America’s least-visited countries, which is precisely what makes it perfect for budget travelers in 2025. While tourists flock to Brazil’s beaches or Argentina’s wine regions, Paraguay offers authentic experiences without the inflated prices. The country’s unique blend of Guaraní and Spanish cultures, surprisingly diverse landscapes, and genuinely welcoming locals make it an unforgettable destination that won’t drain your bank account.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about traveling Paraguay on a budget – from navigating public transportation and finding affordable accommodation to eating like a local and discovering free attractions that showcase the real Paraguay. Whether you’re backpacking through South America or looking for an affordable two-week escape, this guide will help you make the most of every guaraní (the local currency) while experiencing the authentic Paraguay that few tourists ever see.

Understanding Paraguay: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the practical aspects of budget travel, let’s get oriented. Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The country is divided by the Paraguay River into two distinct regions: the eastern region where most of the population lives, and the western region (the Chaco), which is more remote and sparsely populated.

The official languages are Spanish and Guaraní, with the latter being the indigenous language that is still widely spoken today. In fact, Paraguay is one of the few countries in the Americas where a native language is spoken by the majority of the non-indigenous population. You’ll often hear locals switching seamlessly between both languages, sometimes even mid-sentence!

When to Visit Paraguay

Timing your visit can significantly impact both your budget and experience. Paraguay has a subtropical climate with hot summers (December-February) and mild winters (June-August).

  • Budget-friendly season (April-June and August-October): These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, resulting in better accommodation deals.
  • High season (December-February): Summer brings domestic tourism and higher prices, especially around Christmas and New Year. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) with high humidity.
  • Winter (June-August): Mild days (around 20°C/68°F) but can get surprisingly cold at night. Pack layers!

Insider Tip: I’ve found late April to early June to be the sweet spot for budget travel in Paraguay. The summer heat has subsided, prices drop after Easter, and you’ll experience beautiful clear skies perfect for photography.

Key Regions Worth Visiting

Paraguay offers diverse experiences across its regions:

  • Asunción and Central Region: The capital city and surrounding areas offer colonial architecture, museums, and cultural sites.
  • Eastern Paraguay: Home to the stunning Iguazú Falls (shared with Brazil and Argentina), Itaipú Dam, and Ciudad del Este.
  • The Chaco: A vast, wild region covering 60% of Paraguay’s land mass but only 2% of its population. Perfect for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Southern Paraguay: Known for its Jesuit Missions ruins (UNESCO World Heritage sites) and yerba mate production.

Getting to Paraguay on a Budget

Let’s address the elephant in the room: getting to Paraguay can be expensive if you don’t plan strategically. As someone who’s made this journey multiple times, I’ve developed a few money-saving strategies:

Finding Cheap Flights to Paraguay

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción is Paraguay’s main international gateway, but direct flights from North America and Europe are limited and often pricey. Here’s my approach:

  1. Look for flights to neighboring hubs: Often it’s cheaper to fly into São Paulo (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), or Santa Cruz (Bolivia) and then take a bus or budget airline to Paraguay.
  2. Use flight aggregators with flexibility: I’ve saved hundreds using Skyscanner and Google Flights with flexible dates.
  3. Consider Copa Airlines: They often have the best connections to Asunción via Panama City.
  4. Book 2-3 months in advance: Based on my experience, this is the sweet spot for finding deals to Paraguay.

My Biggest Mistake: On my first trip, I flew directly to Asunción from Madrid, paying nearly $1,100 round trip. On my next visit, I flew to Buenos Aires for $600 and took a comfortable overnight bus to Asunción for $50, saving $450 while getting to experience Argentina as a bonus!

Entering from Neighboring Countries

For the adventurous budget traveler, entering Paraguay by land can be both economical and interesting:

  • From Argentina: Regular buses connect Posadas to Encarnación (1 hour) or Buenos Aires to Asunción (14-16 hours).
  • From Brazil: Frequent buses from Foz do Iguaçu to Ciudad del Este (30 minutes) or São Paulo to Asunción (24 hours).
  • From Bolivia: Less frequent but available connections from Santa Cruz.

In 2025, land borders remain straightforward for most nationalities, with visas on arrival available for many travelers. Always check the current immigration requirements before your trip.

Budget Transportation Within Paraguay

Once in Paraguay, getting around affordably requires some local knowledge and flexibility. The country’s public transportation system isn’t as developed as some of its neighbors, but it’s incredibly affordable if you know how to navigate it.

Public Buses: The Budget Traveler’s Best Friend

Paraguay’s bus system is the backbone of local transportation and will be your primary mode of travel on a budget:

  • Urban buses (colectivos): In Asunción, these cost around 4,000-5,000 Gs (about $0.50-0.70 USD) per ride in 2025. Look for route numbers displayed on the windshield.
  • Long-distance buses: Connect major cities and towns with varying levels of comfort. For example:
Route Duration Approx. Cost (2025) Comfort Level
Asunción to Encarnación 5-6 hours 90,000 Gs ($12 USD) Semi-cama (reclining seats)
Asunción to Ciudad del Este 5-6 hours 100,000 Gs ($14 USD) Semi-cama or cama (bed)
Asunción to Concepción 5-7 hours 85,000 Gs ($11.50 USD) Standard
Ciudad del Este to Encarnación 4-5 hours 75,000 Gs ($10 USD) Standard

Local Phrase: When asking about buses, use “¿A qué hora sale el próximo bus para [destination]?” (What time does the next bus leave for [destination]?) or in Guaraní, try “Mba’e ora osẽ pe ómnibus [destination]-pe?”

Taxis and Ridesharing

In urban areas, especially Asunción, you have several options:

  • Traditional taxis: Expect to pay around 15,000-30,000 Gs ($2-4 USD) for short trips within Asunción. ALWAYS agree on a price before entering if there’s no meter.
  • Ridesharing apps: Uber operates in Asunción and is often cheaper than taxis. Local alternatives like MUV and Bolt are also worth checking.
  • Moto-taxis: In smaller towns and cities, motorcycle taxis offer a budget option but require some nerve and basic Spanish to negotiate.

I’ve found that in 2025, ridesharing apps consistently offer the best value in urban areas, while traditional buses remain the most economical option for longer journeys.

Budget-Friendly Intercity Transport Hacks

  1. Travel overnight: Save on accommodation by taking night buses for longer journeys.
  2. Buy tickets directly at the terminal: Online services often add booking fees.
  3. Pack snacks: Bus station food is marked up significantly.
  4. Consider shared transportation: In rural areas, ask about “transportes compartidos” (shared transportation) which can be significantly cheaper than private options.

Insider Tip #1: At Asunción’s Terminal de Ómnibus, ignore the touts and go directly to the company counters for the best prices. Companies like NSA, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, and Grupo Águila offer the best combination of price and comfort for intercity travel.

Budget Accommodation in Paraguay

Finding affordable places to stay in Paraguay is relatively easy compared to other South American countries. In 2025, you can still find excellent value, especially if you’re willing to look beyond international hotel chains.

Hostels and Budget Hotels

Paraguay’s hostel scene has grown significantly in recent years, especially in tourist areas:

  • Asunción: Dorm beds range from 70,000-120,000 Gs ($9-16 USD) per night. I particularly recommend La Casita de la Abuela in the city center for its homey feel and beautiful garden.
  • Encarnación: Expect to pay 60,000-100,000 Gs ($8-14 USD) for dorms near the beach promenade.
  • Ciudad del Este: Budget hotels start around 150,000 Gs ($20 USD) for basic private rooms.

Local Guesthouses and Posadas

My favorite accommodation option in Paraguay is the family-run posada (guesthouse). These offer authentic experiences and often better value than commercial hotels:

  • Rural areas: Small towns like San Ignacio Guazú and Piribebuy offer posadas from 100,000-180,000 Gs ($14-25 USD) per night, often including breakfast.
  • Southern missions region: Family-run establishments near the Jesuit Ruins provide rooms from 120,000-200,000 Gs ($16-27 USD).

My Mistake: On my second trip, I booked chain hotels in advance, only to discover I was paying double what local guesthouses charged. Now I only pre-book the first night and then ask locals for recommendations once I arrive.

Alternative Accommodation Options

To stretch your budget further, consider these alternatives:

  1. Workaway/Volunteering: Several eco-lodges and farms offer accommodation in exchange for a few hours of daily work. Check Workaway for opportunities.
  2. Couchsurfing: While not as popular as in neighboring countries, Couchsurfing hosts can be found in Asunción and larger cities.
  3. Camping: Legal in designated areas near national parks like Ybycuí and Cerro Corá. Expect to pay 15,000-30,000 Gs ($2-4 USD) for basic sites.

Accommodation Booking Strategies

After multiple trips to Paraguay, here’s my strategic approach:

  • In major cities: Use Booking.com or Airbnb to compare options, but always contact the property directly to negotiate a better rate for longer stays.
  • In smaller towns: Book just your first night and then explore on foot for better deals once you arrive.
  • Long-term stays: For stays of a week or more, local Facebook groups like “Alquileres en Paraguay” often have better deals than international platforms.

Insider Tip #2: In Asunción, look for accommodation in the Carmelitas or Villa Morra neighborhoods instead of downtown. These areas are safer, more pleasant, and often just as affordable, with excellent bus connections to tourist sites.

Eating on a Budget in Paraguay

Paraguayan cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable. Some of my most memorable experiences have been centered around food, from sharing tereré (cold yerba mate) with locals to discovering tiny family restaurants serving incredible home cooking.

Local Staples and Street Food

The most budget-friendly way to eat in Paraguay is to embrace local foods:

  • Empanadas: These stuffed pastries cost 5,000-10,000 Gs ($0.70-1.40 USD) and make a perfect quick lunch.
  • Chipa: A cheesy bread made with mandioca (cassava) flour, available from street vendors for about 2,000-4,000 Gs ($0.30-0.60 USD).
  • Sopa Paraguaya: Despite the name (“Paraguayan soup”), this is actually a dense cornbread often sold by the slice for around 5,000 Gs ($0.70 USD).
  • Mandioca: Boiled cassava root is a staple side dish that’s incredibly filling and costs almost nothing.

The aroma of freshly baked chipa wafting through the morning air remains one of my strongest sensory memories of Paraguay. There’s nothing quite like buying a warm chipa from a street vendor and enjoying it with a thermos of cocido (hot mate tea with sugar and milk).

Budget Restaurants and Local Eateries

For complete meals on a budget, look for these options:

  • Comedores: Simple local restaurants offering “plato del día” (daily set menu) including soup, main course, and sometimes dessert for 25,000-40,000 Gs ($3.50-5.50 USD).
  • University cafeterias: In Asunción, the cafeterias at the National University serve inexpensive meals and are usually open to the public.
  • Mercado 4 (Asunción): This sprawling market has countless food stalls where a hearty meal costs 20,000-30,000 Gs ($2.70-4.10 USD).
Meal Type Example Approx. Cost (2025) Where to Find
Street Food Empanadas, chipa, milanesa sandwich 5,000-15,000 Gs ($0.70-2.00 USD) Street vendors, markets
Local Comedor Daily set menu 25,000-40,000 Gs ($3.50-5.50 USD) Small local restaurants
Mid-range Restaurant Full meal with beverage 60,000-100,000 Gs ($8-14 USD) City centers, tourist areas
Self-catering Market groceries for 1 day 30,000-50,000 Gs ($4-7 USD) Local markets, supermarkets

Local Phrase: When looking for an inexpensive place to eat, ask locals “¿Dónde puedo comer bien y barato por acá?” (Where can I eat well and cheaply around here?) or in casual Guaraní-Spanish mix, “¿Mba’éichapa aheka petei lugar ibarato ha iporã ojekaru haguã?”

Self-Catering Tips

For the ultimate budget strategy, self-catering is hard to beat:

  1. Local markets: Mercado Abasto (Asunción) and municipal markets in other cities offer fresh produce at a fraction of supermarket prices.
  2. Despensas: These small neighborhood stores often have better prices on basics than supermarket chains.
  3. Bakeries: Fresh bread costs around 5,000 Gs ($0.70 USD) for a large loaf at local bakeries.

Insider Tip #3: If staying somewhere with kitchen access, buy a yerba mate set (around 50,000 Gs/$7 USD) at the beginning of your trip. Paraguayans drink mate all day long, and it’ll save you a fortune on beverages while helping you make local friends!

Free and Low-Cost Activities in Paraguay

One of Paraguay’s best-kept secrets is how much you can experience without spending much money. Some of my most memorable experiences cost little or nothing.

Free Cultural Experiences

Paraguay offers numerous free cultural attractions:

  • Museo del Barro (Asunción): This outstanding museum of indigenous and folk art offers free admission on Wednesdays.
  • Palacio de López (Asunción): The exterior of the presidential palace and surrounding plaza are impressive and free to explore.
  • Costanera de Asunción: The riverside promenade offers beautiful sunset views, free outdoor exercise equipment, and a glimpse into local life.
  • Weekly cultural events: Check the Cultural Secretary’s website for free concerts, exhibitions, and performances.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Paraguay’s natural beauty can be enjoyed on a tight budget:

  • Jardín Botánico (Asunción): This large botanical garden and zoo charges just 10,000 Gs ($1.40 USD) entrance fee.
  • Eco Reserva Mbatovi (Paraguarí): A nature reserve with hiking trails about an hour from Asunción. The basic entrance fee is 25,000 Gs ($3.50 USD).
  • Playa San José (Encarnación): This public beach on the Paraná River is free and especially lively on weekends.
  • Hiking in Cerro Corá National Park: Basic entrance fee of 20,000 Gs ($2.70 USD) gives access to beautiful trails and historical sites.

The sounds of birdsong in Cerro Corá National Park at dawn remain one of my most vivid memories of Paraguay. I’d arrived the night before, camping for just 20,000 Gs, and woke to find myself surrounded by lush forest and colorful toucans. It was a magical experience that cost less than a fancy coffee back home.

Unique Budget-Friendly Experiences

Some experiences unique to Paraguay offer great value:

  • Tereré circle: Buy a basic tereré set and join locals in parks to share the traditional cold yerba mate drink. It’s a perfect way to make friends while spending almost nothing.
  • Artisans in Areguá: This town near Asunción is known for ceramics. You can watch artisans work for free (though you might be tempted to buy something).
  • Local festivals: Religious and cultural festivals happen year-round and offer free entertainment. The National Tourism Secretary maintains a calendar.
  • Itaipú Dam tours: One of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams offers free guided tours (reservation required).

Day Trips on a Budget

Several worthwhile destinations can be visited economically as day trips:

Destination Highlights Transportation Cost From
San Bernardino Lake Ypacaraí, beach town 15,000 Gs ($2 USD) each way Asunción
Yaguarón Franciscan church, handicrafts 20,000 Gs ($2.70 USD) each way Asunción
Trinidad UNESCO Jesuit Ruins 25,000 Gs ($3.50 USD) each way Encarnación
Monday Falls Impressive waterfall 15,000 Gs ($2 USD) each way Ciudad del Este

Insider Tip #4: For the Jesuit Missions in southern Paraguay, many tourists book expensive tours from Encarnación. Instead, take local buses to Trinidad and Jesús for about 25,000 Gs each way and pay the 40,000 Gs entrance fee directly. You’ll save at least 70% compared to organized tours and can explore at your own pace.

Money-Saving Strategies and Practical Tips

After several extended trips to Paraguay, I’ve developed strategies that have saved me thousands of dollars while enhancing my experience. Here are my most effective money-saving approaches:

Currency and Payment Tips

  • Use guaraníes, not dollars: While some tourist businesses accept USD, you’ll almost always get a better deal paying in the local currency (guaraníes).
  • ATM strategy: Use Banco Itaú or Visión Banco ATMs, which typically have the lowest fees for international cards.
  • Bring cash to rural areas: Credit card acceptance outside major cities remains limited in 2025.
  • Money exchange: Avoid airport exchanges. Cambios (exchange offices) in Asunción’s Villa Morra area or Ciudad del Este typically offer the best rates.

Communication and Connectivity

Staying connected affordably:

  • Local SIM card: Purchase a prepaid SIM from Tigo or Personal at the airport or any shopping center. A basic data package costs around 50,000 Gs ($7 USD) for 10GB in 2025.
  • Free WiFi: Shopping malls, many cafés, and public spaces like Plaza Uruguaya in Asunción offer free WiFi.
  • Offline maps: Download Maps.me or Google Maps offline data before venturing to remote areas.

My Mistake: On my first trip, I relied on my home carrier’s international roaming and racked up $90 in charges in one week. Now I immediately buy a local SIM upon arrival and spend less than $15 for my entire stay.

Sustainable Budget Travel Practices

These practices are good for both your wallet and the environment:

  1. Refillable water bottle: Tap water isn’t generally potable, but many accommodations offer free purified water refills. A 5L bottle costs around 15,000 Gs ($2 USD) at supermarkets and will last several days.
  2. Local transportation: Public buses have a much lower carbon footprint than taxis or private tours.
  3. Support small businesses: Eating at local comedores rather than chains keeps money in the community and usually costs less.
  4. Ethical souvenirs: Buy directly from artisans in places like Areguá and Itá. You’ll pay less than in tourist shops while ensuring craftspeople receive fair compensation.

Safety Considerations for Budget Travelers

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising safety:

  • Accommodation location: Sometimes paying slightly more for a centrally-located place saves money on transportation and reduces risk from traveling at night.
  • Valuables security: A simple luggage lock or portable safe can prevent opportunistic theft in budget accommodations.
  • Scam awareness: In Ciudad del Este particularly, be wary of “too good to be true” electronics deals and unofficial money changers.

Insider Tip #5: Instead of expensive bottled water, buy a small bottle of water purification drops at any pharmacy (around 20,000 Gs/$2.70 USD). This lets you safely drink tap water anywhere in Paraguay for weeks, saving money and reducing plastic waste.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Budget Destinations

While Asunción and the Jesuit Missions attract most visitors, some of my most memorable experiences have been in less-visited parts of Paraguay that offer amazing value for budget travelers.

Hidden Gems in Eastern Paraguay

  • Saltos del Monday: These spectacular waterfalls near Ciudad del Este are less crowded and less expensive than nearby Iguazú Falls. Entrance fee: 30,000 Gs ($4 USD).
  • Estancia Aventura: This working ranch near San Ignacio offers rural homestays for around 180,000 Gs ($25 USD) including meals and horseback riding experiences.
  • Parque Nacional Ybycuí: Beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes plus an fascinating old iron foundry. Entrance: 20,000 Gs ($2.70 USD).

Exploring the Chaco on a Budget

Paraguay’s western Chaco region is remote and challenging but offers unique experiences for adventurous budget travelers:

  • Filadelfia: This Mennonite colony town makes an affordable base for Chaco exploration. Basic hotels cost around 150,000 Gs ($20 USD).
  • Fortin Boquerón: Historical site from the Chaco War with a small museum. Free entrance.
  • Travel tip: To visit the Chaco affordably, look for shared transportation from Asunción’s Terminal de Omnibus. The journey is long (6+ hours) but costs around 120,000 Gs ($16 USD) one-way.

The night sky in the Chaco is something I’ll never forget. I stayed at a simple hospedaje in Filadelfia for 140,000 Gs, and the owner took me on his pickup truck to a dark spot outside town. The Milky Way stretched across the sky with a clarity I’d never experienced before – an incredible memory that cost nothing but the price of a beer I shared with my host.

Rural Communities and Ecotourism

Some rural communities have developed small-scale tourism that offers authentic experiences at budget prices:

  • Colonia Independencia: This community in the Cordillera region offers homestays from 100,000 Gs ($14 USD) including meals. The surrounding mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities.
  • Mbaracayú Forest Reserve: Basic accommodation starts at 120,000 Gs ($16 USD) with options to participate in conservation activities.
  • Estación A (Art Center): Near the town of Aregua, this cultural center sometimes offers affordable workshops and basic accommodation for artists and travelers.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for Budget Travel in Paraguay

After three extensive trips exploring Paraguay on a shoestring budget, I can confidently say this underrated country offers some of South America’s best value. From the bustling markets of Asunción to the tranquil Jesuit Missions and wild landscapes of the Chaco, Paraguay rewards budget travelers with authentic experiences that remain largely undiscovered by mass tourism.

To help you make the most of your budget adventure in Paraguay, here’s my actionable 5-step plan:

Your 5-Step Action Plan

  1. Strategic Planning (3-4 months before):
    • Book flights to Asunción or consider flights to neighboring countries with bus connections
    • Apply for any required visas (check the immigration website for current requirements)
    • Schedule your visit during shoulder seasons (April-June or August-October) for best prices
  2. Initial Preparation (1 month before):
    • Book only your first 2-3 nights of accommodation
    • Download offline maps and basic Guaraní/Spanish phrases
    • Join Paraguay travel Facebook groups to find current information and potential travel companions
  3. First 48 Hours in Paraguay:
    • Purchase a local SIM card at the airport
    • Exchange only enough money for a few days (better rates in the city)
    • Visit a local market to buy basics: water purification drops, snacks, and a tereré set
  4. Daily Budget Management:
    • Eat main meals at local comedores during their lunch specials
    • Use public transportation and walk whenever possible
    • Alternate between paid attractions and free activities
  5. Enhance Your Experience:
    • Learn to prepare tereré and share it with locals
    • Visit at least one off-the-beaten-path destination
    • Support local sustainable tourism initiatives rather than international chains

With this approach, you can comfortably experience Paraguay in 2025 on a daily budget of $30-40 USD, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. For those willing to embrace hostel dormitories, public transportation, and street food, you could even manage on $20-25 USD per day.

The real wealth of Paraguay isn’t found in luxury resorts or expensive tours, but in the warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the beauty of its unspoiled landscapes. By traveling on a budget, you’ll not only save money but also gain a more authentic understanding of this fascinating country that remains one of South America’s best-kept secrets.

Remember the Guaraní phrase “Aguije” (thank you) – a little bit of local language goes a long way in Paraguay, opening doors to experiences that money simply can’t buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paraguay safe for budget travelers?

Paraguay is generally safe for travelers, though standard precautions should be taken. In my experience, the country feels safer than many of its neighbors, particularly outside major cities. In Asunción, exercise caution in the downtown area at night and around the bus terminal. Ciudad del Este requires more vigilance, especially near the Brazilian border. Rural areas are typically very safe, and violent crime against tourists is rare.

What’s the best time of year to visit Paraguay on a budget?

April-June and August-October offer the best combination of pleasant weather and lower prices. December-February (summer) brings intense heat and higher domestic tourism prices, while July can be surprisingly cool. Easter week is a major holiday when prices increase and many businesses close.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in Paraguay?

While you can get by with English in upscale hotels and tourist areas in Asunción, speaking basic Spanish will significantly enhance your experience and help you save money by accessing local establishments. Outside major cities, English is rarely spoken. Learning a few phrases in Guaraní will delight locals and often lead to more authentic experiences.

How much should I budget per day in Paraguay?

In 2025, budget travelers can manage on $20-30 USD per day, including dormitory accommodation ($9-15), food from local eateries ($10-15), public transportation ($2-5), and some activities. A mid-range budget of $40-60 allows for private rooms, occasional restaurant meals, and more activities. This makes Paraguay one of the most affordable countries in South America.

Is tap water safe to drink in Paraguay?

Tap water is generally not safe for tourists to drink. Instead of buying bottled water, I recommend purchasing water purification drops (widely available at pharmacies) or a portable filter. Many accommodations provide purified water for refilling bottles.

Can I cross into Argentina or Brazil for day trips?

Yes, and this is highly recommended! From Encarnación, you can easily visit Posadas, Argentina by crossing the bridge (bring your passport). From Ciudad del Este, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil is just across the Friendship Bridge. These crossings are straightforward for most nationalities, though always check current visa requirements before your trip.

What are the most common tourist scams to avoid?

The most common issues are overcharging in taxis (always agree on a price beforehand or use a ridesharing app), money exchange scams in Ciudad del Este (use official cambios), and counterfeit products in border areas. In general, Paraguay has fewer tourist-targeted scams than many popular destinations.

How reliable is public transportation in Paraguay?

Urban buses in Asunción are frequent but can be crowded and don’t follow strict schedules. Intercity buses are generally reliable for connections between major cities, though they may not always depart exactly on time. For remote areas, frequency decreases significantly, so plan accordingly.

Is Paraguay suitable for solo female travelers on a budget?

In my experience and from speaking with female travelers, Paraguay is relatively safe for solo women, particularly compared to some neighboring countries. Standard precautions apply: avoid isolated areas after dark, be cautious with overnight buses, and dress conservatively in rural areas. Budget accommodations with female-only dormitories are available in major tourist destinations.

What vaccinations do I need for Paraguay?

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, especially if visiting rural areas. Routine vaccinations should be up-to-date, including hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with a travel health professional for the most current recommendations based on your itinerary and health condition.

References and Additional Resources

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