Americas · South America

Paraguay

Republic of Paraguay

Flag of Paraguay
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-04:00
🏛️ Capital
Asunción
👥 Population
6,109,644
📐 Area
406,752 km²
💱 Currency
Paraguayan guaraní (₲)
🗣️ Languages
Guaraní, Spanish
📞 Calling Code
+595
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-04:00
🌐 Region
Americas / South America

About Paraguay

Paraguay is South America's hidden heartland — a landlocked nation of vast wetlands, colonial missions, and an indigenous culture so alive that its language, Guaraní, is spoken by the majority of the population alongside Spanish. This is a country that few travelers prioritize, which means those who do arrive are rewarded with genuine warmth, unhurried rhythms, and experiences untouched by mass tourism. Asunción, the capital, is a city of faded grandeur and surprising creative energy, where colonial-era palaces face modern murals and the waterfront promenade buzzes with locals drinking tereré — iced herbal mate — from ornate guampas (drinking vessels).

The Jesuit Missions of the Guaraní, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent one of the most extraordinary social and architectural experiments in South American colonial history. The ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue rise from the red earth of the subtropical Itapúa department, their carved stone facades and sweeping plazas bearing witness to a remarkable 17th-century attempt to build an egalitarian Christian utopia in the South American jungle. These sites are far less visited than similar ruins in Argentina and Brazil, allowing you to explore them in peaceful near-solitude that amplifies their haunting beauty.

The natural world in Paraguay is spectacular in its own quiet way. The Pantanal wetlands — shared with Brazil and Bolivia — spill across the Chaco region, offering some of the best jaguar-spotting opportunities on the continent. The Gran Chaco itself, a vast semi-arid wilderness covering the western half of the country, is one of South America's great wild spaces, home to giant anteaters, tapirs, peccaries, and hundreds of bird species. Paraguay moves at its own pace, and travelers who embrace that rhythm find themselves utterly enchanted.

History & Background

Paraguay's pre-colonial history was dominated by the Guaraní people, who inhabited the subtropical forests east of the Paraguay River in sophisticated semi-nomadic farming communities with highly developed oral traditions, spiritual practices, and exchange networks. Spanish colonizers arrived in the 1530s and established Asunción in 1537 — one of the oldest cities in South America — as a base from which much of the colonial Río de la Plata region was administered. The Jesuit missionaries who worked in the country from the 1600s to 1767 created an extraordinary network of autonomous reductions (missions) that shielded tens of thousands of Guaraní from colonial slavery and resulted in flourishing communities of music, craftsmanship, and agriculture.

The modern history of Paraguay is marked by devastating conflict. The War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870), in which Paraguay fought simultaneously against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, remains the bloodiest war in South American history and killed an estimated 60–70 percent of the Paraguayan population, leaving the country ruined and demographically skewed for generations. A second major war, the Chaco War against Bolivia (1932–1935), further shaped national identity and borders. Paraguay then endured the 35-year dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954–1989), Latin America's longest-running military government, before transitioning to democracy.

Culture & People

Paraguayan culture is unique in South America for the extraordinary vitality of its indigenous Guaraní heritage. Unlike most of the continent, where indigenous languages retreated before Spanish, Guaraní is an official co-language of Paraguay, spoken daily by around 90 percent of the population regardless of ethnicity or class. This linguistic bilingualism runs deeper than words — it reflects a cultural syncretism in which indigenous cosmology, agricultural knowledge, and social values have blended with centuries of Spanish Catholic tradition to produce something genuinely singular. Hearing the same conversation shift fluidly between Spanish and Guaraní is one of Paraguay's most distinctive experiences.

Paraguayan artisan craftsmanship is exceptional. Ñandutí, the spider-web lace made by women in the town of Itauguá, is one of Latin America's most intricate and distinctive textile traditions, displayed in every form from tablecloths to jewelry. Ao Po'i cotton embroidery and filigree silver jewelry from Luque are also celebrated traditional crafts. Polka paraguaya and guarania music — performed on guitar and harp — form the emotive soundtrack of national life, with the Paraguayan harp occupying a place of cultural reverence comparable to the tango in Argentina. Festivals throughout the year celebrate these traditions with genuine community pride.

Food & Cuisine

Paraguayan cuisine is simple, hearty, and anchored by corn, cassava (mandioca), and meat — particularly beef, which is raised across the country's vast grasslands. Sopa paraguaya, despite its name meaning "Paraguayan soup," is actually a dense, savory cornbread baked with cheese, onion, and sometimes pork fat that is eaten at virtually every meal as a side dish. Chipa, a chewy baked roll made from cassava flour and cheese, is the ubiquitous snack sold at markets, roadside stalls, and bus stations from morning to night. Asado — slow-grilled beef over a wood fire — is the centerpiece of any celebratory meal and Paraguay's asadores take great pride in their craft.

Tereré, the iced-water version of mate herbal tea, is Paraguay's national drink and a deeply social ritual. Friends and coworkers pass a shared guampa cup around continuously throughout the day, refilling it from a pitcher of cold water infused with medicinal herbs. The drink is cooling, slightly bitter, and said to have health properties that justify its near-constant consumption. For dessert, kivevé — a sweet pumpkin and corn pudding flavored with fresh cheese — is a uniquely Paraguayan comfort food. Chipa guasú, a corn and cheese soufflé baked in banana leaves, is another beloved traditional dish served at fiestas.

Top Attractions

  • Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús — Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of these extraordinary 17th-century Jesuit missions rising from the subtropical landscape of the Itapúa department.
  • Asunción Historic Center — Visit the National Pantheon of Heroes, the Palace of the López dynasty, and the waterfront Costanera promenade in the continent's oldest continuously inhabited capital.
  • Pantanal Wetlands (Chaco) — Join guided wildlife safaris through one of South America's most biodiverse ecosystems, with excellent chances of spotting jaguar, giant anteater, and capybara.
  • Encarnación Carnival — Witness one of South America's most vibrant and colorful carnival celebrations, held along the city's beach promenade every February.
  • Ñandutí Lace, Itauguá — Visit the workshops of artisans producing Paraguay's iconic circular spider-web lace, a tradition of extraordinary intricacy and beauty.
  • Cerro Corá National Park — Trek through forests and wetlands in this historically significant park where Paraguay's last stand in the Triple Alliance War was fought.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Learn a few Guaraní greetings alongside Spanish ones — saying "mba'éichapa" (how are you?) to locals will produce delight and immediate warmth.
  • Carry small bills in Paraguayan guaraníes (PYG) for markets, street food, and rural areas; cards are accepted in Asunción but rarely elsewhere.
  • Hire a reputable guide for Chaco wildlife safaris — the terrain is remote and navigational skills plus wildlife knowledge are essential for a rewarding trip.
  • Visit the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús on a day trip from Encarnación, where accommodation and transport connections make them most accessible.
  • Drink tereré with locals whenever offered — refusing is considered slightly rude, and accepting opens conversations and friendships instantly.
  • The summer heat (December–February) is intense; schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to avoid the most oppressive midday hours.
  • Photography of military installations and border areas is restricted — respect these prohibitions strictly to avoid bureaucratic complications.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most Western nations, including the United States, Canada, European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and Australia, do not require a visa to visit Paraguay and may stay for up to 90 days as tourists. South American nationals from MERCOSUR member states enjoy even more flexible entry terms. You will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your country of origin or prior travel — check requirements with the Paraguayan embassy before departure.

Getting Around

Asunción's Silvio Pettirossi International Airport receives flights from major South American hubs including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Lima, and Bogotá, making it well connected regionally. Within Asunción, taxis and ride-share apps (Uber operates here) are the most practical options. Long-distance buses connect Asunción to Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, and other major towns at very low fares. The Chaco region requires 4WD vehicles on unpaved roads and is best accessed through an organized tour from Asunción.

Safety Notes

Paraguay is relatively safe for tourists, particularly in Asunción's tourist areas and the interior. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and bag-snatching are the main concerns in crowded markets and bus terminals in the capital. Ciudad del Este on the Brazilian border has a higher crime profile and warrants extra caution. Avoid isolated areas after dark, use hotel-recommended taxis, and keep copies of your passport and insurance details separate from originals. Emergency services are available but response times in rural areas can be slow.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Paraguay.

Paraguayan guaraní (PYG) ₲
Updated: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.002294
AAVE 0.000002
ADA 0.000876
AED 0.000604
AFN 0.010453
AGIX 0.002107
AKT 0.000262
ALGO 0.001837
ALL 0.013476
AMD 0.060495
AMP 0.368582
ANG 0.000296
AOA 0.150986
APE 0.001173
APT 0.000263
AR 0.000082
ARB 0.002055
ARS 0.245381
ATOM 0.000104
ATS 0.001979
AUD 0.000237
AVAX 0.000024
AWG 0.000294
AXS 0.000163
AZM 1.397422
AZN 0.000279
BAKE 0.218796
BAM 0.000281
BAT 0.001867
BBD 0.000329
BCH 0.000001
BDT 0.020266
BEF 0.005801
BGN 0.000281
BHD 0.000062
BIF 0.489428
BMD 0.000164
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000212
BOB 0.001139
BRL 0.000850
BSD 0.000164
BSV 0.000011
BSW 0.491202
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.003102
BTG 0.000570
BTN 0.015663
BTT 619.893649
BUSD 0.000164
BWP 0.002219
BYN 0.000477
BYR 3.222603
BZD 0.000331
CAD 0.000234
CAKE 0.000114
CDF 0.379317
CELO 0.002447
CFX 0.003675
CHF 0.000132
CHZ 0.009106
CLP 0.151448
CNH 0.001117
CNY 0.001116
COMP 0.000010
COP 0.549521
CRC 0.074916
CRO 0.002750
CRV 0.000769
CSPR 0.084651
CUC 0.000164
CUP 0.004357
CVE 0.015857
CVX 0.000137
CYP 0.000084
CZK 0.003478
DAI 0.000164
DASH 0.000005
DCR 0.000015
DEM 0.000281
DFI 0.197882
DJF 0.029279
DKK 0.001075
DOGE 0.002127
DOP 0.009744
DOT 0.000188
DYDX 0.001245
DZD 0.021865
EEK 0.002250
EGLD 0.000059
EGP 0.008076
ENJ 0.005681
EOS 0.002270
ERN 0.002466
ESP 0.023926
ETB 0.026297
ETC 0.000023
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000144
EURC 0.000144
FEI 0.000164
FIL 0.000208
FIM 0.000855
FJD 0.000369
FKP 0.000123
FLOW 0.005866
FLR 0.023652
FRAX 0.000166
FRF 0.000943
FTT 0.000690
GALA 0.071763
GBP 0.000123
GEL 0.000432
GGP 0.000123
GHC 18.677746
GHS 0.001868
GIP 0.000123
GMD 0.012124
GMX 0.000028
GNF 1.441406
GNO 0.000002
GRD 0.049000
GRT 0.008665
GT 0.000024
GTQ 0.001255
GUSD 0.000165
GYD 0.034412
HBAR 0.002177
HKD 0.001289
HNL 0.004401
HNT 0.000686
HOT 0.455583
HRK 0.001083
HT 0.004589
HTG 0.021519
HUF 0.050848
ICP 0.000075
IDR 2.958014
IEP 0.000113
ILS 0.000494
IMP 0.000123
IMX 0.001190
INJ 0.000034
INR 0.015663
IQD 0.215564
IRR 226.231663
ISK 0.020708
ITL 0.278437
JEP 0.000123
JMD 0.026045
JOD 0.000117
JPY 0.026609
KAS 0.005359
KAVA 0.003644
KCS 0.000023
KDA 0.028207
KES 0.021256
KGS 0.014379
KHR 0.659227
KMF 0.070745
KNC 0.001475
KPW 0.147977
KRW 0.252006
KSM 0.000047
KWD 0.000051
KYD 0.000137
KZT 0.077720
LAK 3.716987
LBP 14.763918
LDO 0.000609
LEO 0.000018
LINK 0.000021
LKR 0.055058
LRC 0.013381
LRD 0.029859
LSL 0.002672
LTC 0.000004
LTL 0.000497
LUF 0.005801
LUNA 0.003348
LUNC 2.677778
LVL 0.000101
LYD 0.001055
MAD 0.001539
MANA 0.002363
MBX 0.006537
MDL 0.002894
MGA 0.697647
MGF 3.488235
MINA 0.003468
MKD 0.008858
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.345135
MNT 0.589242
MOP 0.001328
MRO 0.065658
MRU 0.006566
MTL 0.000062
MUR 0.007728
MVR 0.002542
MWK 0.285179
MXN 0.002874
MXV 0.000326
MYR 0.000670
MZM 10.499822
MZN 0.010500
NAD 0.002672
NEAR 0.000083
NEO 0.000083
NEXO 0.000214
NFT 620.339872
NGN 0.225278
NIO 0.006052
NLG 0.000317
NOK 0.001617
NPR 0.025073
NZD 0.000289
OKB 0.000002
OMR 0.000063
ONE 0.131531
OP 0.001529
ORDI 0.000051
PAB 0.000164
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000560
PEPE 60.274682
PGK 0.000723
PHP 0.010113
PI 0.001453
PKR 0.045738
PLN 0.000617
POL 0.002235
PTE 0.028829
QAR 0.000598
QNT 0.000002
QTUM 0.000231
ROL 7.515047
RON 0.000752
RPL 0.000081
RSD 0.016867
RUB 0.012668
RUNE 0.000398
RVN 0.043138
RWF 0.240993
SAND 0.003295
SAR 0.000617
SBD 0.001330
SCR 0.002349
SDD 9.868190
SDG 0.098682
SEK 0.001587
SGD 0.000212
SHIB 37.549586
SHP 0.000123
SIT 0.034460
SKK 0.004332
SLE 0.003755
SLL 3.754948
SNX 0.000718
SOL 0.000002
SOS 0.093881
SPL 0.000027
SRD 0.006189
SRG 6.188874
SSP 0.780779
STD 3.549265
STN 0.003549
STX 0.000961
SUI 0.000220
SVC 0.001439
SYP 0.018174
SZL 0.002672
THB 0.005465
THETA 0.001172
TJS 0.001524
TMM 2.884601
TMT 0.000577
TND 0.000485
TOP 0.000396
TRL 7,696.582970
TRX 0.000501
TRY 0.007697
TTD 0.001114
TUSD 0.000165
TVD 0.000237
TWD 0.005276
TWT 0.000478
TZS 0.431986
UAH 0.007327
UGX 0.600812
UNI 0.000052
USD 0.000164
USDC 0.000164
USDD 0.000165
USDP 0.000165
USDT 0.000165
UYU 0.006617
UZS 1.967537
VAL 0.278437
VEB 10,594,739.499440
VED 0.105938
VEF 10,593.796252
VES 0.105938
VET 0.034850
VND 4.323824
VUV 0.019760
WAVES 0.000619
WEMIX 0.000635
WOO 0.013885
WST 0.000455
XAF 0.094327
XAG 0.000003
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000445
XCG 0.000296
XCH 0.000104
XDC 0.005851
XDR 0.000121
XEC 30.949823
XEM 0.384036
XLM 0.000824
XMR 0.000001
XOF 0.094327
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.017160
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000144
XTZ 0.000661
YER 0.038962
ZAR 0.002672
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.053294
ZMK 3.016675
ZMW 0.003017
ZWD 0.059497
ZWG 0.004410
ZWL 11.019041

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Cities in Paraguay 306
Browse all cities and towns
25 de Diciembre Abaí Acahay Alberdi Alto Vera Altos Antequera Areguá Arquitecto Tomás Romero Pereira Arroyito Arroyos y Esteros Asuncion Atyrá Ayolas Bahía Negra Barrio de Arroyo Pora (Sapucái) - Ciudad de Arroyo Pora-Sub Urbano Belén Bella Vista Bella Vista Benjamín Aceval Boquerón Borja Buena Vista Caacupé Caaguazú Caapucú Caazapá Cadete Pando Cambyretá Campo Aceval Capiatá Capiibary Capitán Bado Capitán Mauricio José Troche Capitán Meza Capitan Miranda Caraguatay Carapeguá Carayaó Carlos Antonio López Carmen del Paraná Cecilio Báez Cerrito Cerrito Choré Ciudad del Este Colonia Menno Concepción Concepción - Yby Yau Corateí Coronel Bogado Coronel Martínez Coronel Oviedo Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Cruce Guaraní Cruce Itakyry Curuguaty Curuguaty Desmochados Doctor Botrell Doctor Cecilio Baez Doctor Juan Eulogio Estigarribia Doctor Juan León Mallorquín Doctor Juan Manuel Frutos Doctor Moisés S. Bertoni Doctor Pedro P. Pena Domingo Martínez de Irala Edelira Edelira Km. 20 Emboscada EMILIANORE Encarnación Escobar Eusebio Ayala Félix Pérez Cardozo Fernando de la Mora Filadelfia Fram Fuerte Olimpo General Artigas General Bernardino Caballero General Delgado General Elizardo Aquino General Eugenio A. Garay General Eugenio Alejandrino Ga General Francisco Alvarez General Francisco Caballero Álvarez General Higinio Morínigo General Isidoro Resquín General José Eduvigis Díaz Gra. Jose Maria Delgado Guarambaré Guayaibí Guazu Cua Hernandarias Hohenau Horqueta Humaitá Independencia Iruña Isla Pucú Isla Umbu Itá Ita Ybu Itacurubí de la Cordillera Itacurubí del Rosario Itakyry Itanara Itanará Itapé Itapúa Poty Itauguá Iturbe Jesus Jhugua Jhu José A. Fassardi José Domingo Ocampos José Falcón Jose Fasardi Jose Ocampos Juan Augusto Saldivar Juan de Mena Juan Emilio O'Leary Juan Sinforiano Bogarín Julián Augusto Saldívar Katuete La Colmena La Herencia La Paloma La Paloma del Espíritu Santo La Pastoria La Patria La Paz Lambaré Laureles Leandro Oviedo Liberación Lima Limpio Lolita Loma Grande Loma Plata Loreto Los Cedrales Luque Maciel Marechal Francisco Solano Lope María Auxiliadora Mariano Roque Alonso Mariscal Estigarribia Mayor José de Jesús Martínez Mayor Jose Dejesus Martinez Mayor Julio Dionisio Otaño Mayor Otano Mbaracayú Mbocayaty Mbocayaty del Guairá Mbocayaty del Yhaguy Mbutuy Mbuyapey Menno Minga Guazú Minga Porá Ñacunday Nanawa Naranjal Natalicio Talavera Natalio Ñemby Neu-Halbstadt (Neuland) Neuland Nueva Alborada Nueva Asunción Nueva Colombia Nueva Esperanza Nueva Esperanza Nueva Germania Nueva Italia Nueva Londres Nueva Mestre Ñumí Obligado Osterwick Paraguarí Paso Barreto Paso de Patria Paso Yobái Pedro Juan Caballero Pilar Pindoty Porá Pirapó Pirayú Piribebuy Pozo Colorado Pozo Hondo Presidente Franco Primero de Marzo Puerto Adela Puerto Carmelo Peralta Puerto Casado Puerto Pinasco Puerto Triunfo Quiindy Quyquyhó Raúl Arsenio Oviedo Remansito Repatriación Salto del Guaira Salto del Guairá San Agustín San Alberto San Antonio San Bernardino San Carlos San Carlos San Carlos del Apa San Cosme y Damian San Estanislao San Francisco San Ignacio San Ignacio Guazú San Joaquín San José de los Arroyos San José Obrero San Juan Bautista San Juan Bautista del Ñeembucú San Juan del Paraná San Juan Nepomuceno San Lazaro San Lorenzo San Miguel San Pablo San Patricio San Pedro de Ycuamandyyú San Pedro del Paraná San Rafael del Parana San Roque González de Santa Cruz San Roque González de Santa Cruz San Roque+ San Salvador Santa Elena Santa Fé del Paraná Santa Maria Santa Rita Santa Rosa Santa Rosa de Lima Santa Rosa del Aguaray Santa Rosa del Mbutuy Santa Rosa del Monday Santiago Sapucaí Sexta División de Infantería Simón Bolívar Tacuaras Tacuati Tavaí Tavapy Tebicuary-mí Tebicuarymi Tembiaporá Teniente Rojas Silva Tobatí Toledo Tomas Romero Pereira Tres Corrales Tres de Febrero Trinidad Unión Valenzuela Vallemí Vaquería Villa del Rosario Villa Elisa Villa Florida Villa Franca Villa Hayes Villa Oliva Villa Ygatimí Villalbín Villarrica Villeta Yabebyry Yaguarón Yasy Cañy Yataity Yataity del Guairá Yataity del Norte Yatytay Yby Yaú Ybycuí Ybyrarobaná Ybytimi Yegros Ygatimi Yguazú Yhovy Yhú Ypacaraí Ypané Ypehu Ypejhú Yrybucuá Yuty Zanja Pytá Zanja Rugua

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Paraguay needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Paraguay?
The capital of Paraguay is Asunción.
What currency does Paraguay use?
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní (₲) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Paraguay?
The official language(s) of Paraguay include Guaraní, Spanish.
What is the population of Paraguay?
Paraguay has a population of approximately 6,109,644 people.
What region is Paraguay in?
Paraguay is located in Americas, specifically in the South America subregion.
What is the international calling code for Paraguay?
The international dialing code for Paraguay is +595.
What time zones does Paraguay observe?
Paraguay observes the following time zone(s): UTC-04:00.
What is the current time in Paraguay?
The local time in Paraguay is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Paraguay?
Paraguay covers a total area of 406,752 km².
How many states or provinces does Paraguay have?
Paraguay is divided into 19 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Paraguay in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Paraguay in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Paraguay?
Visa requirements for citizens of Paraguay vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.