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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.001641
AAVE 0.000001
ADA 0.000642
AED 0.000629
AFN 0.011046
AKT 0.000216
ALGO 0.001308
ALL 0.014003
AMD 0.062046
AMP 0.270701
ANG 0.000308
AOA 0.157161
APE 0.001021
APT 0.000217
AR 0.000038
ARB 0.000852
ARS 0.262433
ATOM 0.000098
ATS 0.002107
AUD 0.000247
AVAX 0.000016
AWG 0.000307
AXS 0.000131
AZM 1.455874
AZN 0.000291
BAKE 0.713225
BAM 0.000300
BAT 0.001668
BBD 0.000343
BCH 0.000001
BDT 0.021062
BEF 0.006178
BGN 0.000300
BHD 0.000064
BIF 0.516210
BMD 0.000171
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000220
BOB 0.002051
BRL 0.000894
BSD 0.000171
BSV 0.000009
BSW 0.412312
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.002417
BTG 0.000259
BTN 0.016518
BTT 457.375470
BUSD 0.000171
BWP 0.002366
BYN 0.000515
BYR 3.352234
BZD 0.000345
CAD 0.000245
CAKE 0.000069
CDF 0.395905
CELO 0.001629
CFX 0.003176
CHF 0.000142
CHZ 0.010248
CLP 0.167824
CNH 0.001149
CNY 0.001148
COMP 0.000007
COP 0.561854
CRC 0.078461
CRO 0.002509
CRV 0.000447
CSPR 0.066442
CUC 0.000171
CUP 0.004102
CVE 0.016888
CVX 0.000074
CYP 0.000090
CZK 0.003741
DAI 0.000171
DASH 0.000003
DCR 0.000009
DEM 0.000300
DFI 0.258892
DJF 0.030543
DKK 0.001145
DOGE 0.001798
DOP 0.010252
DOT 0.000141
DYDX 0.001183
DZD 0.022898
EEK 0.002396
EGLD 0.000038
EGP 0.009017
ENJ 0.005124
EOS 0.001776
ERN 0.002569
ESP 0.025482
ETB 0.027963
ETC 0.000019
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000153
EURC 0.000153
FEI 0.000171
FIL 0.000163
FIM 0.000911
FJD 0.000386
FKP 0.000130
FLOW 0.005416
FLR 0.023710
FRAX 0.000173
FRF 0.001005
FTT 0.000670
GALA 0.069066
GBP 0.000130
GEL 0.000445
GGP 0.000130
GHC 20.080876
GHS 0.002008
GIP 0.000130
GMD 0.012687
GMX 0.000020
GNF 1.507493
GNO 0.000001
GRD 0.052186
GRT 0.005722
GT 0.000015
GTQ 0.001309
GUSD 0.000171
GYD 0.035802
HBAR 0.001660
HKD 0.001344
HNL 0.004609
HNT 0.000298
HOT 0.382536
HRK 0.001154
HT 0.004743
HTG 0.022412
HUF 0.056470
ICP 0.000053
IDR 3.072939
IEP 0.000121
ILS 0.000523
IMP 0.000130
IMX 0.000943
INJ 0.000023
INR 0.016518
IQD 0.224242
IRR 298.714729
ISK 0.021010
ITL 0.296541
JEP 0.000130
JMD 0.027093
JOD 0.000121
JPY 0.027075
KAS 0.004011
KAVA 0.002487
KCS 0.000023
KDA 0.018432
KES 0.022059
KGS 0.014979
KHR 0.694410
KLAY 0.004542
KMF 0.075345
KNC 0.001217
KPW 0.153929
KRW 0.230637
KSM 0.000033
KWD 0.000053
KYD 0.000142
KZT 0.076818
LAK 3.860349
LBP 15.354286
LDO 0.000367
LEO 0.000019
LINK 0.000012
LKR 0.056604
LRC 0.016277
LRD 0.029412
LSL 0.002866
LTC 0.000002
LTL 0.000529
LUF 0.006178
LUNA 0.003375
LUNC 3.256557
LVL 0.000108
LYD 0.001096
MAD 0.001689
MANA 0.001686
MBX 0.005755
MDL 0.003058
MGA 0.763263
MGF 3.816313
MINA 0.001070
MKD 0.009380
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.359550
MNT 0.616459
MOP 0.001384
MRO 0.068785
MRU 0.006879
MTL 0.000066
MUR 0.008298
MVR 0.002648
MWK 0.296779
MXN 0.003122
MXV 0.000354
MYR 0.000700
MZM 10.933021
MZN 0.010933
NAD 0.002866
NEAR 0.000035
NEO 0.000067
NEXO 0.000199
NFT 712.561893
NGN 0.227304
NIO 0.006293
NLG 0.000337
NOK 0.001655
NPR 0.026442
NZD 0.000306
OKB 0.000001
OMR 0.000066
ONE 0.001172
OP 0.001308
ORDI 0.000038
PAB 0.000171
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000593
PEPE 39.006178
PGK 0.000769
PHP 0.010746
PI 0.001972
PKR 0.047425
PLN 0.000672
POL 0.001578
PTE 0.030704
QAR 0.000623
QNT 0.000001
QTUM 0.000174
ROL 8.184738
RON 0.000818
RPL 0.000090
RSD 0.017895
RUB 0.014363
RUNE 0.000219
RVN 0.071816
RWF 0.253003
SAND 0.002346
SAR 0.000642
SBD 0.001382
SCR 0.002442
SDD 10.280858
SDG 0.102809
SEK 0.001727
SGD 0.000220
SHIB 29.019591
SHP 0.000130
SIT 0.036701
SKK 0.004614
SLE 0.003947
SLL 3.947081
SNX 0.000681
SOL 0.000001
SOS 0.097607
SPL 0.000029
SRD 0.006477
SRG 6.476965
SSP 0.978432
STD 3.784371
STN 0.003784
STX 0.000434
SUI 0.000141
SVC 0.001499
SYP 2.223762
SZL 0.002866
THB 0.005770
THETA 0.000756
TJS 0.001577
TMM 2.997326
TMT 0.000599
TND 0.000512
TOP 0.000412
TRL 8,419.878667
TRX 0.000510
TRY 0.008420
TTD 0.001161
TUSD 0.000171
TVD 0.000247
TWD 0.005447
TWT 0.000302
TZS 0.450775
UAH 0.007703
UGX 0.683138
UNI 0.000019
USD 0.000171
USDC 0.000171
USDD 0.000171
USDP 0.000171
USDT 0.000171
UYU 0.006898
UZS 2.017134
VAL 0.296541
VEB 14,851,341.838613
VED 0.148513
VEF 14,851.341839
VES 0.148513
VET 0.019704
VND 4.455569
VUV 0.020628
WAVES 0.000569
WEMIX 0.000877
WOO 0.012699
WST 0.000475
XAF 0.100460
XAG 0.000003
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000464
XCG 0.000308
XCH 0.000109
XDC 0.005206
XDR 0.000126
XEC 21.083052
XEM 0.299561
XLM 0.000769
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.100460
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.018276
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000114
XTZ 0.000521
YER 0.040488
ZAR 0.002866
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.047796
ZMK 3.363752
ZMW 0.003364
ZWD 0.061985
ZWG 0.004584
ZWL 11.455266

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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.