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: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.001745
AAVE 0.000002
ADA 0.000647
AED 0.000595
AFN 0.010188
AGIX 0.001919
AKT 0.000205
ALGO 0.001382
ALL 0.013310
AMD 0.059638
AMP 0.192353
ANG 0.000292
AOA 0.148644
APE 0.001107
APT 0.000169
AR 0.000073
ARB 0.001433
ARS 0.226634
ATOM 0.000081
ATS 0.001919
AUD 0.000227
AVAX 0.000017
AWG 0.000290
AXS 0.000133
AZM 1.377972
AZN 0.000276
BAKE 0.186505
BAM 0.000273
BAT 0.001630
BBD 0.000324
BCH 0.000000
BDT 0.019928
BEF 0.005626
BGN 0.000273
BHD 0.000061
BIF 0.482733
BMD 0.000162
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000207
BOB 0.001120
BRL 0.000811
BSD 0.000162
BSV 0.000011
BSW 0.218644
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.000507
BTN 0.015673
BTT 502.868981
BUSD 0.000162
BWP 0.002199
BYN 0.000444
BYR 4.441950
BZD 0.000326
CAD 0.000223
CAKE 0.000111
CDF 0.372051
CELO 0.001981
CFX 0.002732
CHF 0.000128
CHZ 0.003529
CLP 0.145700
CNH 0.001103
CNY 0.001103
COMP 0.000007
COP 0.601748
CRC 0.073310
CRO 0.002339
CRV 0.000674
CSPR 0.054619
CUC 0.000162
CUP 0.003891
CVE 0.015379
CVX 0.000094
CYP 0.000082
CZK 0.003389
DAI 0.000162
DASH 0.000003
DCR 0.000009
DEM 0.000273
DFI 0.179369
DJF 0.028895
DKK 0.001042
DOGE 0.001550
DOP 0.009548
DOT 0.000129
DYDX 0.001061
DZD 0.021515
EEK 0.002182
EGLD 0.000041
EGP 0.008661
ENJ 0.003588
EOS 0.001989
ERN 0.002432
ESP 0.023205
ETB 0.026169
ETC 0.000018
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000139
EURC 0.000139
FEI 0.000163
FIL 0.000167
FIM 0.000829
FJD 0.000357
FKP 0.000121
FLOW 0.004488
FLR 0.019401
FRAX 0.000163
FRF 0.000915
FTT 0.000494
GALA 0.047372
GBP 0.000121
GEL 0.000433
GGP 0.000121
GHC 18.720188
GHS 0.001872
GIP 0.000121
GMD 0.011935
GMX 0.000024
GNF 1.422191
GNO 0.000001
GRD 0.047523
GRT 0.006416
GT 0.000023
GTQ 0.001236
GUSD 0.000162
GYD 0.033913
HBAR 0.001811
HKD 0.001270
HNL 0.004312
HNT 0.000195
HOT 0.401418
HRK 0.001051
HT 0.001124
HTG 0.021227
HUF 0.050158
ICP 0.000063
IDR 2.862220
IEP 0.000110
ILS 0.000471
IMP 0.000121
IMX 0.000937
INJ 0.000032
INR 0.015673
IQD 0.212396
IRR 214.271471
ISK 0.020000
ITL 0.270046
JEP 0.000121
JMD 0.025655
JOD 0.000115
JPY 0.025759
KAS 0.004638
KAVA 0.002747
KCS 0.000020
KDA 0.019605
KES 0.020994
KGS 0.014181
KHR 0.650279
KLAY 0.003170
KMF 0.068613
KNC 0.001128
KPW 0.145906
KRW 0.242632
KSM 0.000032
KWD 0.000050
KYD 0.000135
KZT 0.076562
LAK 3.557045
LBP 14.472078
LDO 0.000448
LEO 0.000016
LINK 0.000017
LKR 0.055863
LRC 0.009620
LRD 0.029675
LSL 0.002670
LTC 0.000003
LTL 0.000482
LUF 0.005626
LUNA 0.002532
LUNC 2.112335
LVL 0.000098
LYD 0.001032
MAD 0.001495
MANA 0.001813
MBX 0.004143
MDL 0.002818
MGA 0.680754
MGF 3.403769
MINA 0.002826
MKD 0.008597
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.340398
MNT 0.580093
MOP 0.001308
MRO 0.064805
MRU 0.006481
MTL 0.000060
MUR 0.007685
MVR 0.002504
MWK 0.281115
MXN 0.002804
MXV 0.000319
MYR 0.000643
MZM 10.353849
MZN 0.010354
NAD 0.002670
NEAR 0.000097
NEO 0.000056
NEXO 0.000183
NFT 573.817504
NGN 0.222362
NIO 0.005966
NLG 0.000307
NOK 0.001503
NPR 0.025089
NZD 0.000276
OKB 0.000002
OMR 0.000062
ONE 0.079832
OP 0.001247
ORDI 0.000038
PAB 0.000162
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000554
PEPE 43.261205
PGK 0.000707
PHP 0.009968
PI 0.001068
PKR 0.045175
PLN 0.000592
POL 0.001782
PTE 0.027961
QAR 0.000590
QNT 0.000002
QTUM 0.000180
ROL 7.305521
RON 0.000731
RPL 0.000093
RSD 0.016377
RUB 0.011591
RUNE 0.000367
RVN 0.029406
RWF 0.237302
SAND 0.002233
SAR 0.000608
SBD 0.001303
SCR 0.002371
SDD 9.730066
SDG 0.097301
SEK 0.001514
SGD 0.000207
SHIB 27.879298
SHP 0.000121
SIT 0.033422
SKK 0.004202
SLE 0.003704
SLL 3.704299
SNX 0.000510
SOL 0.000002
SOS 0.092515
SPL 0.000027
SRD 0.006020
SRG 6.020202
SSP 0.763148
STD 3.444227
STN 0.003444
STX 0.000665
SUI 0.000150
SVC 0.001419
SYP 0.017922
SZL 0.002670
THB 0.005278
THETA 0.000800
TJS 0.001507
TMM 2.844187
TMT 0.000569
TND 0.000471
TON 0.000079
TOP 0.000390
TRL 7,389.613712
TRX 0.000452
TRY 0.007390
TTD 0.001099
TUSD 0.000162
TVD 0.000227
TWD 0.005121
TWT 0.000350
TZS 0.423661
UAH 0.007177
UGX 0.611521
UNI 0.000045
USD 0.000162
USDC 0.000162
USDD 0.000162
USDP 0.000162
USDT 0.000162
UYU 0.006538
UZS 1.960192
VAL 0.270046
VEB 8,406,300.919895
VED 0.084060
VEF 8,406.004591
VES 0.084060
VET 0.024282
VND 4.274684
VUV 0.019285
WAVES 0.000417
WEMIX 0.000579
WOO 0.009408
WST 0.000439
XAF 0.091484
XAG 0.000002
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000439
XCG 0.000292
XCH 0.000045
XDC 0.004626
XDR 0.000119
XEC 22.285724
XEM 0.241296
XLM 0.001122
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.091484
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.016643
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000118
XTZ 0.000474
YER 0.038683
ZAR 0.002670
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.040766
ZMK 3.078905
ZMW 0.003079
ZWD 0.058669
ZWG 0.004255
ZWL 10.631193

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Cities in Paraguay 306
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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.