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: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.001931
AAVE 0.000002
ADA 0.000898
AED 0.000614
AFN 0.010938
AGIX 0.002937
AKT 0.000325
ALGO 0.002030
ALL 0.013260
AMD 0.060665
AMP 0.435657
ANG 0.000299
AOA 0.153483
APE 0.001300
APT 0.000299
AR 0.000090
ARB 0.001911
ARS 0.250197
ATOM 0.000112
ATS 0.001969
AUD 0.000235
AVAX 0.000025
AWG 0.000299
AXS 0.000185
AZM 1.420513
AZN 0.000284
BAKE 0.240257
BAM 0.000280
BAT 0.002673
BBD 0.000334
BCH 0.000001
BDT 0.020335
BEF 0.005771
BGN 0.000280
BHD 0.000063
BIF 0.497079
BMD 0.000167
BNB 0.000000
BND 0.000213
BOB 0.001920
BRL 0.000865
BSD 0.000167
BSV 0.000010
BSW 0.461145
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.002824
BTG 0.000381
BTN 0.015981
BTT 614.281387
BUSD 0.000167
BWP 0.002248
BYN 0.000505
BYR 3.275129
BZD 0.000336
CAD 0.000231
CAKE 0.000104
CDF 0.383115
CELO 0.002670
CFX 0.003816
CHF 0.000133
CHZ 0.013074
CLP 0.154017
CNH 0.001124
CNY 0.001124
COMP 0.000009
COP 0.510191
CRC 0.075241
CRO 0.003354
CRV 0.000641
CSPR 0.062574
CUC 0.000167
CUP 0.004428
CVE 0.015776
CVX 0.000103
CYP 0.000084
CZK 0.003458
DAI 0.000167
DASH 0.000005
DCR 0.000014
DEM 0.000280
DFI 0.167955
DJF 0.029683
DKK 0.001070
DOGE 0.002226
DOP 0.009760
DOT 0.000211
DYDX 0.001519
DZD 0.022180
EEK 0.002239
EGLD 0.000059
EGP 0.008465
ENJ 0.006605
EOS 0.002532
ERN 0.002507
ESP 0.023805
ETB 0.027160
ETC 0.000025
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000143
EURC 0.000144
FEI 0.000167
FIL 0.000248
FIM 0.000851
FJD 0.000368
FKP 0.000123
FLOW 0.005780
FLR 0.025993
FRAX 0.000169
FRF 0.000938
FTT 0.000805
GALA 0.115982
GBP 0.000123
GEL 0.000435
GGP 0.000123
GHC 18.492688
GHS 0.001849
GIP 0.000123
GMD 0.012384
GMX 0.000025
GNF 1.466621
GNO 0.000001
GRD 0.048750
GRT 0.011944
GT 0.000024
GTQ 0.001272
GUSD 0.000167
GYD 0.034763
HBAR 0.002358
HKD 0.001311
HNL 0.004468
HNT 0.000964
HOT 0.494891
HRK 0.001078
HT 0.001472
HTG 0.021736
HUF 0.052064
ICP 0.000072
IDR 2.975117
IEP 0.000113
ILS 0.000498
IMP 0.000123
IMX 0.001597
INJ 0.000036
INR 0.015981
IQD 0.217668
IRR 229.693458
ISK 0.020346
ITL 0.277018
JEP 0.000123
JMD 0.026254
JOD 0.000118
JPY 0.026465
KAS 0.006267
KAVA 0.004060
KCS 0.000023
KDA 0.035592
KES 0.021633
KGS 0.014631
KHR 0.673070
KLAY 0.006799
KMF 0.070385
KNC 0.001579
KPW 0.150389
KRW 0.232904
KSM 0.000054
KWD 0.000052
KYD 0.000139
KZT 0.077089
LAK 3.746767
LBP 14.938041
LDO 0.000493
LEO 0.000018
LINK 0.000016
LKR 0.054991
LRC 0.021007
LRD 0.030260
LSL 0.002691
LTC 0.000004
LTL 0.000494
LUF 0.005771
LUNA 0.003780
LUNC 3.307943
LVL 0.000101
LYD 0.001058
MAD 0.001547
MANA 0.002493
MBX 0.008082
MDL 0.002865
MGA 0.715818
MGF 3.579090
MINA 0.003911
MKD 0.008824
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.350867
MNT 0.601212
MOP 0.001350
MRO 0.066562
MRU 0.006656
MTL 0.000061
MUR 0.007850
MVR 0.002584
MWK 0.288463
MXN 0.002832
MXV 0.000323
MYR 0.000676
MZM 10.664852
MZN 0.010665
NAD 0.002691
NEAR 0.000096
NEO 0.000092
NEXO 0.000224
NFT 593.404260
NGN 0.225065
NIO 0.006132
NLG 0.000315
NOK 0.001559
NPR 0.025581
NZD 0.000281
OKB 0.000002
OMR 0.000064
ONE 0.231642
OP 0.001882
ORDI 0.000045
PAB 0.000167
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.000560
PEPE 57.692675
PGK 0.000750
PHP 0.010298
PI 0.001860
PKR 0.046201
PLN 0.000618
POL 0.002047
PTE 0.028683
QAR 0.000608
QNT 0.000003
QTUM 0.000232
ROL 7.505889
RON 0.000751
RPL 0.000107
RSD 0.016789
RUB 0.014037
RUNE 0.000392
RVN 0.064109
RWF 0.245064
SAND 0.004046
SAR 0.000627
SBD 0.001337
SCR 0.002424
SDD 10.030105
SDG 0.100301
SEK 0.001577
SGD 0.000213
SHIB 35.271441
SHP 0.000123
SIT 0.034285
SKK 0.004310
SLE 0.003829
SLL 3.829198
SNX 0.000815
SOL 0.000002
SOS 0.094781
SPL 0.000028
SRD 0.006318
SRG 6.318174
SSP 0.947415
STD 3.528031
STN 0.003528
STX 0.001281
SUI 0.000237
SVC 0.001462
SYP 2.172613
SZL 0.002691
THB 0.005487
THETA 0.001112
TJS 0.001533
TMM 2.924045
TMT 0.000585
TND 0.000484
TOP 0.000398
TRL 8,014.309841
TRX 0.000500
TRY 0.008014
TTD 0.001130
TUSD 0.000167
TVD 0.000235
TWD 0.005321
TWT 0.000418
TZS 0.442333
UAH 0.007464
UGX 0.620951
UNI 0.000046
USD 0.000167
USDC 0.000167
USDD 0.000167
USDP 0.000167
USDT 0.000167
UYU 0.006687
UZS 1.962916
VAL 0.277018
VEB 12,973,267.271399
VED 0.129442
VEF 12,944.210343
VES 0.129442
VET 0.034431
VND 4.365682
VUV 0.019767
WAVES 0.000847
WEMIX 0.000864
WOO 0.015151
WST 0.000450
XAF 0.093846
XAG 0.000002
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.000452
XCG 0.000299
XCH 0.000118
XDC 0.006008
XDR 0.000122
XEC 23.835115
XEM 0.356959
XLM 0.000973
XMR 0.000000
XOF 0.093846
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.017073
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000151
XTZ 0.000767
YER 0.039620
ZAR 0.002691
ZEC 0.000000
ZIL 0.068753
ZMK 3.130710
ZMW 0.003131
ZWD 0.060482
ZWG 0.004457
ZWL 11.137381

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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.