Do I need a visa to visit Paraguarí?

Most tourists (US, EU, UK citizens) get 90-day visa-free entry to Paraguay. Check Paraguay's embassy website for current requirements.

Is English widely spoken?

No, Spanish and Guaraní are dominant. Learn basic Spanish phrases. Some tour guides and hotel staff speak limited English.

What's the best way to see the Jesuit ruins?

Join a guided tour from Asunción or hire official guides at the sites. Self-driving is possible but roads are poorly signed.

Are credit cards accepted?

Only in larger hotels and restaurants in Paraguarí city. Carry cash (Guaraníes) for markets, rural areas, and transportation.

Can I climb Cerro Peró?

Yes, but hire a local guide—trails are unmarked. Start early, bring water, and avoid rainy days. The hike takes 3-4 hours round trip.

Varies by nationality. Many countries (US, EU, UK) get 90-day visa-free entry. Check with Paraguayan consulate.

What currency is used?

Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). US dollars are accepted in some hotels but not widely. ATMs available in towns.

What is the local cuisine like?

Try chipa (cheese bread), sopa paraguaya (cornbread), and asado (barbecue). Tereré (cold yerba mate) is a daily ritual.

Can I drink tap water?

No, drink bottled or filtered water. Ice in restaurants is usually safe.

Light clothing for heat, a jacket for cooler evenings, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Hiking with a guide is recommended for remote trails. Popular spots like Ybycuí are safe during daylight.

What is the internet like?

Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafes in town, but speeds can be slow. Mobile data (4G) works in most areas.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, buy a local SIM (Personal or Tigo) for cheap data. Unlocked phones work.

What souvenirs should I buy?

Handwoven ñandutí lace, leather goods, and yerba mate sets. Bargaining is expected in markets.

Are there any festivals?

Yes, the Festival de la Independencia (May 14-15) features parades and music. Local saint days are celebrated with processions.

Paraguarí

ProvinceParaguay, South America

Paraguarí is a STATE in Paraguay, South America.

Paraguarí Province is Paraguay's historical and cultural heartland, where colonial heritage meets stunning natural landscapes. The province is dominated by the majestic Cerro Peró (also called Cerro Santo Tomás), a 842-meter peak that offers challenging hikes and panoramic views of rolling hills and valleys. History buffs will be captivated by the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue Jesuit Missions, remarkable 17th-century ruins showcasing Guarani Baroque architecture. The charming capital city, Paraguarí, features colonial-era buildings and the iconic Church of St. Thomas. The province is famous for its traditional pottery in towns like Itá and Areguá, where artisans create beautiful ceramics using ancient techniques. Nature lovers can explore Ybycuí National Park with its waterfalls and subtropical forests, while the scenic Lake Ypacaraí offers water activities and picturesque towns. Paraguarí's cultural festivals, particularly the vibrant Holy Week celebrations and traditional harp music performances, provide authentic glimpses into Paraguay's soul. The region's culinary specialties include chipa guasú (corn cheese bread) and sopa paraguaya, best enjoyed at local roadside stalls.

Best time to visit Paraguarí

April to September (dry season) offers pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and minimal rainfall, ideal for hiking and exploring ruins. July and August are coolest. Avoid October to March (rainy season) due to high heat, humidity, and mosquito-borne diseases. Festivals: Holy Week (March/April) features elaborate processions; Festival del Cerro (September) celebrates the province's patron saint with music and traditional games; Harvest Festivals (February) in rural towns showcase local produce and crafts.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 16°
Feels like: 16°
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 10 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 22-30°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Unpredictable weather

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

ASU

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport

International

65 km away

AGT

Guarani International Airport

International

180 km away

Getting around

"Buses are the primary public transport, connecting all major towns from Terminal de Ómnibus de Paraguarí. Service is frequent but basic. Shared taxis (colectivos) operate on fixed routes in urban areas. Car rentals are available in Asunción only—recommended for exploring remote areas like Ybycuí Park. Mototaxis are common in smaller towns for short trips. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) don't operate here. For Jesuit ruins, join organized tours from Asunción or hire local guides at sites. Horseback riding is popular in rural areas for accessing hill trails."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in town

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport or shops from $5

Calling code

+595

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty theft is the main concern; violent crime is rare.

Night safety

7/10

Petty theft is the main concern; violent crime is rare.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Paraguarí is generally safe, but exercise normal precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark, especially around bus stations. Petty theft occurs in crowded markets and tourist sites—keep valuables concealed and use hotel safes. Road safety is a concern: many roads are poorly maintained, and night driving is hazardous due to inadequate lighting and livestock on roads. Use registered taxis rather than informal cabs. Scams are rare, but be cautious with unofficial tour guides at Jesuit ruins. Political demonstrations occasionally occur in Paraguarí city; avoid large gatherings. Rural areas are very safe with welcoming communities."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are limited outside Paraguarí city. Hospital Regional de Paraguarí provides basic emergency care, but serious conditions require transfer to Asunción (70km away). Private clinics in larger towns offer better services. Dengue fever is common during rainy season (Oct-Apr)—use mosquito repellent and nets. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if visiting rural areas. Tap water is not safe to drink; consume bottled or boiled water. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised. Pharmacies are available in urban centers but may not stock specialized medications."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet people with a handshake and \"Mba'éichapa\" (hello in Guaraní). Punctuality is flexible—\"hora paraguaya\" means arriving 15-30 minutes late is acceptable. Dress modestly when visiting churches and rural communities. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%). Always accept tereré (cold herbal tea) when offered—it's a social ritual. Ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous artisans. Sunday is family day; many businesses close. Bargaining is acceptable in markets but be respectful. Social invitations often extend to meals—declining may offend."

SpanishGuaraní

Costs and practicals

Currency

Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) · ₲

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Paraguarí is very affordable; luxury options are limited.

Timezone

America/Asuncion -04:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

245,000

Area

8,705 km²

Government

Departmental government with a governor and departmental board

ISO code

PY-15

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Departament Paragwaju, 파라과리학과, Dipartimento del Paraguari, Departement vun Paraguari, პარაგუარის დეპარტამენტი, 巴拉瓜裡省, Τμήμα Παραγουάρι, Abteilung von Paraguari, PY-9, Paraguarí, Парагуари, Departamento de Paraguarí, Institutt for Paraguari, パラグアリ学科, Департамент Парагуарі, Institutionen för Paraguari, Ngalaba Paraguari, Departamento de Paraguari, Donec Paraguari, Department of Paraguari, Umnyango waseParaguari, Ministerie van Paraguari, Département de Paraguari, Departament de Paraguarí, Paraguari, Sapucai, Sapucay, Sapucaí

Major HubHistoric CityHikingNatureCulturalOff the Beaten PathFamily-Friendly