Tourist Attractions in Paraguay

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Paraguay

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Paraguay

Paraguay is not the most visited country in South America, but nevertheless tourism is one of the most developed sectors of its economy. The growth of foreign tourists visiting the country is increasing every year.

For residents of neighbouring countries, the city of Cerrito is an attractive destination. It is a famous centre for sport fishing. Also popular are the ruins of the Jesuit missions of Jesús and Trinidad. Asuncion has preserved many examples of old architecture. The city does not have a very developed infrastructure, but the tourist will have a lot to see. There are many museums, shrines, and architectural structures in the city.

Top-18 Tourist Attractions in Paraguay

Asunción

 0/5

It is the capital and main city of Paraguay. It was founded in 15 August 1537 by the Spanish. The city has preserved quite a lot of old architecture, as for a South American city. It has two universities, churches and temples. The climate is warm and humid, and the Paraguay River flows near the city. There are not many tourists in Asuncion, so you should be careful.

Itaipu dam

 4.9/5

39 reviews

Paraguay has a huge dam on the Paraná River. It is the second largest in the world in terms of energy production. It is 7235 metres long, 400 metres wide and 196 metres high. The dam is second only to China’s Three Gorges hydroelectric power station. Itaipa began construction in 1978, and the two newest generators were added in 2007, totalling 20. They provide almost all of Paraguay’s electricity needs.

Open time

National Pantheon of Heroes

 4.6/5

2140 reviews

In the heart of Asunción’s central square is one of the city’s main attractions, the National Pantheon of Heroes. The building was inaugurated in 1936 and was modelled on the Parisian Maison des Invalides. Paraguay’s heroes are buried in it. Among them are the first president of the country and his son, marshals, unknown soldiers. There is also a memorial to Russian officers who fought for Paraguay.

Open time

Jesuit Mission of the Holy Trinity

 4.8/5

2821 reviews

These are Jesuit mission centres that were built between the 16th and 17th centuries. The ruins of the Jesús and Trinidad missions are the only sites in Paraguay that have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are 7 such missions, but Trinidad is considered the most interesting. It was once home to 2,700 people. It has many buildings, among them a 6000 m² church.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Zoo of Asunción

 4.2/5

927 reviews

The Botanical and Zoological Gardens of Asunción were founded in 1914 by the German scientist Dr Carlos Friebig. The collection of animals was supplemented by zoos in Montevideo, La Plata and from private individuals. Today, the gardens, which cover an area of more than 110 hectares, are home to about 70 species of wild animals. Among them are lions, monkeys, snakes, turtles, sloths and anteaters.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Access to Cerro Cora National Park

 4.8/5

71 reviews

It is the largest protected natural area in Paraguay. The park covers an area of 5,500 hectares. It was founded in 1976 on the site where the last battle of the Paraguayan War was fought in 1870. In the park there are recreation areas along the river flowing through it, monuments of architecture and history, as well as caves. On their walls there are ancient inscriptions dating from 1300 – 800 BC.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Trinidad

 0/5

The largest missionary centre, Trinidad is considered the historical centre of Paraguay. It is located 300 kilometres from the capital, near the border with Argentina. The city is built on the hills above the Parana Bay. It is full of ancient stone buildings. At night, their massive walls are translucent and the view is incredible. Trinidad is a UNESCO heritage site.

Chaco Paraguayo

 0/5

These plains have been nicknamed the “Green Scorcher”, and it is a justified name. The Chaco plains are covered with savannahs and tropical forests. The average temperature is +28º…+30º, with very little rainfall. At night the temperature drops dramatically. The plains are a paradise for hunters: wildlife with rich fauna has been preserved on their territory. Tourists can visit numerous national parks to explore the Gran Chaco.

Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

 4.6/5

1193 reviews

One of the oldest buildings in Asunción. The cathedral was begun in 1561 by order of the Spanish king. It was built on the ruins of a temple that had burned down due to a big fire. The cathedral combines several styles. Among them are Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical and Moorish styles. Today it is one of the most popular sights of the city.

Open time

Palacio de López

 4.5/5

677 reviews

It is the official residence of the country’s president and government. It is located in the centre of the city on the banks of the Paraná River. Construction began in 1857. The palace was decorated by European craftsmen. During the war, many statuettes, mirrors, furniture and valuables were lost and had to be restored. Today, a light show is held near the palace in the evenings.

Open time

National University of Asuncion

 4.5/5

2000 reviews

One of the oldest universities in Paraguay and one of the best institutions of higher education in all of Latin America. The institution was founded in 1889. It has 12 faculties, 6,200 teachers and 40,000 students. Among the university’s alumni are two presidents of Paraguay. One of them is still in office.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Independence House Museum

 4.6/5

1611 reviews

This is the house where the Declaration of Independence of Paraguay was proclaimed on 18 May 1811. It was built in 1772. Today it is a house museum. It consists of 5 rooms: study, oratory, living room, bedroom and dining room. Excursions are organised in the museum. Among the exhibits are old furniture, a sword, important documents, portraits. There is also a courtyard and an alley near the house.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Maka village

One of the most interesting places in Asunción is the village of Maca. It is a primitive settlement that was on the verge of extinction when it was brought to the attention of the authorities. However, tourists and officials rarely visit the village, so little has changed. For visitors, residents will gladly wear traditional feathers for an extra fee, and women can buy souvenirs they make themselves.

Monday Falls

 4.6/5

7318 reviews

Waterfall on the Mondai River, located in the national park of the same name. It has a rich flora and fauna. The waterfall covers an area of 4 hectares, is 45 metres high and 120 metres wide. The average annual temperature there is + 21 °C. The waterfall consists of three main streams. There is a beautiful park with walking paths around it. Tourists have picnics there.

Open time

Paraguay River

 4.5/5

968 reviews

The third fullest and longest river on the continent. It is 2,549 kilometres long. It is also one of the largest tributaries of the Paraná. Its valley divides Paraguay into two parts. To the west lies the dry and hot Gran Chaco plain, and to the east the wetter areas, where more than 90 per cent of the country’s population lives.

Caacupe Cathedral

 4.8/5

13491 reviews

This is the Catholic cathedral in Caacupa. It is the centre of pilgrimage for the Catholics of Paraguay. The shrine has the status of a minor basilica and is a national monument of the country. The first mention of the temple dates back to 1765. In 1883 the temple was repaired, and two years later the dome was completed. The cathedral has been visited by the Pope twice in its history.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport

 4.1/5

4747 reviews

The airport is located in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. It is the capital’s only airport. It is 12 km from the city centre and receives flights from 16 airlines, sometimes charter flights. Although the airport has only one terminal and one runway, it has all the necessary services. The airport’s passenger turnover is about 1 million people per year.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Ypacaraí Lake

 4.4/5

228 reviews

It is a large lake in the south-eastern part of Paraguay. It is shallow, with a maximum depth of 3 metres. It has an area of about 60 km². There are two towns on the shores of the lake. Once the water in it was considered curative, it is a very popular holiday destination for locals. But recently the lake has been polluted and has lost its properties.