Things to see and do Paraguay

This environmental education association organizes bird watching towers and fish exits. Information to meet the Ishir communities (Puerto Diana is 2 km downstream) and at the Tres station of Guyrá.

The most remote beach from Villa Florida. There is a road that leaves on the left at the exit of the city. You can sleep there (rooms and camping) and fish on site.

The old wooden house presents Bertoni's scientific legacy and history. On display are microscopes, herbaria, insect collections, pedal press (where he printed his articles), books and manuscripts. Also worth seeing are the arboretum, made up of exotic species introduced by Bertoni, the family cemetery at the foot of a cypress tree, and trails that can be accompanied by a Mby'a Guaraní guide. Avá and Mby'a families who live here will offer you handicrafts. Contact the Senatur, or the Bertoni Foundation for the management of the visit.

This 55-hectare complex, located on top of a hill overlooking the Paraná River, is named after its mini-museum dedicated to trees. The Galería Casa de Madera is a hut with the Tronco de los Lamentos (Lament Tree Trunk) inside, representing trees that have been deforested, and different slices of tree trunks native to the region. There is also the poetic Árbolde losDeseos:write a wish on a piece of paper and hang it up. The idea of the complex created by Don Mario, is to make visitors aware of the importance of the forest, in one of the most deforested countries in the world. Through an easy trail (1300 m, 45 min), punctuated by watchtowers, one can find about thirty varieties of native trees, including the tajy (lapacho), the national tree. You can then have fun through eco-adventure activities, such as the "swing at the end of the world", or a chair that takes you over the void... The most impressive activity is the bicitirolesa (bicycle-tyrolesa), the first of its kind in Paraguay! At the entrance of the complex, don't forget to take a picture of yourself on the giant chair (silla gigante) which offers a splendid panorama. Camping possible (30 000 Gs per person) with its own equipment (showers, sanitary facilities and electricity available). Be careful, complexes in the same style have been set up along the access road to the Museo del Árbol. They rarely comply with safety standards and, above all, are of little interest compared to the original, the only one officially authorised.

Blond sand dunes in the middle of the crystal clear water of the Yacyretá Lake! You will probably be among the last privileged to be able to get there: the dunes are shrinking at high speed, due to the lack of vegetation on the island to hold back the impact of wind, rain and waves, which carry away the fine sand. At the end of 2019, the dunes were nearly 10 metres high over 3 hectares, but 20 metres high over 5 hectares in 2015, and 30 metres over 10 hectares in 2010... To get to the dunes, first ask at the tourist information point of San Cosme y Damián. You will be informed about the state of the dunes and the weather, and you will be put in contact with the right people to take you there (who will probably correspond with the numbers given above). The dunes are located 25 km from the naval base of San Cosme y Damián. Count between 45 minutes and 1 hour by motorboatfor the outward journey, a little less for the return journey. It can be a bit shaky when it is windy, and it is advisable to go there in the morning if the weather permits. The time on site is usually 2 to 3 hours. Transportation is expensive, so it is advantageous to form a group to divide the costs. To join other passengers, plan the excursion on a Saturday or Sunday, or during school holidays. There is nothing on the spot, so bring something to protect yourself from the sun, and something to drink and snack on (bring back your rubbish of course).

It was here that Pedro Juan Caballero, Francisco Bogarín, Fulgencio Yegros, Fernando de la Mora and Gaspar Rodríquez de Francia held their secret meetings. At dawn on May 15, 1811, the latter went out through the alley(callejón) at the back of the house, to depose the Spanish governor in his mansion, thus marking the independence of Paraguay. The colonial house (adobe walls, palm roof, patio) dates back to 1772. The museum displays valuable colonial furniture, paintings and objects from the period.

The Museum of Sacred Art is housed in a beautiful early ^20th-century house, Villa Lina. It was founded by Nicolás Darío Latourette Bo, a cultural figure who played an important role in the conservation of the Casa de la Independancia. His private collection, on display here, consists of some one hundred religious sculptures from the ^17th and ^18th centuries, created in the Jesuit and Franciscan missions. These Baroque relics, preserved but not restored (the colors are original), are of great historical value.

This imposing church is one of the largest in the country. It was built in 1893, on one of the seven hills of the capital. All brick, it is of Roman-Corinthian style, similar to that of many European cathedrals. During the Chaco War (1932-1935) it was used as a hospital. Inside there is an organ (rare in Paraguay) and the Museo Papa Francisco, with the armchair, clothes and relics used by Pope Francis during his visit in 2015.

The National Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1909, exhibits some one hundred works by Paraguayan artists (Juan Samudio, Carlos Colombo, Pablo Alborno...) and foreigners (such as the Frenchman Julio Mornet, or the Italians Héctor Da Ponte and Guillermo Da Ré). Most of the paintings and sculptures come from the personal collection of Paraguayan intellectual Juan Silvano Godoy (1850-1926), a post-war free-thinker who acquired them during his 18 long years in exile.

The Touring is a private club dedicated to cars, road safety, rally organization, etc. In the tourism department, some tourist information and a shop where you can get a guide and road maps published by the organization. On the ^3rd floor in the neighbouring building (parking side), a library with some books about the country (in Spanish) and on the 6th floor, an automobile museum exhibits the first cars of the country. Touring manages two hotels, one in Filadelfia (Chaco), the other in Villa Florida (Misiones).

Turista Róga means "House of Tourism" in Guarani. The Senatur (National Tourism Secretariat) has its offices upstairs. On the first floor, there's a tourist information module, with a few brochures. A friendly welcome, but often only in Spanish, and very general information about the country. Ask for a city map or the free Quick Guide magazine, which has neighborhood maps inside. Quality handicrafts and books on Paraguay for sale. Also, on the left as you enter, the information desk of the Asunción City Tour agency.

Guyra means "bird" in Guarani. The Guyra Paraguay association is the most active national NGO for the protection of birds and their habitats. In addition to its research and awareness-raising work, it organizes birdwatching tours, notably in the Reserva Natural Guyra Retä, near Encarnación, and in the Pantanal (Station Biologique Tres Gigantes). Reasonable rates compared with conventional agencies. Especially recommended for birdwatchers. The association's offices are located north of the Botanical Gardens.

This pale pink building with arcades is the first major work of the 19th century (1842-1857), launched by Carlos Antonio López. It was built on the site of the old cabildo. "Cabildo" is a colonialterm that refers to the place where the city's affairs, both administrative and judicial, were dealt with. The Cabildo building has never had this function. It was originally the seat of the executive, until 1894, when it was moved to the Palacio de los López. Ten years later, the Cabildo welcomed the legislative power until 2003, when it was transferred to a new modern building located nearby, nicknamed "the flying saucer". Today, the Cabildo is a cultural centre and museum, with several thematic rooms and permanent or temporary exhibitions. His visit allows him to familiarize himself with the country's history, music (with a special section for the famous guitar composer Agustín Pío Barrios "Mangoré"), cinema, folk and indigenous art, sacred art, immigration and foreign communities living in Paraguay. Many cultural events are organised at the Cabildo: conferences, concerts, film screenings... From the back of the building, you can see the Chacarita district, a slum that is regularly flooded. This is in stark contrast to the institutions in the immediate vicinity, including the Presidential Palace and Congress..

The cathedral was inaugurated in 1845, during Carlos A's regime. López, was built under the direction of the Italian architect Alejandro Ravizza, on the site of the old church. It retains a colonial style, with neoclassical touches. The interior is colourful, especially its wooden ceiling. The baroque altar is covered with silver panels. Classical music concerts are sometimes held in front of the illuminated cathedral. Pope Francis celebrated Vespers on July 11, 2015 in front of a thousand members of the clergy.

The municipal cultural center is made up of nine houses from different eras. The oldest is Casa Viola, built between 1750 and 1758, with adobe walls and a tiled roof. It has preserved the site of the colonial grid, prior to the developments of Dr Francia's era. The Memoria de la Ciudad museum tells the story of Asunción from its foundation to the present day, with old maps, newspaper articles, photographs, paintings and models. The Art Nouveau-style Casa Clarí dates from the early 20th century. Inside, the Miguel Acevedo space (famous Paraguayan caricaturist) is dedicated to the visual arts, with exhibitions of paintings, drawings, photos and sculptures. The neoclassical Casa Clari-Mestre (1912) features an auditorium (dedicated to Ruy Díaz de Guzmán, the first Creole writer) where theater and dance troupes perform. Casa Vertúa (1898), also in neoclassical style, houses the municipal library. Casa Ballario (1901), in neoclassical style, houses an interesting historical museum devoted to Paraguay's emblematic instrument, the harp. Casa Emasa offers an exhibition space (La Galería) with temporary installations. Finally, Casa Castelví (1804), the best-preserved colonial house, has a pleasant patio where various cultural activities are organized. And to recharge your batteries after all that, head to the terrace of the bar-restaurant for a lovely view of the Presidential Palace just opposite.

Behind the port, on one of Asunción's seven hills, this is the capital's oldest district. The lanes of the loma (hill) underwent quite a metamorphosis in 2012. Houses and small staircases were repainted in bright colors, bohemian cafés were set up... but the fever didn't last very long, and "SanGer" was gradually abandoned by visitors. Nonetheless, the area retains a pleasant village feel and offers beautiful views of the bay and historic center.

The area around the Bay of Asunción has been developed to relieve traffic congestion and provide a diversionary space for the inhabitants. Since 2013, an artificial sandy beach and areas for walking, running, rollerblading and cycling have been available. Kayak and pedal boat rentals and tours on small boats. Pleasant at sunset. La Costanera is illuminated at night and safe, but avoid it late in the week (shantytowns nearby). Unfortunately we can't swim due to pollution, too bad. Nice view on the Palacio de López.

This whaleboat is located about 30 kilometres from Cruce Santa Rosa, at the end of a track in good condition and accessible to all types of vehicles. At the edge of the lagoon, a sandy beach and well mowed lawns, with umbrellas to shelter from the sun and enough to prepare asados. Bar-restaurant service and air-conditioned rooms that can accommodate up to 60 people. Camping area too. You can play volleyball, go horseback riding, rent a kayak... Lots of people in the summer, the rest of the time you'll be alone in the world.

This complex, administered by Aqua Paraná Tour, is the closest to the falls. It has several watchtowers, one of which is just on the side of the falls, slightly overhanging them, and one descends by wide stairs (note the sign "no swimming"!). Another, even more impressive, is at the foot of the waterfalls. It is accessed by a glass lift (additional 20,000 Gs). There is a pleasant restaurant on the edge of the falls, and a souvenir shop at the entrance.

This museum is a space for reflection and remembrance, a tribute to the victims of General Stroessner's dictatorship (1954-1989). It was created on the initiative of the Celestina Pérez de Almada Foundation, ten years after the discovery of the "Archives of Terror", in December 1992, in a police station in Lambaré, by judge José Agustín Fernández and lawyer and human rights defender Martín Almada. These archives contain the names of over 400,000 people imprisoned by the secret services of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, as part of Operation Condor set up by the United States. The foundation is named after Martín Almada's wife, who died in 1974 as a result of the psychological torture inflicted by the political police while her husband was in prison. The museum is housed in the building of the former Dirección Nacional de Asuntos Técnicos ("La Técnica"), which concealed a detention center, where for over 30 years thousands of people suspected of being "subversive" or "communist" were tortured... in fact, anyone suspected of having progressive thoughts or behavior. Photographs of the disappeared, cells (9 m² for 10 people) and instruments of torture, each more horrifying than the last, such as the picana, an electric needle, or the pileta, the bathtub in which the victim, bound with barbed wire, was held until asphyxiated... A 40-minute documentary, Informe final, is available on request.

The Plaza de los Disaparecidos, next to the presidential palace, pays tribute to those who died during the long dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954-1989). It features a sculpture by Carlos Colombino, depicting Stroessner crushed between two concrete blocks. The general's effigy originally stood at Cerro Lambaré. It had been erected in the 1980s, during the dictatorship. Colombino cut it out and transformed it, so that the era would never be forgotten.

The National Pantheon was originally a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Asunción. Inspired by the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, construction began in 1863 under the direction of architect Alissandro Ravizza. It was not completed until 1936, after the Chaco War. Inside the mausoleum lie the remains of the great men of Paraguayan history, the unknown soldier and the child martyrs of Acosta Ñu. An important celebration is held here on March¹ (Heroes' Day). It's worth noting that the Pantheon is ground zero for Paraguay's various roads.

This vast cemetery is a landmark of Asunción. You can immerse yourself in the country's history as you wander between the tombs and mausoleums of illustrious figures (presidents, musicians, writers...). The cemetery was built in 1842, on the site of a former convent of the Franciscan Recollects, who had to abandon the site when Dr Francia suppressed the religious orders. Famous graves include that of "Madame Lynch's" daughter.

This tree-lined square is located in front of the former main railway station. Plaza San Francisco was renamed Uruguaya in 1885, to thank Uruguay for returning to Paraguay the trophies from the War of the Triple Alliance. In the center is a statue of José Gervasio Artigas, the father of Uruguayan independence, who lived in exile in Paraguay from 1820 to 1850. It's a tranquil spot, ideal for a shady tereré, or to relax with a book (there are two architecturally striking bookshops on the square). Classical music concerts are sometimes organized.

Asunción's river port is one of the oldest on the continent. Located opposite the Bay of Asunción, a stone's throw from the Palacio de López and the arcades of La Recova, it has long played a major role in the movement of goods to and from the capital. It was abandoned a few years ago, with the relocation of its main activities to the ports of Villeta and Pilar, but its rusty old cranes give it a charming old-fashioned atmosphere. The historic central customs building has undergone extensive restoration in recent years, and since 2024 has been hosting temporary cultural exhibitions. The whole area is currently being revitalized, and the port could soon find a real commercial and tourist vocation... At the bottom of Montevideo street, you can board a small, picturesque boat, called a tucú tucú, which takes around 20 minutes to reach the village of Chaco'í ("Little Chaco") on the other side of the Río Paraguay, for a beautiful view of Asunción (departures every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Longer river trips are also available through agencies. Guyra Paraguay, for example, organizes birdwatching tours of Asunción Bay, an Important Bird Area recognized by Birdlife International. The bay lies on the border between the eastern and western regions of the country, and is home to around a third of the country's bird species.

The highest point in the metropolitan area (139 m) lies to the south of Asunción, close to the Bañado Sur slums, so you'll need to be careful if you're going there on your own. Nice view from the mirador, where you can see the importance of vegetation in this town. A monument pays tribute to the cacique Lambaré, leader of the Guarani resistance at the time of the Conquest. The mountain, formerly known as Avamba'e, was a sacred place for the Guaranis, whose wise men gathered there to communicate with Tupã, God creator of the Universe.

The historic heart of the capital is made up of four tree-lined squares, joined by Avenues Palma, Oliva, Chile and Independencia. These squares are: the Plaza de los Héroes, home to the Pantheon; the Plaza Juan E. O'Leary, where the Mercado Guasú (municipal market) stood until 1913; the Plaza de la Democracia, which hosts political and cultural events; and the Plaza de la Libertad, nicknamed the "Hippies' Square" and home to a small craft market and a number of itinerant tereré renters.

Founded in 1929, the museum is named after the creator of the Paraguayan Red Cross, who worked extensively in indigenous communities throughout the country. The museum boasts Paraguay's largest ethnographic collection, with over 3,000 items from different indigenous populations (funerary urns, kitchen utensils, feather ornaments, clothing, hammocks, weapons, etc.), as well as fine photographs. The museum has a library specializing in anthropology.

This beautiful space was created in 1979 by several artists, principally Carlos Colombino (1937-2013), a renowned visual artist, architect and writer. The permanent and temporary collections express the different visual expressions of Paraguay and Iberian America. If you have to visit only one museum in Paraguay, this is it! The works are rich and varied, and the facilities are quite pleasant. The first collection, that of the Museo del Barro (Clay Museum), is devoted to Paraguayan folk art dating back to the ^17th century. It boasts over 4,000 pieces, ranging from ceramics, wooden sculptures from Jesuit and Franciscan reductions, fabrics, lace (ñandutí) and silverware. It also features pre-Columbian ceramics from all over the continent. The Museo de Arte Indígena (Museum of Indigenous Art) collection showcases the artistic wealth of Paraguay's various indigenous groups. Over 1,750 pieces are on display, including ceramics, sculptures, ceremonial dress, masks, baskets and more. Finally, the collection of the Museo Paraguayo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) includes over 3,000 paintings, drawings, engravings, installations and sculptures by national artists, as well as those from other Latin American countries and Spain. At the entrance, you'll find a store selling quality handicrafts and a bookshop stocking fine art books.

Right next to the cathedral, this small museum is named after an illustrious archbishop, who had assembled a fine collection of Franciscan and Jesuit sculptures and many sacred art objects. There is also a room dedicated to Paraguayan Independence and the Triple Alliance War. Independence hero Pedro Juan Caballero was imprisoned here under the government of Dr. Francia, after a conspiracy attempt. He committed suicide in his cell in 1821.

This vast square seems completely abandoned. It is often occupied by encampments of destitute families (landless peasants, indigenous people or people displaced from the bañados, neighborhoods regularly flooded by the river). The place, which is more striking than truly dangerous, shows a very sad side of Paraguay, just a stone's throw from Congress and the presidential palace! The square is framed by the cathedral and the brick building of the Universidad Católica to the east; the central post office and police headquarters (a colonnaded building dating from 1854) to the south; the Cabildo and the Chacarita district to the north; and finally, Congress to the west. In front of the Cabildo, a statue of Juan Salazar de Espinoza, the founder of Asunción (August 15, 1537). Towards the Congress, Hermann Guggiari's tree-trunk sculpture pays homage to the "Mother of Cities". North of the Congress, a statue of Mariscal López on horseback, surrounded by the cannons of the War of the Triple Alliance. The square is nicknamed the Plaza del Marzo Paraguayo, because it was here that, on March 23, 1999, a huge citizens' demonstration took place in defense of justice and democracy, in response to the political assassination of the Vice-President of the Republic, Luis María Argaña. The demonstration ended in a bloodbath, with 8 dead and 700 wounded, the demonstrators falling under the bullets of ex-general Lino Oviedo's snipers (located at the top of the building where a large advertising billboard is installed on the roof).

Thematic tours (Circuito de Oro, ethnic, football...) in the capital and its surroundings. The Walking tour (free), 2 hours 30 on foot, allows you to learn more about the main monuments of the centre (departure from Turista Róga). The City tour (paying), 3 hours, with transport by minibus (departure from Shopping del Sol), offers a more global vision of the city, with interesting places where you wouldn't necessarily go. Good English speaking guides (French on request). Information from Raquel at the information point in Turista Róga.