South America has 12 UN-recognized nations, and there's one that consistently remains largely unexplored by curious travelers: Paraguay. Paraguay is fairly easy to enter for most travelers, seldom requiring a visa (travelers should always check with their embassies), and is closely situated to nearby popular tourist destinations such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, making it geographically easily accessible for those who are already planning a trip to South America. Here are 10 reasons Paraguay should be just as high as Colombia or Peru on a South American bucket list.
10 It's Underrated
There's something pristine about visiting a place that not many others think to visit. Paraguay is far less explored than nations like Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, or Chile. However, for those who take the risk to visit this underrated nation where their expectations might be low, be prepared to have those minimal expectations far beyond succeeded. South America is full of naturally beautiful places, and there are many of these gems waiting to be discovered by hungry tourists in Paraguay.
9 Visitors Can Walk There From Brazil
What better reason to visit a place than it being extremely easy to get to? It's a real "why not?" when visiting Foz do Iguaçu in nearby Brazil as to whether or not a visit to Paraguay should be paid. The Friendship Bridge connects Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in about a 10-15 minute walk. The bridge was created to show good relations between the two nations, and after a quick jaunt through customs on each side, visitors can say they explored Paraguay by walking there!
8 Ciudad Del Este Is The Shopping Capital Of South America
Speaking of Ciudad del Este, if a quick walk to get there is not enough of a reason to visit, travelers should know that it's the shopping capital of South America. There are street vendors and malls all over the city, selling anything (literally anything) visitors can think of, from new shoes to Apple products, to phones, to cameras, to fancy lamps, to fresh fruit, to liquor, to funky shoes, and so on and so forth. The reason it's so popular is that not only is anything thinkable for sale, but it's quite affordable. It's also a great spot to exchange cash for local currency at the best rates.
7 There Are Tons Of Waterfalls
While Paraguay might be somewhat bordered by Iguazu Falls (Iguazu Falls is just outside of Paraguayan territory), an extremely famous waterfall system in South America, it's home to many of its own as well. Head to Saltos del Monday, a waterfall that's about 45 meters high and only about a 20-minute ride from Ciudad del Este. There's no denying that nearby Iguazu Falls is a sight to behold, but Saltos del Monday offers incredible views with essentially none of the crowds.
6 Most Travelers Avoid It
It's strange that so many travelers opt out of a visit to Paraguay. With it being a landlocked country and close to many popular South American hotspots, it wouldn't be difficult to add a quick trip to Paraguay in. So, why don't more people visit Paraguay? The answer to this question remains largely unknown, but visitors who choose to go there can help shift the narrative that Paraguay does not deserve to be visited because, with how largely untouched it is by tourism, it certainly does.
5 Fewer Crowds
As mentioned above, many travelers choose not to visit Paraguay, which means most popular attractions in the country have fewer crowds. There are fewer things more frustrating when traveling than having to share some famous sights with what feels like millions of other people (millions might be a stretch, but it can certainly feel that way), but in Paraguay, this will seldom be an issue. Even in high season, there are very few people at popular sights like The Friendship Bridge and Saltos del Monday.
4 The Meeting Of 3 Countries
For anyone who's ever wanted to stand on the border where two countries meet, how does standing on a border where three countries meet? That's right; in the Southwest corner of Brazil, the Northeast area of Argentina, and the East of Paraguay, there's a triple frontier where the three countries meet, otherwise known as the triple frontier. It's a unique experience, and travelers who are perhaps headed to South America for Brazil or Argentina might as well hop over and spend some time in Paraguay if they find themselves in this area.
3 Ypacaraí Lake
Paraguay is a landlocked country, so while it might not have the oceanic access that countries like Brazil, Colombia, or Chile have, it still isn't lacking when it comes to boasting bodies of water. Ypacaraí Lake is closely situated in the capital of Asunción, making it an easy day trip. Travelers can head to this body of water for some sunbathing, but visitors shouldn't plan to take a dip since the lake is known to be heavily polluted.
2 The Museums In Asunción
Latin American cities are typically full of colorful streets, stunning architecture, and rich history. Paraguay's capital of Asunción is no different and highlights many of the reasons Paraguay is so famous. The city is home to several museums, some of the more popular being Museo del Barro, Museum del Futbol Sudamericano, Cultural Center of the Republic, and Fundación Migliorisi.
1 It's Fairly Small: Making It Easy To Explore In A Few Days!
Paraguay is the fifth-smallest country in South America by geographical land-size and the smallest landlocked country by area and population in South America. This makes it easy to explore in just a few short days. Either head in from a nearby neighboring country or fly in to the capital of Asunción. A week will suffice in Paraguay, but it can even be done in three or four days before heading off to another South American nation.