La Vida Paraguaya

May to September: These months are the best time to discover Paraguay. Then the temperatures are pleasantly warm and invite you to long day trips. In the summer months, temperatures can rise to over 40 degrees Celsius.

February offers a special kind of experience: It is when the world-famous carnival takes place.

After your arrival at the airport of Asunción, you will be transported by our partner agency to your hotel today, where you can relax for a bit. In the afternoon, you will then discover the history of the Paraguayan capital during a city tour - from the Spanish colonial period to the independence and the heyday under President López to the contemporary era. Among other things, you will visit the Casa de la Independencia, where you will get closer to the history of the country, the Metropolitana Cathedral, the historic train station with the oldest railroad in South America (nowadays out of service) and the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes. The Panteón, today's national monument, was modeled after the Invalides Cathedral in Paris. Several times a day, a ceremonial change of the guard takes place here. In the traditional Lido bar, you can try a Paraguayan specialty, the famous empanadas. Finally, experience the typical South American market atmosphere at the Pettirossi Market.

Time spent traveling from the Asunción airport to the center of Asunción: approx. 15 minutes / 10 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Asunción, Paraguay

Today's excursion program will take you to the surroundings of Asunción to Yaguarón with its baroque wooden church built by the Guaraní Indians, which is exemplary for the architecture of mission churches in the 18th century. You will also visit Paraguarí and its historic buildings from the colonial period. Piribebuy and the pilgrimage site of Caacupé with the largest church in the country are also on the program. The last side trip takes you to San Bernardino on Lake Ypacarai, which was founded by German immigrants in 1881. Today the city is a popular vacation and bathing resort for many Paraguayans. Via Aregua, the potter and artist village, and Luque, known for its inexpensive gold and silver jewelry, you are going to return to Asunción.

If you are in the mood for huge steaks, a churrasqueria is the place to be in the evening.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Asunción, Paraguay

You are going to leave Asunción early in the morning on the Ruta Transchaco. After only a few kilometers, you are going to reach the Remans Bridge, one of two bridges that connect eastern and western Paraguay. After the crossing, the Chaco already begins. It extends over an area as large as Germany across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. The Chaco is one of the last large wilderness areas on earth, consisting of dry forests and thorn bush savannas. This gigantic plain is home to thousands of times as many cattle as people.

On the way north, you are going to visit the Paí Pukú school. The school was founded by a Belgian pastor and today offers schooling and handicraft training to about 700 children from the entire Chaco region. In the early afternoon, you are going to reach the Estancia Iparoma. There you are going to learn about how cattle breeding is done today. In the evening, you are going to arrive at your hotel in Filadelfia, where you are going to spend the night.

Time spent traveling from Asunción to Filadelfia: approx. 6 hours / 455 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Filadelfia, Paraguay

After breakfast, you are going to depart for the Neuland Colony. From this Mennonite colony, you are going to continue to Fortín Boquerón, once the scene of one of the countless battles during the Chaco War, fought between Paraguay and Bolivia in 1932-35. After the stop at Fortín Boquerón, you are going to continue to the indigenous settlement of Yalve Sanga. From here you are going to the Laguna Capitan salt lagoon. Every year numerous flamingos from the Andes come here to spend the winter (May - September). Towards the evening, you are going to reach Filadelfia again.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Filadelfia, Paraguay

After breakfast, you are driving to Concepción. Before leaving Filadelfia, however, you are going to visit the Jakob Unger Museum, which tells the history of the first Mennonite immigrants. On the way there is always time to stop and enjoy the vastness and tranquility of the landscape. In the late afternoon, you are going to reach the city of Concepción, which invites you to stay and enjoy its colonial buildings.

Time spent traveling from Filadelfia to Concepción: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes / 336 km

Overnight stay in a standard room in Concepción, Paraguay

Today you are taking a walk through the small colonial town of Concepción to explore its buildings, up to 250 years old. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Overnight in a standard room in Concepción, Paraguay.

After breakfast, you are going to start in the direction of Ciudad del Este. We are going to get there around the afternoon. The lively border town is considered a shopper's paradise by both Paraguayans and Brazilians. After a short stroll through the streets, we are going to continue across the Friendship Bridge, which connects Paraguay with Brazil, to Foz de Iguazú in Brazil (called Foz do Iguaçu there).

Time spent traveling from Concepción to Ciudad del Este: approx. 8 hours 30 minutes / 590 km

Overnight stay with breakfast in Foz de Iguazú, Paraguay

Today, a visit to the binational hydroelectric power plant called Itaipú, meaning "the singing rock", is first on the itinerary. Still the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, Itaipu is considered one of the technical marvels of the modern age.

In the afternoon, you are going to experience the largest waterfalls in the world, the "Cataratas de Iguazú", from the Brazilian side (where they're called Cataratas do Iguaçu). Picturesque hiking trails along the falls invite you for a walk. The longest trail is 1,100 meters long and starts from the Ganrganta del Diabolo (Devil's Station) to Devils Throat. Coatis as well as thousands of colorful butterflies, iguanas and lizards accompany you through this unique natural spectacle.

In the evening, there is an optional visit to the Churrascaria Rafain, a Brazilian barbecue restaurant, where you can enjoy a typical dinner and a show to learn about Brazilian cuisine and culture.

Do you feel like a little action? Then we recommend you the Macuco Safari on which you go by boat directly into the devil's mouth of the waterfalls. Don't forget to bring a change of clothes and a waterproof camera though - it gets wet and exciting (optional)!

If you want to take it easy, we recommend the Parque de las Aves, a bird park right at the entrance of the Iguazú National Park, where you can observe over 150 different bird species.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Foz de Iguazú, Paraguay

On the way to Bella Vista, first we are going to takea detour to Paraguay's largest waterfall, Salto Monday. The "little Paraguayan sister of the Iguazu Falls" leads an undeserved, shadowy existence. The flora and fauna around the waterfall are characteristic of the region. Once in Bella Vista, you are going to then visit the former Jesuit Reductions - the name given to the settlements built by the Jesuits for the indigenous population in South America. In the 17th century, the Guaraní, under the guidance of Spanish Jesuits, built large reductions. One of the largest and most impressive sites from this period is the ruined city of Trinidad - a huge complex built at that time in the middle of impenetrable jungle consisting of defense towers, protective walls, a cathedral and permanent shelters for about 4,000 people. We are going to continue to the colony of Bella Vista, founded by Germans. The district is known the cultivation of mate. There is no day in the country without the tea made from this plant!

Overnight stay with breakfast in Bella Vista, Paraguay

Before heading back to the capital, stop at a mate tea factory, where you are going to learn more about the Paraguayan national drink Teréré, without which nothing works in Paraguay. The last day of your trip is going to take you back to Asunción via Villa Florida, a small fishing village idyllically situated on the Río Tebicuary, and the historical town of Yaguarón.

Time spent traveling from Bella Vista to Asunción: approx. 6 hours

Overnight stay with breakfast in Asunción, Paraguay

After breakfast, you are going to be transferred to the airport. We will be happy to advise you on possible extensions to one of the neighboring countries. Please contact us!

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Hotel The Hub***, Asunción, Paraguay

The Hub Hotel is appreciated for its location and modern design furnishings. Restaurants and shopping streets are in the immediate vicinity. Free Wi-Fi is also available for your convenience.

The light-filled rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and an iPod docking station. A private bathroom is also provided.

Florida Hotel***, Filadelfia, Paraguay.

The hotel is a place of special charm in the heart of Filadelfia. The rooms are equipped with all conveniences such as air conditioning and heating, minibar, wi-fi Internet access, television and fully equipped bathrooms.

Hotel Concepción Palace****, Concepción, Paraguay.

This 4-star hotel is a nice relaxing spot in Concepción. Rooms feature a TV, a modern bathroom and other amenities. The garden and a pool invite you to relax.

Hotel Viale Cataratas****, Foz de Iguazú, Paraguay.

Located in the center of Foz do Iguacu, this hotel is about 20 kilometers from the Cataratas de Iguazú waterfalls. Rooms offer air conditioning, LCD satellite TV, minibar, telephone, heating and a safe. WIFI is available free of charge.

Hotel Papillón***, Bella Vista, Paraguay.

The hotel is surrounded by a beautiful garden. In the center of the complex is the Papillon restaurant, which serves delicious grilled dishes. The rooms not only have a minibar, but also feature large windows with garden views.

Duration of the trip: 10 days / 9 nights

Included

• 10 nights in the accommodations mentioned or similar:

  • 2 nights at The Hub Hotel*** with breakfast in a standard room in Asunción.

  • 2 nights at the Florida Hotel*** with breakfast in a superior room in Filadelfia

  • 2 nights at Hotel Puerto Seguro*** with breakfast in a standard room in Concepción

  • 2 nights at the Resort Hotel San Martín**** with breakfast in a superior room in Foz de Iguazú

  • 1 night in the Hotel Papillón*** with breakfast in a standard room in Bella Vista

  • 1 night at the Hotel The Hub*** with breakfast in a standard room in Asunción

• Tour guide
• Transfers
• Excursions and sightseeing incl. entrance fees
• Local tour guide

Not included

• International flights
• Optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees etc.)
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of service
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Travel protection
• PCR test, if still required
• Visa, entry and/or exit fees, if required

Notes

• We will be happy to customize your trip according to your wishes. However, please note that in remote regions hotel alternatives are not possible.