PARAGUAY
Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America, bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the country from north to south. Due to its central location in South America, it is sometimes referred to as Corazón de America (“Heart of America”).
Nestled away in the heart of South America, Paraguay is a country full of natural wonders, tranquil living and friendly people. It is an exotic place because of its unique blends of cultures and races—and being with the locals is easy as they also enjoy the company of foreigners. The country is completely landlocked, and shares borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. The Rio Paraguay divides the land into two. Paraguay had been out of bounds for a long time because of its involvement in the drug trade. Things have improved considerably and the country is now geared up for tourist visits.
Capital: Asuncion
Best Time of Visit:
- The best time to visit Paraguay is April till September. This peak tourist season also includes the festive months of Paraguay. This is the time a large number or tourists visit the country to witness the celebration and enjoy the many sights and activities.
- One can enjoy cooler weather during the winter season, which falls between May till August.
Min Days Required: 5 days
Places of Interest:
- Iguassu Falls
- Hydroelectric Plant Paraguay
- Museo del Barro
- La Santisima Trinidad de Parana
- Loma Plata
Climate:
- Paraguay has a sub-tropical climate. The country acquires abundant rain and stays humid generally. The temperature remains the same year round with mild changes.
- Geographically the country is divided into two parts the East and the West by the Paraguay River and is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn.
- The climate change arrays from temperate to sub-tropical with rainfalls in eastern part and being semi-arid in the West.
- Paraguay’s summers start from October till March. The moist tropical air continues to keep weather warm throughout summer.
- The average temperature for summers remains warm. The maximum temperature can be seen during the month of January as it reaches up till 32 degree Celsius as it’s the warmest month.
- But throughout summers as soon as the heat becomes unbearable the thunderstorms will help dropping the temperatures to almost 15 degree Celsius in just few minutes.
- The winter season encircles the months from May till August.
- The winters are usually mildly cold. The coldest month during winters is July with the temperature of 18 to 17 degree Celsius.
- The months of April and September are the autumn and spring respectively and are considered as transitional months, which remain, relatively cooler and pleasant.
Currency: Paraguayan Guaraní
Things to carry:
- In summer (January to March) tropical clothing is the best because it gets really oppressive and don’t forget your sunglasses and umbrella.
- At this time of the year, stay informal – it’s the way of life here.
- Carry light cottons, but a thin jacket would come in handy when the weather turns cooler.
- Out in the sun, carry a wide brimmed hat or baseball cap. Always keep your mosquito repellent with you – you’ll need it
at all places.
How to get there:
Air:
- The major airport is in Asuncion called “Asuncious teropuerto International Silvio Pettirossi”.
- Flights from Brazil, Buenos Aires, Chile and Bolivia land in Paraguay.
- From Europe you can get 6 flights a week to Asuncion (from Madrid)—with a change of flight at Buenos Aires. From other places in Europe, connections are slow and could be via Madevia Rio or Sao Palo.
- From North America, flights leave everyday from Miami, and they go via Sao Paolo.
- There are flights from Dallas and California as well.