Our Paraguay holidays & tours
Landlocked by its larger neighbours of Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, Paraguay has nonetheless remained relatively isolated from the major development that has accompanied the tourist rush in other South American countries. Our Paraguay holidays are a great choice if you’re looking for authentic and friendly South American culture, unexplored wilderness and bountiful, fascinating wildlife. On our trips you’ll stay in local hotels – like traditional Paraguayan estancias (ranches) and country inns. You’ll also have the privilege of visiting sensitive ecosystems like the Paraguayan Chaco where you might spot a peccary or an armadillo, and more birdlife than you can name. By visiting their community-based projects you’ll support Indigenous people who live in this fragile region, and help them protect it.
Paraguay tour
Ancient Jesuit missions and the remote Chaco region
From
£2825 to £2999
12 days
ex flights
South America tour, coast to coast
Epic discovery journey across South America
From
£4583
19 days
ex flights
South America overland adventure, 4 months
Explore 9 fascinating countries on our Rio to Cartagena route
From
£6995
131 days
ex flights
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Paraguay map & highlights
It’s not easy to get to Paraguay, and flights into Asunción typically connect elsewhere in South America, usually Brazil. Paraguay’s main sights are clustered in the south and are often just a couple of hours’ drive apart, a rare treat in South America. The exception is the Chaco, the vast wetland and savannah that covers northwest Paraguay. It’s a full day’s drive to the gateway town of Filadelfia, which is a convenient base for excursions to the forest and lagoons. Tours typically end at Iguazu Falls, over the border in Argentina. Although Iguazu is in Argentina and Brazil, it’s actually a flight away from the other attractions in those countries, yet you can reach it by road from Paraguay. Regional flights from Iguazu to international airports make for a smooth journey home.
Asunción
1. Asunción
It may be a newcomer on the South American tourist scene, but the Paraguayan capital boasts some serious history. Founded in 1537, it is today a fascinating blend of old and new, where battle scarred colonial buildings and a gleaming white cathedral jostle for space with contemporary galleries and vibrant street art. Don’t miss the 19th century railway station, or the Pantheon of Heroes, where many national figures are buried.
Filadelfia
2. Filadelfia
Vast, flat and sparsely populated, the Chaco covers over half of Paraguay and is home to dozens of indigenous groups, a huge variety of wildlife and – perhaps less expectedly – Mennonite communities. Reached via the rutted Trans Chaco Highway, this is a patchwork of swamps, saltwater lagoons, cattle ranches and cacti-spiked savannah. The birdlife is striking, with giant jabiru storks, spoonbills and overwintering flamingos.
Iguazu Falls
3. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu is one of South America’s big name highlights, with over 270 falls plunging twice the height of Niagara. It is shared between Brazil and Argentina, though you’ll normally need a pricey flight to reach the falls in their remote jungle setting. Not from Paraguay though, where you can simply drive across the border into Argentina. A rainforest lodge makes an excellent base for waterfall, birding and wildlife excursions.
Ruta Jesuítica
4. Ruta Jesuítica
Paraguay’s history is intertwined with that of the Jesuits. They established missions here, known as ‘reductions’, to convert the native Guaraní and teach them skills such as chamber music and architecture, in a kind of bizarre, socialist-religious experiment. You can explore the former reductions along this route, with their Spanish colonial buildings, Franciscan churches, and museums showcasing Jesuit-Guaraní artworks.
Trinidad & Jesus ruins
5. Trinidad & Jesus ruins
La Santísima Trinidad del Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue were Jesuit missions, set amid a fertile landscape which once lured German, Ukrainian and Japanese settlers. Today, these ruined towns are UNESCO sites. Trinidad’s crumbling church displays elaborate stone carvings, and the former houses of indigenous residents still stand around its large plaza. Jesús’s gorgeous buildings, meanwhile, have a Moorish twist.
Our Paraguay holidays reviews
4.4
9Paraguay holidays reviews
Allan Wild08 Oct 2024
Hard to choose between the visits to Machu Picchu and Iguazú Falls. Both spectacular. Paraguay wasn't particularly interesting but the rest had fascinating content. Overall a hard but worthwhile agenda.
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Mark Saxby23 May 2024
Both Iguazu falls and the Jesuit missions. The missions were very interesting and
impressive. The Iguazu falls were very impressive.read more
Mike Bartlett08 Nov 2022
Everything was memorable - even the long coach journeys (very comfy and amazing scenery)… 10 out of 10 - an amazing holiday.read more
J.O17 Oct 2022
Very well put together itinerary, fast pace & covers a lot of ground, includes many
highlights. read more
