Welcome to Paraguay

From mighty Iguazu Falls to a huge lagoon filled with pink flamingos, Paraguay is a spectacular destination in the heart of South America. Get off the beaten path and you’ll be rewarded with subtropical forest, the Chaco wilderness and its isolated Mennonite communities and natural reserves brimming with flora and fauna.

Visit the huge colonial presidential palace, seat of the Paraguay government. Venture into the countryside and live the ranch lifestyle. Get back to modern day in Asuncion, with its world-famous shopping district of Luque. Don’t overlook Paraguay!

Unique Facts

• Due to its location deep in the center of the South American continent, Paraguay is also referred to as the “Corazón de América” (the Heart of America).
• Running through Paraguay (as well as Brazil and Argentina), the Paraná River is the continent’s second-longest river, after the Amazon.
• Paraguay is known for its intricate lacework. Nanduti lace is created in circular designs and in a variety of colors.
• The national beverage of Paraguay is the mate (pronounced “mahtay), a hot drink sipped through a metal straw. If it is chilled, it is called tereré.
• Paraguay is the only country in the world with a national flag with different emblems on each side. It’s also one of the world’s oldest national flags.

Language

Paraguay’s official languages are Guaraní and Spanish.

When To Go

The best time to go to Paraguay is between October and March.

Airports

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Bolivia: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Rabies, Malaria and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type C. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Paraguayan Guaraní

Getting Around

Be aware that most drivers in Paraguay ignore traffic regulations. Use extreme caution when driving. Most urban streets are made of cobblestones over dirt. Nearly all rural roads are unpaved.

Public transportation is available for urban and intercity travel, including buses and taxis. No passenger train service exists.

Road Conditions and Safety: U.S. citizens have been injured and killed in traffic accidents throughout Paraguay. Only minimal standards must be met to obtain a Paraguayan driver’s license, and a driver’s education prior to licensing is not common.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Asuncion
1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue
Asunción, Paraguay
Telephone: +(595)(21) 213-715
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(595)(21) 229-581
Fax: +(595)(21) 228-603
ParaguayACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

n/a

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 912
Ambulance: 141
Fire: 132

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Paraguay. Street crime is common in the cities, including pickpocketing and armed assault.
It is recommended that US citizens avoid large gatherings or events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate, protest or celebrate an event, such as after a soccer match.