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Where to stay in Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked nation where geography dictates your stay. Asunción, the capital, sits on the Paraguay River, serving as the central hub for business and history. The eastern region offers lush subtropical landscapes and Jesuit missions, while the western Chaco is vast, arid, and sparsely populated. Choosing a base requires prioritizing proximity to either city-centric amenities or rural access points, as public transit between major regions is infrequent and slow.
Villa Morra, Asunción
This is Asunción’s most polished district, characterized by wide avenues and modern high-rises. It is highly walkable if you stay near Mariscal López Shopping center. The area hums with trendy bistros, coffee shops, and nightlife along Avenida España. It offers a comfortable, cosmopolitan buffer from the more chaotic historic center, making it the preferred choice for those who value convenience.
Centro Histórico, Asunción
The streets here are gritty, narrow, and saturated with colonial-era architecture. You are within walking distance of the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes and the Catedral Metropolitana. It is dense and loud, reflecting a truly local pace. While infrastructure is older, the proximity to the waterfront along the Costanera allows for breezy evening walks away from the dense downtown traffic.
Encarnación
Known as the 'Pearl of the South,' this city feels more relaxed than Asunción. The Costanera San José is the primary walkable artery, lined with beaches and bars overlooking the Paraná River. It serves as an essential jumping-off point for visiting the Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue missions, which are easily accessible via regional bus lines from the central terminal.
Rent a car in Paraguay
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Compare car rentals in ParaguayOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation solely based on distance to the bus terminal in Asunción. These areas are industrial, lacking in local culture, and suffer from heavy traffic congestion. You will find yourself isolated from dining and landmarks, forcing reliance on unreliable taxis or ride-shares for even the simplest errands.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Paraguay are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Paraguay
Common questions
Is it necessary to rent a car in Paraguay?
If you intend to explore beyond the central corridors of Asunción or Encarnación, a rental car is highly recommended. Public inter-city buses exist but follow irregular schedules and can be difficult to navigate for non-Spanish speakers. Having your own vehicle allows for the flexibility needed to visit rural Jesuit missions and remote natural parks efficiently.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The ideal window is between May and September. During these months, the intense, suffocating heat of the Paraguayan summer subsides, replaced by mild days and cooler nights. This period makes walking through city centers and exploring outdoor ruins much more enjoyable, as you avoid the peak humidity and temperatures that frequently climb above 40 degrees Celsius.
Are there specific cultural customs to observe?
The most important custom is the ritual of tereré, a cold herbal tea consumed from a shared guampa. It is a fundamental social act; if locals offer you a drink, accepting is a gesture of friendship. Avoid touching the metal straw or moving the mate around, as these are considered disrespectful to the person pouring the drink.
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