Tourist locations – Excursions

Paraguay happens to have a different philosophy regarding the tourist industry. Here it is not a question of receiving the largest number of tourists. The most important mission is to awaken the visitor’s conscience and appreciating Nature’s unique riches.

One of the most popular excursions is that of the “golden circuit” which shows the most interesting places and tourist attractions of the country throughout its 200 kilometre itinerary.

The city of Asuncion is situated in the Bay of Asuncion, bordering the Paraguay River. This colonial city includes a large number of parks, beautiful squares and a botanical garden that has a small picturesque zoo. Another great attraction is a ride on a train, the seventh oldest of South America, and the only one in which wood is still burnt to pull the 1912-built engine. There is also a captivating boat ride on the Paraguay river.

In the town of Luque one can find artesian craftsmanship works of all types, especially ceramics. On the return trip a stop is made in this well-known town of goldsmith’s and silversmith’s for their filigree works to be had at quit accessible prices.

The main attraction in the University town of San Lorenzo is the gothic church that was founded in 1775.

The town of Ita was founded in 1539 by Domingo Martinez. The small chickens, made of black mud and manually painted, are a regional curiosity.

Yaguaron: SEAT of the Franciscan Missions during the Spanish colonial days. Many churches have been preserved and in them one can find wooden-sculptured ornaments.

The town of Paraguari is situated by the edge of the mountain range. The charming town of Altos still has many old buildings pertaining to the colonial times and where the “Gabriela” Ranch is located.

The vacation centre of Chololo includes a small water-fall, bar, restaurant and chalets for tourists

Piribebuy: The “yu-lace” works, the Parani ponchos and other artisan works are made in this city. This place is also known as the “Miracle Virgin”.

San Bernardino, bordering the Ypacarai Lake, being a very popular tourist resort in the summer includes beaches and hotels, besides bars, restaurants and vocational clubs.

Ciudad del Este offers excellent shopping bargains. The quite popular Monday falls are only 10 kilometres from Ciudad del Este. From this city one can visit the Itaipu dam. The largest hydroelectrically built dam in the world and the most important Iguazu waterfalls that borders with Argentina and Brazil.

Apart from the tours to the Iguazu and the crystalline falls, the San Bernardino and Great Chaco are also very popular.

In Encarnacion we find numerous colonial-period edifices and calm shores with sand roads and Gauchos.

The Chaco consists of scanty populated plains and forests. Leaving from Asuncion the journey covers the Lower Chaco, an area of palms and marshes, up to Central Chaco with Filadelfia as its capital.