The 15 Best Destinations to Visit in Paraguay

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Rich in giant animals, brilliantly colored birds, and all forms of water (think falls, streams, and the world’s second-largest dam), Paraguay’s best destinations include many of its national parks and a few cities to boot. Learn about the War of the Triple Alliance in Parque Nacional Cerro Corá and journey with pilgrims to the basilica at Caacupé. Haggle over electronics in Ciudad del Este, or cross Friendship Bridge to see Iguazú Falls. Stay in the Gran Chaco’s Filadelfia for an introduction to the Mennonite culture, or share Villarrica's lakefront with fruit-hungry capybaras. Eat dinner in one of the oldest cities on the continent, wander through Jesuit ruins, and marvel at impossibly large lily pads—all this and more await those who travel here.

Estación Puerto Olivares

Courtesy of Estación Puerto Olivares

 

ADDRESS
Acevedo 030302, Paraguay
PHONE +595 985 591221

 

A family-run rustic resort, Estación Puerto Olivares sprawls across the banks of the Manduvirá River, safeguarding the history of Paraguay’s railroads and providing educational train experiences. Enamored with locomotives, the owners built a railroad museum that displays an English locomotive and old South American train equipment. Bonus, you can even sleep in the museum. At sunset, kayak to the mouth of the Paraguay River to hear a cacophony of birds and howler monkeys close the day. Fish from the kayak, or take a 4x4, hike, or cycle to the 160-year-old onsite oratory.