A short, intense road trip across Paraguay that weaves together cities, colonial history, nature, and Iguaz\u00fa Falls. Over seven days, we\u2019ll visit the capital, Asunci\u00f3n; head south to Encarnaci\u00f3n; dip into Argentina and Brazil; and go from UNESCO-listed Jesuit missions to one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth. The pace balances sightseeing, driving, and downtime.<\/p>\n\n
After landing in Asunci\u00f3n, Paraguay\u2019s capital and one of South America\u2019s oldest cities, we head to our accommodation. The rest of the day is for rest and a gentle acclimatization to both the local weather (hot, humid summers; mild winters) and the time change. In the evening, over dinner, we\u2019ll run through the plan for the coming week in Paraguay, including a short foray into Argentina and Brazil.<\/p>\n\n
We devote the second day to the capital. In the center we won\u2019t miss one of its most striking buildings\u2014the Presidential Palace, Palacio de los L\u00f3pez\u2014along with the Metropolitan Cathedral, Museo Casa de la Independencia, and other highlights. We\u2019ll stop by the La Recova craft market and stroll the Costanera promenade along the Paraguay River. Along the way we\u2019ll sample local staples: sopa paraguaya (cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), and terer\u00e9 (cold mate). If you\u2019ve still got energy come evening, head to the Villa Morra or Carmelitas neighborhoods for excellent restaurants and bars.<\/p>\n\n
On day three, after an early breakfast, we drive southeast. Our first stop is Villarrica, about 170 km from Asunci\u00f3n, where we\u2019ll grab a coffee and a quick bite in the colonial center. Villarrica is also a good jumping-off point for Paraguay\u2019s highest peak, Cerro Per\u00f3 (also known as Cerro Tres Kand\u00fa, 842 m) in the Cordillera del Ybytyruz\u00fa, but we\u2019ll save that for another time and continue south to Encarnaci\u00f3n, the country\u2019s third-largest city. In the evening, no matter how road-weary we feel, we\u2019ll stretch our legs along the riverside promenade with views of the Argentine city of Posadas across the Paran\u00e1. Expect good street food and a drink.<\/p>\n\n
In the morning we\u2019ll visit the Argentine city of Posadas on the opposite bank of the Paran\u00e1, a quick train ride across the bridge. We\u2019ll soak up the city vibe over coffee on Plaza 9 de Julio. Then we return to Encarnaci\u00f3n and head for the UNESCO-listed Jesuit missions\u2014La Sant\u00edsima Trinidad de Paran\u00e1 and Jes\u00fas de Tavarangue. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at one of the local all-you-can-eat spots.<\/p>\n\n
Ciudad del Este is about a five-hour drive from Encarnaci\u00f3n. We\u2019ll sleep in a bit, have breakfast, and set off late morning. The city sits on the borders with Brazil and Argentina, is among the world\u2019s three largest duty-free shopping zones, and hums with organized chaos. For us, it\u2019s chiefly the gateway to Iguaz\u00fa Falls, which we\u2019ll visit the next day.<\/p>\n\n