Paraguay

Types of trips: Adventure, Exploration, Culture, Nature, Language

Best known for: First independent country of South America, Many bilingual people

Why Go?: As one of the less traditional South American destinations, this is a great place to come for a more authentic experience. Paraguay is a mix of the very old and the very new, from seeing horses and carts next to shiny cars to high street shops next to traditional markets, and will be an interesting and educational trip for any group.

Fact File

Population: 6,800,000

Capital: Asuncion

Language(s): Spanish, Guarani

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, increasingly popular travel destination

Landscape: Paraguay is generally divided into two east and west sections by the river Rio, with grassy plains and hills to the east and mainly marshy plains in the west.

Climate/Seasons: The climate in Paraguay can be fairly changeable, but the weather is generally warm with the hottest temperatures occurring in summer from October - March with rain reasonably common throughout the year - statistically, the driest month is August.

When to Go: The winter months of May - September are the best time to visit to avoid the extreme summer temperatures!

Reasons to Visit: South American culture, museums, nature 

How to Get There: There are a couple of good international airports you can travel to in Paraguay!

Places to Go: Museo del Barro, Estacion Ferrocarril, National Pantheon of the Heroes

Famous People: Horacio Cartes, Zenon Franco, Agustin Barrios, Larissa Riquelme

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Jardin Botanico, Cerro Cora National Park

History: The indigenous population were conquered by Spain in the 16th century, before gaining independence in 1811. The Paraguayan War in the late 1800's had a high death toll, but the population has since bounced back.

Architecture: La Santisima Trinidad de Parana

Culture: Strong European influences (especially from Spain) mixed with native traditions.

Sport: Football, Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis

Events: February Carnival, Holy Week Festival, Nanduti Festival

Watch Out For: Be aware of mosquitos here - there is some risk of getting bitten and infected from them here!

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters are advised - see here for a general overview, and always consult with a doctor.