Paraguay / República del Paraguay / Tavakuairetã Paraguái – Let’s explore here

What’s Paraguay like?

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America about 1½ times the size of the United Kingdom. The terrain mainly consists of grassy plains and wooded hills in the east, and low, marshy plains in the west. The highest point is Cerro Tres Kandú, in the south of the country, at 2,762 ft (842 m) above sea level.

The absence of mountain ranges allows winds to develop speeds as high as 100 mph (161 km/h), leading to significant changes in temperature within a short span of time.

It has a population of just over 6 million people (2024), two in five of whom live in the capital city Asunción. It shares land borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.

A little bit about the history of Paraguay

Spanish colonisation

Paraguay has a rich and tumultuous history. It was first inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Guaraní before Spanish colonisation in the 16th century. Spain established the region as part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata in 1776, but Paraguay maintained a degree of autonomy, largely due to its isolation.

Struggle for independence

In 1811, Paraguay declared its independence from Spain, but only became a sovereign state in 1842. The early years of independence were marked by internal conflict and the rise of authoritarian leaders, notably José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, who ruled as dictator from 1814 until his death in 1840.

War

The country was then involved in the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870) against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, which devastated Paraguay, resulting in massive loss of life and population decline. After the war, Paraguay faced a slow recovery and struggled with political instability.

Authoritarian rule

The 20th century saw periods of authoritarian rule, including the long dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954–1989), who maintained tight control over the country with strong military backing. His regime was characterized by human rights abuses and repression.

Democracy and economic growth

After Stroessner’s fall, Paraguay transitioned to democracy in the 1990s. Since then, the country has been working on stabilizing its political system and fostering economic growth, though challenges such as corruption and inequality remain significant issues.

Paraguay road trip

Our Paraguayan road trip is part of a much larger South American road trip.

Map of our road trip through Paraguay

Weather in Paraguay

Between April and September, temperatures can sometimes drop below freezing. January is the hottest summer month, with an average daily temperature of 29°C (84°F).

Winds play a major role in influencing Paraguay’s weather. Between October and March, warm winds blow from the Amazon Basin in the north, while between May and August cold winds blow from the Andes.

What’s it like to drive in Paraguay?

They drive on the right hand side of the road in Paraguay.  Roads conditions are very poor in Paraguay, as are driving standards.

Police road blocks

There are regular police checks nationwide to check the vehicle and driver’s documents (passport, entry stamp, driving licence) and carry out breathalyser tests. Police checks are common in Asunción, its neighbouring cities and the San Pedro and Concepción departments.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. If a police officer suspects you of drink-driving, they can confiscate your licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect a heavy fine. 

Do you require an international driving permit in Paraguay?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Paraguay?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Paraguay?

A Carnet de Passages is required to overland in Paraguay. We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

What currency do they use in Paraguay?

In Paraguay they use the Paraguayan Guaraní. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in Paraguay?

They speak Spanish and Guaraní in Paraguay. English is not spoken widely outside of major cities.

What time zone is Paraguay in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit Paraguay?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

Is wild camping legal in Paraguay?

Yes, wild camping is fine in Paraguay, although make sure the land is not private.

What plug / socket type do they use in Paraguay?

Health issues in Paraguay

Is it safe to drink water in Paraguay?

No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Paraguay. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.

What vaccinations are required for Paraguay?

This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Paraguay.

Phones in Paraguay

What is the country calling code for Paraguay?

The country calling code for Paraguay is +595

What are the emergency phone numbers in Paraguay?

• The emergency number for police in Paraguay is: 911 / 912
• In ArgentiParaguayna, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911 / 141
• The emergency number for fire in Paraguay is: 911 / 132

If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!