Paraguay is unique in South America in that it largely resisted the cultural devastation wrought by the Spanish conquistadors and has retained its native pre-Colombian culture among its Guarani people. Since becoming a republic in 1811 a series of dictatorships have marred its progress, but today Paraguay has a relatively peaceful democracy and is fairly prosperous thanks to its thriving agricultural economy.
Paraguay Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Paraguay
Former Name
NA
Capital City
Asuncion
Government Type
constitutional republic
Area Size
406,750 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT -4 hours
Climate
The local climate ranges from subtropical to temperate, with substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, though becoming semi-arid in the far west.
Geography
Paraguay is divided by the Rio Paraguay into the eastern region —officially called Eastern Paraguay (Paraguay Oriental) and known as the Paraneña region — and the western region — officially Western Paraguay (Paraguay Occidental) and known as the Chaco. The southeastern border is formed by the Paraná River, containing the Itaipu dam shared with Brazil. It is currently the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, generating nearly all of Paraguay's demand for electricity. Another large hydroelectric power plant on the Paraná River is Yacyretá, shared by Paraguay and Argentina. Paraguay is currently the world's largest exporter of hydroelectric power.
Languages
Spanish (official), Guarani (official)
Culture
Paraguayans' cultural ancestry can be traced to the extensive intermarriage among the original male Spanish settlers and female indigenous, Guarani, brides. Paraguayan culture therefore is a fusion of two cultures and traditions: one European, the other Guarani. More than 90% of Paraguayans are mestizos, and this makes Paraguay one of the most homogeneous countries in Latin America. A characteristic of this cultural fusion is the extensive bilingualism present to this day: more than 80% of Paraguayans speak both Spanish and the indigenous language, Guarani. Jopara, the mixture of Guarani and Spanish, is also widely spoken.
History
In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since then.
Travel Information
The national airline is TAM Mercosur (PZ). Asunción (ASU) (Silvio Pettirossi) is 16km from the city. A coach and taxi service runs to the city (journey time - 20 minutes). Facilities: Bureau de change, duty-free shopping, restaurants and car hire. Departure Tax US$10-25, depending on aiprot of departure. Transit passengers (within 24 hours and not passing immigration) are exempt. There are ferry links with Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. Travellers using the river to travel to Argentina should note that the Posadas (Argentina)–Encarnación (Paraguay) route is 321km shorter than the more traditional route to Buenos Aires. It is also possible to reach Paraguay by river from Brazil, in boats which connect Asunción with the Brazilian city of Corumba. The roads from RÃo and São Paulo to Asunción (via the Iguazú Falls) are paved and generally good, as is the one from Buenos Aires. Another road link to Argentina is via the San Roque González de Santa Cruz bridge in Encarnación across the Paraná river. There are daily bus services from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and Santa Fé, and Montevideo.
Accommodation
All hotels in Asunción are likely to be fully booked throughout the tourist season (July and August). Visitors are advised to consult a reputable travel agent for up-to-date information, or to ascertain the rates with hotels when making reservations. For further information, contact the SecretarÃa Nacional de Turismo. Outside the capital, accommodation is fairly limited.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by all nationals of Australia,Canada and USA except the following, entering as tourists for stays of up to 90 days: nationals of EU countries;transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within six hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Postal applications are accepted only from Australia and will not be processed until return post is paid or a courier service is arranged. A self-addressed envelope must be included with all postal applications. Visas are valid 90 days from date of issue. Apply to consulate or consular section at embassy. Passport valid for six months after the intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above.
Getting Around
Air service is run by LATN (LÃneas Aéreas de Transporte Nacional) and TAM Mercosur. Air-taxis are popular with those wishing to discover the Paraguayan Chaco. Travel agencies offer daily city tours, but services suffer from frequent disruption by weather conditions. There are no regular passenger services on the river. Traffic drives on the right. Roads serving the main centres are in good condition and there is an ongoing programme to upgrade the major routes. Potholes are a hazard, especially in Asunción. Unsurfaced roads may be impassable in bad weather, especially between November and April. Approximately 10% of roads are surfaced. A highway links Asunción with Iguazú Falls, a drive of up to six hours. There are regular police checks. It is advisable to lock doors. Travelling or driving at night are not advisable. Bus is often the best and cheapest method of transport within Paraguay. For longer distances, advance booking may be necessary. There are express links to major centres. Taxis are readily available and may be called by using telephone numbers listed in the local newspapers. Cars can be hired at the airport or through local tourist agencies. Bus and minibus services are provided by private companies in Asunción, with two-zone fares collected by conductors. The government-operated tramway runs on two routes.
Health & Safety
Paraguay has several health risks for visitors, especially those who intend touring the countryside and having contact with the local population. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for everyone. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for all except those who do not plan to eat outside of major restaurants and hotels, or cruise passengers. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for anyone arriving from an infected country, and recommended for those visiting forested areas in the east and west. Malaria is endemic to Paraguay, and a major outbreak of dengue fever occurred in early 2007, with many deaths having been reported, including in the capital, Asuncion. Insect protection measures are essential, and malaria prevention tablets recommended. Visitors should not drink water unless it has been purified, and avoid any food that is not freshly prepared and well cooked. Avoid food and beverages from street vendors. Hospitals, pharmacies and medical facilities in Asuncion are adequate, but elsewhere in the country are unsanitary and under-equipped. In the event of serious illness, evacuation to a country with better facilities will be necessary, therefore travel health insurance is highly recommended. Doctors and hospitals usually expect payment in cash. Most visits to Paraguay are trouble-free, but visitors should note that incidents of violent crime are on the increase, particularly armed robbery in Asuncion, Ciudad del Este and Pedro Juan Caballero. Visitors should take sensible precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash, wearing visible jewellery or displaying valuables, particularly when walking the streets or using public transport. Those who travel around the country should note that there are often military and police document check points in operation and public gatherings sometimes turn violent and are best avoided.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 1 Mar - Heroes’ Day. 5 Apr - Maundy Thursday. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 8 Apr - Easter. 1 May - Labour Day. 15 May - Independence Day. 12 Jun - Peace of Chaco. 15 Aug - Founding of Asunción. 29 Sep - Battle of Boquerón. 8 Dec - Immaculate Conception. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.
Currency
Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
Electricity
220v AC, 50Hz
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1430-1900, Sat 0800-1200.
Emergency Numbers
0
