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5. Gran Chaco
Natural Feature
Vast and isolated, the Gran Chaco wilderness is speckled with dense forest and scorching plains in turns. It swallows up the country’s western half, extending into Argentina and Bolivia. Some of Paraguay’s most intriguing wildlife lives here – look out for pumas, tapirs, anteaters, over 500 species of tropical birds, and even jaguars after sundown. If you’re brave enough, pitch up a tent in one of the nature reserves, or check Viator for guided birdwatching tours.
6. Eco Reserva Mbatoví
Architectural Landmark
Adrenaline junkies should head straight for Eco Reserva Mbatoví, an ecologically diverse park south-east of Asunción. It’s lined with Chachi – a delicate fern that’s close to extinction – and is home to armadillos, native rabbits and cute rodents. Open on the weekends, you can sign up for a number of hair-raising activities – like nipping down the 105 meter long (344-foot) zipline, swinging across the four hanging bridges and descending the rappel trail down a sheer cliff face – for about US$35.
7. Estancia Aventura
Architectural Landmark
For a classic South American experience, you can’t beat a stay on a traditional ranch. The sprawling Estancia Aventura in the Cordillera mountains is an idyllic retreat, offering sightseeing trips, local food and undisturbed relaxation. Head out horseback riding with gauchos against the backdrop of the peaks, or spend your days fishing, swimming and sunning by the lake.
8. Encarnación
Architectural Landmark
Affectionately known as “the pearl of the south,” Encarnación is Paraguay’s prettiest city. Locals flock to its fabulous waterfront, graced with a pleasant beach and flanked with cheap and cheerful bars and restaurants. Shopaholics will be in their element here, as (aside from its less attractive cousin, Ciudad del Este) the city is one of the cheapest shopping destinations in the world. When it comes to festivals, Carnaval is the biggest draw, pulling in visitors from across the country and beyond for street parties from early January to late February.
9. La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná and Ruinas Jesuiticas de Jesús de Tavarangué
Architectural Landmark
The gnarled ruins of Jesuit colonies built by missionaries in the 17th century are perhaps Paraguay’s most visited spots. These two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Encarnación reveal the scope of the Jesuits’ mission to assimilate the indigenous Guaraní to their religion. After the Guaraní War in 1756, which forced Jesuits out of Spanish lands, the colonies were abandoned and fell into decay. Stay past dusk for the nighttime light show at Trinidad, and check out the smart museum for the history of slavery and colonization in the region.
10. Parque Nacional Ybycuí
Natural Feature
Ybycuí is Paraguay’s most visited national park – and for good reason. It’s an exotic stretch of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, home to the howler and capuchin monkeys, peccary, coatí and tropical birds. Entry is only around US$8 per vehicle, which includes a visit to the iron foundry and museum – a relic of Paraguay’s arms industry. Swim in the pool beneath the park’s modest falls, or join a guided trek to spot hundreds of colorful butterflies.
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Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/paraguay/articles/top-10-things-to-see-and-do-in-paraguay
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Publish date : 2024-05-09 03:00:00
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