Paraguay is increasingly opening up to the world as an excellent destination for living and doing business. It is a country with vast natural resources, friendly people, and a fascinating culture. Paraguay is renowned for its numerous exciting landmarks, making it an attractive place for tourists and expats.
An intriguing fact: American writer P.J. O’Rourke once said, “Paraguay is nowhere and famous for nothing.” However, upon returning from a business trip to this country, he changed his opinion and even decided to relocate and live in Paraguay.
- The world’s largest freshwater reserves
- One of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world
- The largest military fleet among landlocked countries
- Paraguayans are a bilingual nation
- Officially permitted duels in Paraguay
- The double-sided national flag
- Saltos del Monday waterfall
- Ruins of La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná
- Ybycuí National Park
- Palacio de López
- Cerro Corá National Park
- Conclusion
The world’s largest freshwater reserves
Within the depths of Paraguay lies the world’s largest aquifer, known as the Guarani Aquifer. The explored area of this aquifer spans 1.2 million square kilometers. According to expert estimates, its volume is approximately 40,000 cubic kilometers, sufficient to supply the global population with freshwater for the next 200 years.
Therefore, residents of Paraguay need not fear the impending global issue of water scarcity.
One of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world
Paraguay, in collaboration with Brazil, operates the second-largest hydroelectric power plant in the world in terms of installed capacity ― Itaipu. Its construction on the Paraná River took place from 1974 to 1991. The entire project required an investment of approximately USD 20 billion. The maximum capacity of the plant is 14 GW.
Itaipu generates nearly 99% of Paraguay’s consumed electricity. Expats considering this country as a migration destination can rest assured regarding electricity-related concerns. The electricity tariff is set at USD 0.056 per 1 kWh, three times lower than in Chile and five times lower than in Uruguay.
For tourists, guided tours of the hydroelectric power plant are available, making it one of Paraguay’s main attractions.
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The largest military fleet among landlocked countries
Paraguay lacks a coastline, so its military fleet operates within the country’s river system. Combat ships, minesweepers, and patrol boats navigate three major rivers:
- Paraná
- Paraguay
- Pilcomayo.
Paraguayans are a bilingual nation
The people of Paraguay are bilingual by nature. The country recognizes two official languages: Spanish and Guarani (a dialect of local indigenous tribes). In Paraguay, every resident is fluent in Spanish, and an astonishing 90% of the population also speaks Guarani. This linguistic situation is highly unusual for South America. For instance, in neighboring Peru, it is not as easy to find a resident conversant in the local indigenous language of Quechua. In Paraguay, however, almost all know the language of their ancestors.
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Officially permitted duels in Paraguay
An intriguing fact about Paraguay is that dueling is still legally permitted in the country, albeit under specific conditions.
The duel participants must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- register as a blood or organ donor at a state medical institution
- enlist a professional medical practitioner as a second.
The double-sided national flag
Paraguay, along with Moldova and Saudi Arabia, stands as the only three countries in the world whose national flags exhibit designs on the obverse and reverse sides. The flag’s reverse side in Moldova and Saudi Arabia serves as a mirrored reflection of the design on the obverse side.
Paraguay is the only country in the world with a flag that displays a distinct pattern on each side. The Paraguayan flag consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue. The obverse side features the national coat of arms, while the reverse side showcases the country’s treasury seal.
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Next, we will discuss the main attractions of Paraguay, some of which have become true symbols of this unique country.
Saltos del Monday waterfall
Located near the city of Ciudad del Este on the Monday River, Saltos del Monday is the largest waterfall in the country. It stands at a height of 45 meters and spans 120 meters in width.
The cascade of Saltos del Monday is divided into three central falls and numerous smaller streams. As the strength of the Monday River’s flow is influenced by the rainy season, the best time to visit the waterfall is from April to September, when these latitudes experience a moist and warm winter.
Adjacent to this Paraguayan attraction, modern infrastructure has been created to ensure a comfortable tourist stay. During the trip to Saltos del Monday waterfall, visitors can also visit the nearby Municipal Park Monday. This natural reserve is considered one of the last remaining stretches of Atlantic forest in the Paraná River basin.
Visitors to this Paraguay’s national park can enjoy the following activities:
- hiking
- picnicking in nature
- rock climbing
- boating and canoeing.
A little south of Ciudad del Este, at the convergence of the borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, lies a network of over 250 waterfalls, smaller in size compared to Saltos del Monday. This attraction is known as the Iguazu Falls.
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Ruins of La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná
The ruins of the former Jesuit mission in Paraguay, known as La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná (The Holy Trinity of Parana), are located in the southern part of the country near the modern city of Encarnación. The Jesuits arrived in this region of South America in the early 18th century. They established a mission (a city-state) to convert the local indigenous population to the Catholic faith. Today, the ruins of the central square, featuring a grand church and a school, stand as remnants of that time. These ruins have become a popular attraction in Paraguay and have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Ybycuí National Park
Ybycuí Nature Park is located 150 kilometers from the capital of Paraguay. This national attraction is connected to Asunción by regular bus routes, and the journey from the capital takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Ybycuí National Park is the most visited place in Paraguay. It is highly popular among the locals due to its magnificent natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and diverse flora and fauna. The park attracts nature lovers and tourists worldwide with its beauty and uniqueness.
Activities in the Ybycuí Reserve:
- hiking to the Mbokaruzú, Salto Guaraní, and Salto Escondido waterfalls
- hiking along long trails that wind through tropical thickets
- touring the La Rosada Museum, a former 19th-century ironworks and arsenal Minas Cué
- trekking to the Arroyo Mina stream, passing through habitats of a wide variety of bird species and butterflies.
Palacio de López
Palacio de López is considered the main castle of Paraguay. It currently serves as the official residence of the country’s president and stands as the capital’s main attraction.
This magnificent complex from the mid-19th century is located in the center of Asunción on El Paraguayo Independiente Street. The palace was built in the neoclassical style. Interestingly, it was constructed in 1867 for the second president of Paraguay, Francisco Solano López. However, he never lived in the castle due to the war with the Triple Alliance. After being looted and restored, the palace became the residence of President Juan Bautista Egusquiza in 1894.
Nowadays, the Palacio de López facade is illuminated with a nightly light show, which has made the castle a popular attraction among residents and visitors of the capital.
Cerro Corá National Park
Cerro Corá National Park is the largest protected natural area in Paraguay. With a vast expanse of 5,500 hectares, this nature reserve rightfully ranks among the country’s top attractions.
Situated in Eastern Paraguay, the national park is located approximately 450 kilometers away from Asunción. The bus journey to reach the park takes around 6 hours, offering an opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes along the way.
Cerro Corá Park has gained popularity among the country’s residents due to its diverse natural world and historical significance. In 1870, these lands witnessed the final battle of the Paraguayan War against the Triple Alliance. It was here that President and Marshal of the Republic, Francisco Solano Lopez, tragically lost his life.
Tourists visiting Cerro Corá Park can explore the following attractions:
- various architectural monuments
- tourist resorts
- ecological recreation areas along the Aquidabán River
- observation decks providing breathtaking views of the numerous hills covered in tropical forests
- caves discovered by Paraguayan inhabitants even before the 15th century
- excavations of ancient indigenous villages.
Conclusion
Paraguay is a country renowned for its natural treasures and cultural heritage, making it an enticing destination for tourists and migrants seeking permanent residency. It offers a rich travel program, allowing visitors to explore many captivating locations and discover Central South America’s diverse flora and fauna.
To receive consultation regarding migration to Paraguay and starting a business in the country, please contact us at info@offshore-pro.info. Our team of experts will gladly assist you with any inquiries you may have.
