Routes · 7 days
A Classic Week: Asunción, the Jesuit Missions, and Itaipú
The classic loop through eastern Paraguay in seven days: historic Asunción; the Guaraní Baroque of Yaguarón and the museums of San Ignacio and Santa María de Fe; Encarnación and its beaches on the Paraná River; the Trinidad and Jesús missions, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the yerba mate capital of Bella Vista; and a grand finale at the triple border, with Itaipú, the Monday Falls, and the Three Borders Landmark, before returning along Route PY02.
Historic Asunción and Loma San Jerónimo
≈ 7 km
Morning in downtown Asunción: the Pantheon of Heroes, the Independence House, and the free Cabildo, with a fine collection of art and music. Take in the López Palace from the square, then climb up to Loma San Jerónimo, a hillside neighborhood of stairways and colorful little houses overlooking the river, for a home-style lunch. Sunset at the Costanera riverfront, a ten-minute walk away.
Overnight: Asunción: Hotel Guaraní, Gran Hotel del Paraguay, Casa Corbellani, or El Viajero Hostel.
Guaraní Baroque: Yaguarón, San Ignacio, and Santa María de Fe
≈ 250 km
On Route PY01, the first stop is Yaguarón: its Franciscan church holds jaw-dropping 18th-century altarpieces. Continue toward the Misiones department (about 2.5 hours) to San Ignacio Guazú, the first Jesuit reduction, with its museum of Baroque woodcarvings. About 15 km further, Santa María de Fe: a museum, embroiderers at work, and howler monkeys in the trees on the plaza. About 250 km and 4 hours of driving.
Overnight: Santa María de Fe: Santa María Hotel, right on the plaza. Alternative: San Ignacio Guazú, Hotel Doña Angélica.
Loreto Chapel, Coronel Bogado's chipa, and Encarnación
≈ 145 km
Stop in Santa Rosa de Lima to see the Loreto Chapel, with its Guaraní frescoes and painted starry sky. Continue on Route PY01 to Coronel Bogado, Paraguay's chipa capital, where the ovens run day and night. Arrive in Encarnación by mid-afternoon and stroll the riverside promenade along the Paraná; in summer, there's a sandy beach at San José or Pacu Cuá. About 145 km and 2 hours 45 minutes of driving.
Overnight: Encarnación: De la Trinidad Hotel, De La Costa Hotel, AWA Resort Hotel (upscale), or La Casa de Pedro Hostel.
Jesús and Trinidad: the World Heritage missions
≈ 85 km
Start at Jesús de Tavarangue, the colossal church that was never finished, with its trefoil arches standing alone in open country. Have lunch in Trinidad and take your time exploring the best-preserved of the reductions: carved angel musicians, the pulpit, and the reddish-stone tower. Stay into the evening for the light-and-sound show (Wednesday to Sunday). About 85 km for the day.
Overnight: Trinidad: Posada María, just 200 m from the mission (ideal for the evening show). Or head back to Encarnación, about 30 km away.
Yerba mate in Bella Vista and the road east
≈ 294 km
Head early to Bella Vista, Paraguay's National Yerba Mate Capital, to tour a mate producer during working hours (Pajarito receives visitors Monday to Saturday from 7am; check before you go). A short stop in Hohenau, an immigrant colony with a park and pioneer museums. Then about 3 hours 30 minutes on Route PY06 through soybean country to Ciudad del Este. About 295 km.
Overnight: Ciudad del Este: Dazzler by Wyndham, Gran Nobile Hotel, Hotel Casino Acaray (upscale), or Hummingbird Hostel. In Hernandarias: Las Ventanas Hotel Boutique.
Itaipú, the Monday Falls, and the Three Borders Landmark
≈ 77 km
Head to Itaipú first thing in the morning: the panoramic visit is free and guided, but you need to book ahead. In the afternoon, the Monday Falls, three cascades roughly 40 meters high set in Atlantic Forest, with viewpoints and optional adventure activities. Finish at the Three Borders Landmark in Presidente Franco, where the Iguazú River meets the Paraná and you can see Brazil and Argentina at sunset.
Overnight: Ciudad del Este: Dazzler by Wyndham, Gran Nobile Hotel, or Hummingbird Hostel.
Return via Route PY02: a Japanese colony and Caacupé
≈ 329 km
A driving day of about 330 km and 5 hours, broken up by two stops. In Yguazú, a Japanese colony right on Route PY02, look for lunch or Japanese sweets. Closer to Asunción, Caacupé: the basilica of the Virgin of Miracles and warm chipa for one last round of mate. Arrival in Asunción in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Asunción: Hotel Guaraní, Granados Park Hotel, or El Viajero Hostel; or Luque, near the airport (Rio Hotel by Bourbon Luque).
Tips
- Book Itaipú in advance: the visit is free but spots are limited, and it doesn't open on January 1, May 1, or December 25.
- The evening shows at Trinidad and Jesús run Wednesday to Sunday (check before you go): plan Day 4 around those dates.
- Ciudad del Este borders Foz de Iguazú: if you want to cross over to the Brazilian side of the falls, add a day and check the immigration requirements beforehand.
- There are police checkpoints on the road in Misiones and the Este region: carry your ID or passport, driver's license, and vehicle documents.