Discover Our Paraguay Journey

Before our trip to Paraguay, we made sure to prepare all the necessary documents for obtaining Paraguayan residency. Another important item on our checklist was cash. We exchanged US dollars, as they are easily convertible to the local currency, Guarani, in Paraguay. We found that exchanging money at the airport or in official exchange offices is much safer than dealing with street vendors.

In addition, we obtained an eSIM card with a data plan and imported it into our phones before departure. This step was crucial because, without internet access, we wouldn’t have been able to activate it upon arrival. Thanks to this preparation, we were online as soon as we landed.

For accommodation, we chose the old city center of Asunción. We wanted to experience the authentic atmosphere and charm of the colonial architecture, which modern districts like Villa Morra cannot offer. Using Booking.com, we found a comfortable place that perfectly met our needs.

Finally, we installed several essential apps on our phones to make navigation and communication easier. Translation apps, Uber, and Bolt – these were indispensable tools for seamlessly getting around in an unfamiliar environment.

For more tips, explore our articles on how to prepare before traveling and advice on where to stay in Asuncion.

We flew with Air Europa from Madrid to Asunción, one of the few airlines offering direct flights from Europe. The schedule allowed us almost an entire day to explore Madrid, which we thoroughly enjoyed! The flight itself lasted just under 12 hours.

When we arrived at Asunción’s airport, we found it surprisingly small and easy to navigate. Everything was well-marked, and we quickly located the exit (Salida).

The first step upon arrival was immigration control. It went smoothly without any complicated questions. We simply mentioned we were visiting for tourism, which was true. We didn’t bring up our residency plans. For additional tips on passing passport control, see our article.

Next, we headed to the car rental counters at the airport. Companies like Sixt, Alamo, National, Enterprise, and Localiza operate there. We had booked a car with Localiza before our trip and were very satisfied with their service. Since we arrived early in the morning, we had to wait about 30 minutes for the office to open, as it opened slightly later than advertised. Aside from this small delay, everything went smoothly. 😊

One important note: if you plan to drive outside of Paraguay (for example, to visit nearby waterfalls), most rental companies do not allow it. Be sure to confirm this in advance.

We arrived in Paraguay on a Friday, and on the same day, we had meetings arranged with our lawyers to start the residency process. From the airport, we went straight to our Airbnb, where our lawyers picked us up at 9:00 AM. They drove us to various offices we needed to visit for the residency application.

The first stop was a photography studio, where we had official photos taken for our residency cards. Afterward, we visited the local police department, where we provided fingerprints. This was a unique experience—the officers used ink to take each fingerprint individually, which was then pressed onto paper. Washing off the ink afterward took a while, but it was all part of the process!

During the next 3–4 hours, we visited multiple offices to complete various formalities. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit the Migration Department that Friday, so we scheduled it for Monday instead. On Monday, we completed the final steps, including registering our photos and submitting all required documents to obtain the temporary residence. After paying the applicable fees, we only needed to wait to receive our temporary residency permit and ID cards.

We submitted our residency application on September 16, our temporary residency permit was issued on October 28, and the ID card (cedula) was issued on November 21. As agreed, our lawyers sent the cards to us via DHL to the Czech Republic, where we live.

Asunción pleasantly surprised us with how modern and vibrant the city is, offering everything you would expect from a contemporary capital. Whether it was shopping, dining, or exploring the local culture, the city provided a mix of comfort and excitement, making our stay truly enjoyable.

We were amazed by the quality and variety available in Asunción's shopping centers. Malls like Shopping del Sol and Mariscal López Shopping are not only modern but also boast a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The supermarkets, such as SuperSeis, Biggie and Real Supermercado, offered an impressive selection of fresh produce and specialty items.

One of our favorite discoveries was the salad and leafy greens section in the supermarkets. The produce was always fresh and kept under a fine mist of water to ensure its crispness—a feature that rivaled anything we've seen back home.

The people in Asunción are incredibly friendly and helpful. Despite our lack of Spanish proficiency, locals went out of their way to assist us. Whether it was helping with directions, suggesting local spots to visit, or just engaging in a warm conversation, their hospitality left a lasting impression on us.

For example, when we were navigating the city, a kind shopkeeper used Google Translate to explain the best places to find local food. These small gestures made us feel welcomed and comfortable throughout our stay.

Asunción’s culinary scene is a treat for food lovers, offering everything from local Paraguayan delicacies to international cuisine. Some of the standout places we visited include:

• El Café de Acá: A stylish café with delicious food, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• La Casita Gourmet: Affordable, high-quality meals with friendly service.
• Churrasquería O Gaúcho: An exceptional all-you-can-eat restaurant featuring amazing meats and a relaxing atmosphere with live harp music.

For nightlife, we explored popular spots like Rock 66, where live music and a love for classic rock set the mood. For craft beer enthusiasts, Palo Santo Brewery and Sacramento Brewing Co. are must-visits.

Our experience in Asunción was unforgettable. The city’s blend of modernity, warmth, and hospitality exceeded our expectations. Whether shopping, dining, or connecting with locals, Asunción offers a lifestyle that’s not only comfortable but also deeply enriching.

Our adventures beyond Asunción took us to some truly remarkable places that showcased Paraguay’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Each trip was a unique experience, filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.

Our first journey led us to Saltos de Piraretã, picturesque waterfalls located near the town of Piribebuy in the Cordillera department. This serene natural attraction is popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Situated about 73 km from Asunción, the waterfalls are accessible via local roads.

We had a little adventure on the way. Google Maps somehow led us off the main path, and we found ourselves at the end of a road on private property. There, we met Juan, a young man who had worked in a New York restaurant and to our luck, spoke excellent English. He was helping his family develop a tourist-friendly area in the stunning natural surroundings. Juan kindly offered to guide us to the waterfalls, first treating us to a traditional Paraguayan tereré tea.

The journey behind Juan’s jeep was bumpy, as we navigated a rocky trail in our small car. However, the destination was worth every moment of the adventurous drive. The waterfalls were breathtaking, nestled in a tranquil setting that made us feel like we had discovered a hidden gem.

Our next and most ambitious trip was to Iguazú Falls and the Itaipú Dam, located near Ciudad del Este. Initially, we considered a one-day trip with an overnight bus ride featuring comfortable sleeper beds. However, we opted to drive instead, allowing us to make stops at various interesting spots along the way.

The direct drive to Ciudad del Este takes about 4.5 hours on well-maintained roads, but our stops extended it to nearly 8 hours. We arrived in the city by 6 PM, checked into our accommodation, and explored the bustling streets, where we enjoyed an excellent burger at a local restaurant.

Early the next morning, we set off for Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. These falls, spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil, consist of 275 waterfalls stretching over 2.7 kilometers along the Iguazú River. The centerpiece, Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), plunges 82 meters into a stunning chasm surrounded by lush rainforests.

Due to rental car restrictions, we left our vehicle in Ciudad del Este and took an Uber to the falls. However, we had overlooked setting up a mobile data plan for Brazil and Argentina, which limited our ability to use Uber later. This led to relying on more expensive taxis that required cash payments in local currencies—something we hadn’t prepared for. Luckily, we managed to negotiate payments in USD, though it was a more costly experience than it could have been with better preparation.

After visiting Iguazú Falls, we toured the Itaipú Dam, an incredible feat of engineering and one of the largest hydroelectric facilities in the world. The guided tour offered fascinating insights into the dam’s construction and its critical role in providing energy to Paraguay and Brazil.

• The Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangüe, UNESCO-listed ruins showcasing 17th- and 18th-century architectural brilliance.
• Defensores del Chaco National Park, a vast expanse of diverse flora and fauna perfect for nature enthusiasts.
• Laguna Blanca, a natural reserve with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and diving.
• Eco Reserva Mbatoví, featuring suspension bridges and zip-lining for thrill-seekers.
• Ybycuí National Park, known for its waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation.
• Ybyturuzú Hill, It is a viewpoint located at the top of Cerro Corá in the Ybytyruzú mountain range, in the Colonia Independencia area, Guairá department, Paraguay. This viewpoint is renowned for its 360° panoramic perspective, which visitors can enjoy from the main mirador. At its summit, there is a bench that allows visitors to comfortably take in the surrounding landscape. If you plan to visit, it is recommended to explore other viewpoints in the area as well, as each offers a unique view of the landscape.
• Paseo del Recuerdo, is a promenade or walking area in San Bernardino. It offers beautiful views of Lake Ypacaraí, shops, restaurants, and places to relax. It’s a great spot for evening walks, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and stunning sunsets.

These adventures allowed us to experience Paraguay’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming spirit. Each trip left us with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful country.