Why visit
Paraguay is landlocked, subtropical, and little visited, with Asunción, Jesuit mission ruins, Guarani culture, the Chaco, and the Itaipu Dam on its eastern border. It rewards slow travelers who like overlooked places.
Country - South America
Paraguay
natureculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Paraguay works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Asunción as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Paraguay.
At a glance
Location
-23.0°, -58.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
406,752 km²
157,048 mi²
Country population
6.9 million
17/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Paraguayan guaraní (₲)
PYG
Dial
+595
Languages
Guaraní, Spanish
Demonym
Paraguayan
Internet
.py
UN
Member state
ISO code
PY / PRY
Where in the world
-23.0° - -58.0°
Paraguay
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Paraguay is one of only two landlocked countries in South America (with Bolivia).
- Itaipu Dam, shared with Brazil, is the world's largest hydroelectric producer by annual energy generation.
- Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and Guaraní, the indigenous language: spoken by 90% of the population.
Bordering Paraguay
Traveler notes
- The Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue are UNESCO-listed
- The Chaco covers much of the country and has Mennonite settlements and wildlife
- Tereré, cold yerba mate, is part of everyday life
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Asunción, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Paraguay
What is the capital of Paraguay?
Asunción is the capital of Paraguay.
What currency does Paraguay use?
Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní (₲), ISO code PYG.
What languages are spoken in Paraguay?
The primary languages are Guaraní and Spanish.
Is Paraguay landlocked?
Yes, Paraguay is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Paraguay?
Paraguay borders Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil.
What is the international calling code for Paraguay?
The calling code is +595.
When is the best time to visit Paraguay?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other South America destinations
Chile
Chile stretches 4,300 km. From Atacama's driest desert to Patagonia's Torres del Paine, Easter Island's moai, and Valparaíso's hillside murals. Wine country wraps around Santiago.
Colombia
Colombia covers Bogotá's altitude and art, Medellín's transformation, Cartagena's walled city and Caribbean, the Coffee Triangle, and Tayrona's jungle-beaches.
Ecuador
Ecuador is Quito's old town at altitude, Otavalo markets, the Galápagos Islands, Amazon basin lodges, and Cuenca's colonial streets. All compact enough for one trip.
Guyana
Guyana is South America's English-speaking rainforest country, known for Kaieteur Falls, Rupununi savanna, wildlife lodges, and Georgetown's wooden colonial architecture. It is best for travelers who value nature and expedition logistics over polished tourism.
Peru
Peru is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco's Inca + colonial layers, Amazon jungle at Puerto Maldonado, Lima's Michelin-listed food, and the Nazca Lines.
Suriname
Suriname combines Paramaribo's wooden architecture, rainforest rivers, former plantation routes, and Maroon, Javanese, Hindustani, Indigenous, Dutch, and Creole cultures. It is one of South America's most culturally distinctive small countries.