Get to know Paraguay through a variety of discoveries: historic Jesuit missions, protected areas where you can observe wildlife, and places where the country’s history comes to life. The contrasts range from Baroque architecture and historic squares to trails through forests and wetlands.
Jesuit Missions: Architecture and History
The Jesuit mission of JesĂşs de Tavarangue was founded in 1685. Visitor experiences include daytime visits and a nighttime 3D video mapping show about the history of the missions. Check current operating details before your trip.
The mission of SantĂsima Trinidad del Paraná was founded in 1706 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Its preserved Plaza Mayor was historically the center of religious, cultural, artistic, social, economic and civic activities. The square vividly conveys the site’s former significance as a shared focal point.
The architecture also makes Trinidad a special destination for culture enthusiasts: the mission is designed in the Baroque style and built from sandstone blocks. A museum with historical collections is housed in the former sacristy. This brings the architecture, the square’s former use and the collection together in one place.
A cultural light-and-sound tour is also offered at the mission. The published times are Wednesday to Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in winter and 9:00 p.m. in summer. Check the current schedule before you travel.
Protected Areas and Wildlife Watching
The protected area at Refugio BiolĂłgico de MbaracayĂş covers about 1,800 hectares and preserves native flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the interpretation center, a boardwalk and a specially built lookout for observing birds and other animals in their natural habitat. Guided hikes, bird and native wildlife watching, and educational workshops add to the nature experiences.
The 970-meter-long La Esperanza trail is the starting point for the tourist route. It passes through restored forests, wetlands and areas of high biodiversity. This sequence of landscapes gives the trail its distinctive character: in addition to sections of forest, it also takes in wetland habitats. For travelers who want not only to observe nature but also learn more about it, MbaracayĂş brings together trails, observation points and educational activities.
The ruins of the former FundiciĂłn de Hierro de YbycuĂ lie within YbycuĂ National Park. The Mina and GuaranĂ waterfalls are also among its natural features. YbycuĂ thus brings together evidence of past ironworking and waterfalls, while the historic site retains its own place within the protected area.
Cerro Corá: Landscape and Remembrance
In the Amambay Department, Cerro Corá National Park was the setting for important events during the War of the Triple Alliance. Archaeological sites and monuments commemorate these events. The park’s history is part of the visitor experience and adds another dimension to the trails through the landscape.
Possible activities in the park include hiking along trails and over hills, bird and wildlife watching, camping, and walks along rivers and waterfalls. This distinguishes Cerro Corá from Mbaracayú among nature destinations: alongside wildlife watching and hiking, it also offers camping and routes along waterways.
Technology, Culture and Regional Routes
Through educational exhibits and interpretive resources, Museo ITAIPU – Tierra Guaranà presents the connections between the Paraná River, Indigenous peoples and human development. It highlights the natural and cultural richness of the region. The Itaipú tourist complex offers a different perspective: its museums, educational areas and interactive exhibits explore the dam’s engineering, electricity generation and related environmental projects. It is located next to the Itaipú Dam in Paraguay.
In the wider region, the Circuito de Oro extends across the Central, Cordillera and ParaguarĂ Departments. The route connects cities and towns where visitors can explore historic churches, museums, handicraft workshops, scenic natural viewpoints and other notable places. The Defensores del Chaco National Park is also significant for its cultural perspective: it is home to the Indigenous Ayoreo people, who maintain their traditional way of life and ancestral connection to the land.
Discover More Destinations
Asunción, Itapúa, Central, Alto Paraná, Amambay, Cordillera, Lambare, Concepción, Misiones Department, Boquerón, San Pedro Department, Guairá, Paraguari
