Tourism in Paraguay

Jesuit Reductions of Jesús de Tavarangüe
Chaco Boreal in Paraguay
Del Monday falls

The tourism in Paraguay employs 9500 people, according to data from 2010.[1]

According to figures from the World Tourism Organization, for the period 2013-2014 Paraguay was the least visited country of South America after Guyana and Suriname, with only 610,000 international tourists.[2]

The activities in establishments, such as lounges, provide contact with the customs and traditions of Paraguay. Typical meals like sopa paraguaya, asado al asador, home made oven cooked chicken, the sweets and marmalades are an attraction . In rural areas and establishments can be seen crops of sugarcane, maize, cassava, snuff, coffee, peanut, rice, sorghum, tung and spurge, and other fruits of the Paraguayan land, among which are the avocado, handle, papaya and pineapple.

The rescue of the native culture, of the peoples of Amazonian origin that had to land as the mother who provides food and livelihoods, are the characteristics that can be seen in the rural tourism of Paraguay.

Main Attractions and Recommended Activities

Asunción City Tour: See Asunción’s top sights on a half-day sightseeing tour that includes a picturesque blend of modern and colonial architecture, visit the Independence House, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the train station with the oldest steam locomotive of South America, The National Pantheon of Heroes and Mariscal López Avenue, ending in the popular artisan market, La Recova.

Ypacaraí Lake & Artisan Towns: Visit the artisan village of Luque, with its rustic harp and guitar factories and carved filigree jewelry. Continue to the old summer villages of Aregua and San Bernardino, located on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí, ending in Itauguá, home of world renowned Ñandutí, a handmade lace whose design is based on spider webs.

The Golden Tour: Another great option is to take this tour to visit the artisan town of Itá, the Yaguarón Church, a Franciscan church of the eighteenth century, continuing to the historic town of Piribebuy, the Basilica of Caacupé and San Bernardino, located on the shores of the famous "Ypacaraí Lake”.

Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad: Visit one of the most singular creations of the Catholic Missionary activities; the Jesuit reductions of Trinidad and Jesus Tavaragué, which date back to 1706. The Jesuit missions were declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1993.

Enjoy a visit to the Majestic Iguazú Falls: This Falls are stunning and this area is also the meeting point of three different countries (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay), it is also highly recommended to explore Itaipú Dam, the largest operational hydroelectric power plant in the world.

South American Football Museum: Also known as CONMEBOL Museum, which pays tribute to the greatest exponents of football. Covering 1500 mts2, the museum has 1800 pieces, such as balls, shirts, pennants, badges and a huge number of unforgettable pictures and memorabilia.

Eco Adventure Tourism to Mbotaví Ecological Reserve: Located at 72 km from Asuncion, it is a great tourism attraction where people can enjoy the TAPE SAINGÓ circuit. A set of ropes and suspension bridges installed in the woods, for those who love extreme sports, the circuit offers an unforgettable experience. The circuit ends with a stretch of 105 meters of canopy with a rappel down a natural wall of 30 meters. Nature lovers will love this Ecological Reserve and enjoy the wildlife observation.

Atyrá: Located at 60 km from Asuncion. Declared "Ecological Capital of Paraguay", attracts a lot of visitors and it is famous for the Artisan Market and the Marianela Complex.

The Selecta Yerba Mate Factory: It is a great option to take a guided tour where visitors can see and enjoy the entire production cycle of yerba mate, visit the Factory museum, and finish with a demonstration and tasting of tereré, mate or traditional cocido, all these typical beverages are part of the tradition and folklore of Paraguay.

Shopping in Ciudad del Este: This is one of the most important commercial centers of the country, you can find a variety of products and affordable prices.

Foreign tourism

The entry of foreign tourists in 2011 registered an increase of 12% over the previous year. The number of visitors entered was of 520 926, while in 2010 it was of 465 264[3]

Cerrito is located 120 km from the town of Pilar. There is received the visit of tourists of Brazil, Germany and Argentina, which are attracted by the fish resources available to it.

Arrivals by country

Most visitors arriving to Paraguay on short term basis in 2014 were from the following countries of nationality:[4]

Rank Country Number
1 Argentina 308,367
2 Brazil 183,127
3 United States 19,204
4 Uruguay 14,606
5 Colombia 14,403
6 Bolivia 14,322
7 Spain 13,711
8 Ecuador 9,986
9 Germany 9,862
10 Peru 6,447
Total 648,962

Tourist Assets

Natural areas

There are numerous places where one can practice adventure tourism in Paraguay. Several of them have prepared an infrastructure that allows the practice of extreme sports: zip-lining, rappelling, hiking through virgin forests, up and down of hills and streams that invite to restful. Activities include walks, hiking in sulky, cavalcades, guided tours, among others. One can also perform educational scientific research in the various reserves, observing the fauna and flora, part of the characteristic spaces in rural areas. Paraguay's protected areas are found throughout the territory.

Sport fishing

The flowing rivers have conditions for the fishing, tours and excursions. Paraguay is a country with major water sources, the most important are the Paraná river, the Tebicuary river and Paraguay river. It also has several lakes, estuarys small streams. The variety of fishes offered by these rivers is good, because it has several species of different sizes. Among the most prized species are the Surubí that, for anglers, is one of the coveted specimens. This is due to the size it can reach. Round about 50 kg, was also recorded unique pieces up to 100 kg, which can measure up to 2 m long. Also highlights the Dorado who is famous for its acrobatic jumps, making it the biggest haul when fishing.

One of the richest cities in the production of fish is Villa Florida, whose beaches kiss the Tebicuary River. In this city it is popular sport fishing and cuisine has several dishes made with fish, such as Pira caldo (a Paraguayan fish soup). Here out fishing contests, which are controlled by control agents, who are responsible for the proper performance of the established laws, as well as the elements and used boats. Are also controlled the size and weight of the fish.

Fishing in Paraguay is being controlled, as some species are endangered. One of the rules made to remedy this situation, is the closure period, in which fishing is prohibited for several months.

References

  1. ↑ "Tourism in Paraguay: of recreation to economic sector with great potential (in Spanish)". ABC Color. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
  2. ↑ http://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284416226
  3. ↑ "Tourism generated $ 240 millions in 2011 (in Spanish)". Última Hora. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  4. ↑
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