The average costs for backpacking in Paraguay can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 per day for accommodation in hostels or budget guesthouses. Meals at …
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backpacking South America
Paraguay
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Backpacking Paraguay in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Paraguay with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Paraguay
Welcome to Paraguay, a lesser-explored South American treasure that beckons backpackers with its rich culture and off-the-beaten-path allure. Pros? Immerse yourself in the Guarani heritage, traverse vast landscapes, and enjoy a more budget-friendly experience compared to neighboring countries. Paraguay offers an authentic and laid-back atmosphere. However, limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers may pose challenges. For the intrepid backpacker seeking uncharted territory and cultural immersion, Paraguay stands out as a unique destination, where each adventure unveils the genuine warmth of its people and the unspoiled beauty of this hidden gem.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Paraguay
Cheap
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Paraguay
- Asunción: Explore the capital city of Paraguay, known for its historical landmarks, such as the Government Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Visit the Mercado Cuatro, a bustling local market, to experience the vibrant culture and taste traditional Paraguayan cuisine.
- Iguazu Falls: Discover the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s largest waterfall systems, located on the border between Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Take a boat ride to get up close to the cascading water or hike through the surrounding national park to witness the diverse wildlife.
- The Chaco: Venture into the vast wilderness of the Gran Chaco region, known for its unique wildlife and indigenous communities. Explore the Mennonite colonies and learn about their traditional way of life, or embark on a safari to spot jaguars, tapirs, and giant anteaters.
- Ybycuí National Park: Immerse yourself in Paraguay’s natural beauty by visiting this national park, home to stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the park’s rivers and lagoons.
- Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue: Step back in time and explore the well-preserved ruins of these Jesuit missions, which provide a glimpse into Paraguay’s colonial history. Marvel at the impressive architecture and learn about the cultural and religious significance of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
But Paraguay offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Paraguay
The best time to visit Paraguay for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country. Additionally, visiting during this time allows you to avoid the hot and humid summer months, which can be uncomfortable for backpacking.
Risk level: low (33%)Safety advice for Paraguay
- Theft, armed assault, kidnapping and other violent crimes occur in Paraguay, including in tourist areas. Pickpocketing and drug trafficking are also common. Ask your hotel about areas to avoid. Secure your valuables.
- Avoid large public gatherings and protests. These can turn violent. They may also lead to roadblocks and congestion. Don't cross roadblocks, even if they're unattended.
- Be alert when travelling to interior parts of the country, including San Pedro and Concepcion. A small guerrilla-style group, Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP), operates in these regions. Kidnappings have occurred.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
ParaguayMy tips to get you on the way!Does Paraguay sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Paraguay. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Paraguay may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Paraguay. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Paraguay may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Paraguay, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Paraguay, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024