La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná (The Holy Trinity of the Parana) is one of the most prominent ruins of the Jesuit missions in Paraguay, located near the town of Encarnación, just across the river from Posadas, Argentina. Founded in the early 18th century, it was part of a network of reducciones—settlements established by Jesuit missionaries to convert and protect Indigenous … [Read more...]
What to See in Encarnación, Paraguay
Encarnación is a city in southern Paraguay, located just across the Paraná River from Posadas, Argentina, and connected by the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge. It's the capital of the Itapúa Department and serves as an economic and cultural hub in the region, known for its riverside beaches and role in cross-border commerce. Over the past two decades, Encarnación has … [Read more...]
What to Do in Ascunción, Paraguay: Our 2-Day Itinerary
Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is one of the oldest cities in South America, founded in 1537 by Spanish colonists. Located along the eastern bank of the Paraguay River, it serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. The city blends colonial-era architecture with modern developments, particularly in neighborhoods like the historic downtown and the … [Read more...]
One Day in Villarrica: Paraguay’s Cultural & Intellectual Capital
Villarrica is a city in southern Paraguay, located in the Guairá Department, about 180 kilometers southeast of Asunción. Founded in 1570, it's one of the country's oldest colonial settlements and has long been considered a cultural and educational hub, known for its schools, universities, and literary history. The city sits at the edge of the Ybyturuzú mountain range, giving it … [Read more...]
Ciudad del Este: A Walk in Paraguay’s Bustling Second City
Ciudad del Este is Paraguay’s second-largest city and serves as a bustling commercial hub on the country’s eastern border with Brazil and Argentina. Known primarily for its frenetic shopping scene, it draws thousands of cross-border shoppers daily, especially for electronics, clothing, and imported goods, often at lower prices than in neighboring countries. The city sits within … [Read more...]
Monday Falls: Paraguay’s Stunning Waterfall near Iguazú
Monday Falls, or Saltos del Monday, is a striking waterfall located in Presidente Franco, Paraguay, near the border with Brazil and Argentina. The falls drop approximately 45 meters and are part of the Monday River, which feeds into the Paraná River. Set within a small ecological reserve, the site offers walking paths, a viewing platform, and even a glass-floored elevator for … [Read more...]
From Puerto Iguazú to Ciudad del Este & Our Missing Passport Stamps
After five months of traveling around Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, it was time to finish off our 2025 South American trip with a few days in Paraguay. We were in Puerto Iguazú, having just visited the majestic Iguazú Falls. Now we had to navigate a double border crossing, via Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu, to Paraguay’s Ciudad del Este. Direct buses to Ciudad del Este, operated … [Read more...]
Crossing the Posadas-Encarnación Border from Argentina to Paraguay
The Posadas-Encarnación border, spanning the Paraná River over the 2-km-long San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge, is the busiest border crossing between Argentina and Paraguay. We crossed it both ways during a day trip from Posadas to the Jesuit Mission of La Trinidad de Paraná. Below, I’ve compiled all the essential information you might need to navigate the crossing … [Read more...]
