The relatively small country of Paraguay is somewhat lost among its more popular neighbors like Brazil and Argentina; for lovers of fresh impressions and unbanal holidays, this is the best option of all! A sufficient number of quality hotels and restaurants, rich nature and colonial architecture in an atmosphere of real immersion in the environment without an incredible crowd of tourists, all this is Paraguay. Far, hot, exotic Paraguay.
Geography of Paraguay
According to calculatorinc, the Republic of Paraguay with a total area of 406,752 km² is located in South America, the country has no access to the sea. The land border with Argentina runs in the south and southwest, with Bolivia in the northwest, and with Brazil in the east and northeast. Geographically, Paraguay can be divided into two parts, between which the large river Paraguay flows. The western part of the country – the Gran Chaco region is deserted and makes up about 60% of the entire area of the republic, all the life of Paraguay is concentrated in the east, plains lie here and subtropical forests grow.
Capital
Asuncion
Area
The area of Paraguay is 406,752 km2. sq., occupies the 58th place in the world by area.
Population
6,349,000
Currency
The national currency is Guarani (PYG).
Language
Official language – Guarani, Spanish
Visa to Paraguay
From the point of view of the visa regime, visiting Paraguay is quite simple. Tourist multiple entry visa valid for 90 days is issued upon arrival at the main airport Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion. In this case, the visa fee will be 160 US dollars, you will need a valid passport and return tickets. Please note: if you enter the country through another airport or land transport, you will have to obtain a visa in advance at the Embassy of Paraguay in Moscow or any other country. A tourist visa at the Embassy of Paraguay in Moscow will cost $45 for a single entry and $65 for a multiple entry. Processing time is 7 to 10 business days.
Weather in Paraguay
Due to the clear geographical division into western and eastern parts, the climate in Paraguay is also different. In the west it is tropical and dry, while in the east it is tropical and humid. In January, the hottest month of the year, the temperature in the south is +27…+29 °C, and in the north and northwest +22…+34 °C. Days with much higher temperatures up to +43 °C are not uncommon in summer. In June, the coldest month, the average temperature in the south is +17…+19 °C, and in the north +16…+24 °C. During the winter from May to September, Antarctic winds cool the air to +6, and warm winds from the Amazon, on the contrary, warm it up to + 36 °C. Precipitation falls irregularly, and it is rather difficult to trace the general pattern. In summer, from November to March, they fall in greater numbers than in winter. In total, about 700 mm of precipitation falls in the western part during the year, 1500mm – in the central part and 2000mm in the east. The tourist season in Paraguay is from December to March.
Transport
Getting to Paraguay is not so easy, there are no direct flights here either from Russia or from other European countries or even the United States. All flights to Paraguay are only available from neighboring countries in South America, including Argentina (Aerolíneas Argentinas, TAM Airline, Gol Airlines), Brazil (TAM Airlines, Gol Airlines), Bolivia (AeroSur), Chile (PLUNA) and Peru (TACA Perú). There are two international airports in Paraguay: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in the suburbs of Asuncion, which has the status of the main one, and Guaraní International Airport near the city of Ciudad del Este. The country has domestic flights covering 12 major cities. Domestic flights are operated by local airline TAM Airlines Paraguay. Less than half of all roads in Paraguay are paved, therefore, although it is possible to travel by rented transport, it is rather uncomfortable, especially during the rainy season. Water passenger and cargo transport operates on the Parana and Paraguay rivers. The country has a railway that is also connected to Brazil and Argentina. In Paraguay, intercity and city buses of the companies La Encarnacena, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción are extremely popular. Often, foreign tourists use a taxi as the most comfortable and fastest transport in the city. Please note that it is customary in the country to shortchange unknowing tourists in taxis and buses, so it is recommended to check the fare with local residents in advance (for example, at the hotel reception).
Currency exchange in Paraguay
Paraguay has an extremely loose monetary policy. The official currency is Guarani (PYG), but US dollars, pesos from Argentina and reals from Brazil are accepted everywhere. Currency exchange will not be a problem, just contact any bank, exchange office or even a hotel and travel agency. There are many street “changers” in the country, but they often deceive their clients. Local banks operate from 8:45 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday. Bank cards and traveler’s checks of all international systems are accepted for payment only in institutions of large cities; before traveling to remote areas, you should cash them in advance at an ATM or bank. Paraguayan guarani cannot be exchanged in other countries, so be sure to make a reverse currency exchange before flying out of Paraguay.
Electricity
Mains voltage 220V, 50Hz. Sockets type C, standard European with two round pins.
Religion
The main religion of Paraguay is Christianity. According to the last census, held in Paraguay in 2002, 89.6% of local residents recognize themselves as Catholics, 6.2% as Protestants, 1.1% as other Christians, 1.1% as atheists, they have not decided on religion 1, 9% people.
Security
Paraguay has an average level of security among the countries of South America. This means that in the country, especially in large cities, there are a sufficient number of thieves and deceivers who are ready to offer you a “profitable” currency exchange or some kind of product in order to extract as much of your money as possible. Try to buy goods only in stores, change currency at banks and official exchangers, and get into a taxi only if it has official insignia. Visiting remote poor areas and walking alone at night is not recommended. Documents, jewelry and large sums of money will be safer to leave in a hotel safe. During walks, you should not visually demonstrate the contents of your wallet or expensive equipment. The most dangerous area of Paraguay is considered the eastern region with the center in the city of Ciudad del Este. The police in the country are quite corrupt and often check the documents of foreigners (carry a copy of your passport and visa with you). It is worth noting that in the rural areas of Paraguay, theft and deceit are extremely rare, and on the streets of the capital, the city of Asuncion, it is still safer than in Brazil or Argentina.
Health
Despite the fact that almost all the water in the local water supply is chlorinated, it is safer to drink bottled water. If you plan to go to nature or visit the countryside – stock up on repellents and closed clothing, local mosquitoes can cause a lot of trouble. Before traveling to Paraguay, it is worth getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, B and D and tetanus, and if you are going to travel in the countryside, also drink a prophylactic course against malaria. There is a risk of dengue fever in the country, for which there is no prevention. In order to protect yourself, wear closed clothes and shoes before going to nature. Medical institutions in Paraguay do not work according to international standards, so in difficult medical cases you can be sent to your homeland.
