Over 1.5 Million Tourists Drawn to Paraguay’s Rich Culture and Untouched Nature
Paraguay is no longer just a hidden gem – it’s becoming one of South America’s most intriguing destinations for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and pristine natural beauty.
According to the newly released “Market Study for Nature and Cultural Tourism in Paraguay”, commissioned by Senatur (the National Secretariat of Tourism) with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and conducted by Spanish consultancy Codexca, the country welcomed over 1.5 million tourists interested in more than just sightseeing.
This growing number of visitors reflects a powerful trend: tourists today are craving meaningful, immersive travel – experiences that connect them with local traditions, daily life, and natural environments, rather than cookie-cutter attractions. The findings also highlight the need for a sustainable, thoughtful tourism strategy that respects Paraguay’s cultural integrity and ecological balance, while unlocking its full potential on the global tourism map.
A New Portrait of Paraguay’s Tourism Landscape: Culture, Nature, and Untapped Potential
Drawing from five detailed phases of research – including in-depth interviews, nationwide surveys, and georeferenced mapping – the study provides a panoramic view of Paraguay’s current tourism offerings and its vast untapped potential. What emerges is a country rich in contrasts, where every department tells a different story, blending landscapes, heritage, and community-based experiences.
Cordillera: The Summer Capital
In Cordillera, lush hills and winding streams lead to Lake Ypacaraí, a national icon. The city of San Bernardino comes alive each summer as locals and tourists gather for lakeside festivals, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. It’s the go-to destination for those seeking a mix of nature, culture, and seasonal buzz.
Paraguarí: Hills with a Story
Paraguarí stuns with its scenic hill ranges – Cristo Redentor, Cerro Hû, and Cerro Perô – all of which hold both geological significance and spiritual meaning. The area is a haven for hikers, climbers, and anyone fascinated by Paraguay’s ancient terrain.
Itapúa: A Fusion of Nature and Spiritual Legacy
Itapúa offers one of Paraguay’s richest cultural landscapes. It is home to the UNESCO-listed Jesuit Ruins, the San Rafael National Park, and the lively beach town of Encarnación, famous for its carnaval, beaches along the Paraná River, and growing hospitality scene.
Alto Paraná: Waterfalls, Rivers, and Cultural Encounters
In Alto Paraná, nature and commerce coexist. Visitors flock to the roaring Monday Falls, enjoy boat rides on the Paraná River, and explore Ciudad del Este, one of South America’s busiest shopping hubs. Beyond retail, the region offers rich cultural exchanges with Guaraní Indigenous communities.
Guairá: Trails of Tranquility
Nestled in the heart of the country, Guairá is ideal for slow travel and ecotourism. Panoramic viewpoints, serene waterfalls, and forested trails await explorers in search of peace, silence, and connection with nature.
Ñeembucú & Pilar: Wetlands and Colonial Elegance
Further south, Pilar — dubbed “The Pearl of the South” – blends colonial charm with riverbank relaxation. Nearby, the Ñeembucú wetlands attract birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from around the world, offering a sanctuary of biodiversity just steps from the city.
Concepción: History, Flavor, and Craft
Concepción is a historical and cultural gem. Visitors can explore century-old churches, taste authentic Paraguayan cuisine, and take boat trips along the Ypané River. Local artisans keep traditional woodcraft alive, making this region a feast for the senses.
The Chaco: Where Cultures and Ecosystems Meet
In the remote west, the Chaco offers a wild frontier of wetlands, wildlife, and multicultural heritage. The town of Filadelfia serves as an economic and cultural hub for Mennonite, Indigenous, and Paraguayan communities. Farther north, Bahía Negra opens the door to untouched ecosystems, vibrant birdlife, and ancestral knowledge.
Pedro Juan Caballero: Shopping and Scenic Getaways
Located on the Brazilian border, Pedro Juan Caballero balances cross-border commerce with natural allure. Its Black Friday Frontera event draws thousands, while nearby Cerro Corá National Park — site of Paraguay’s final battle in the War of the Triple Alliance – adds historical depth and natural grandeur.
Want to see Paraguay through the eyes of a traveler, investor, or expat?
This is a country where every region holds opportunity – not just for tourism, but for connection, discovery, and long-term potential.
How Many Tourists Visit Paraguay?
In 2023, Paraguay welcomed over 4 million visitors – a clear sign of the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
The breakdown includes:
- 846,066 international tourists
- 1.1 million cross-border day-trippers
- Over 2 million domestic travelers exploring their own country
This consistent upward trend highlights Paraguay’s rising visibility, but it also underscores a key message from recent tourism studies: growth must be strategic and sustainable.
Among the top attractions is the Itaipú Hydroelectric Dam, one of the world’s largest, which draws thousands of visitors each year for tours and panoramic viewpoints. Still, challenges remain.
Issues such as aging infrastructure, poor maintenance in key tourist areas, and a limited online presence continue to hold the sector back from its full potential.
Despite these hurdles, Paraguay shines in the digital space. According to the iRON (Online Reputation Index), the country enjoys an impressive average rating of 9.2 out of 10.
Hydroelectric projects rank among the most visited sites, followed closely by cultural landmarks, natural parks, and eco-tourism experiences – proving that Paraguay’s charm is not only real, but highly rated.
How Can Paraguay Unlock Its Tourism Potential?
To fully realize its tourism potential, Paraguay must go beyond promoting destinations – it must build a long-term, strategic vision. The recent study outlines a clear roadmap, not only with practical steps but with a transformational outlook on what tourism in Paraguay can become.
Key Strategic Actions Include:
- Boost Paraguay’s digital presence and reputation
Strengthen the online visibility of local destinations through modern marketing, traveler reviews, and strategic storytelling. - Invest in eco-friendly infrastructure
Improve amenities in national parks and nature reserves – especially eco-trails, signage, waste management, and sanitation – to meet global standards. - Create immersive heritage routes
Design thematic circuits through historic town centers, where gastronomy, colonial architecture, and living memory blend into unforgettable experiences. - Develop cross-border ecotourism corridors
Collaborate with neighboring countries – Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia to create multi-country eco-adventures that enhance regional appeal. - Modernize national museums
Reimagine museums not just as archives but as interactive cultural hubs that engage visitors and celebrate Paraguay’s rich and complex past.
According to Minister of Tourism Angie Duarte, these measures are essential to attracting investment, fostering local entrepreneurship, and building a more inclusive, resilient economy.
International outreach is already underway – in late 2023, Paraguay’s national stand at the Taipei Tourism Fair was inaugurated by the President of Taiwan, marking a growing effort to strengthen global tourism ties.
With this roadmap in hand, Paraguay is not just planning for the future – it’s boldly reimagining it. By embracing its cultural identity and protecting its natural treasures, the country offers something far deeper than the average getaway:
A chance for both visitors and locals to connect, conserve, and contribute to a more meaningful travel experience.
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