Signature Paraguay Tour
12 days from $4,500 per person
Based on private tour for 2 people and luxury accommodations when available. Price may vary depending on season, number of travelers and customization of the itinerary.
Don’t just visit Paraguay— experience it!
In addition to “must see” locations like Iguazu Falls and the Jesuit Ruins, we will take you “off the beaten path” to the homes of artisans that are keeping cultural traditions alive. Experience Paraguay’s breathtaking natural beauty, meet locals in various communities, to learn about local customs and daily life, and gain appreciation for the fascinating history and culture of Paraguay.
Tour Highlights
Explore Asuncion, from it's colonial past as "Mother of Cities" to today's vibrant city with modern architecture, fine restaurants and rich culture.
Experience the vastness and breathtaking views of Iguazu Falls.
Visit the Jesuits missions UNESCO Heritage sites and in the quiet calmness imagine what it was like living on the reduction 500 years ago.
Visit several quaint towns that are rich in culture and history and perhaps the truest representation of Paraguayan culture.
Meet locals in various communities and learn about their lives and local traditions.
What's Included
-- Private, English-speaking guide
-- Land transportation in destination
-- All accommodations
-- Entrance to all included activities
-- Full support from your travel designer and concierge throughout your trip
Daily Itinerary
Use this itinerary to inspire your own custom journey.
Day 1 - Arrival
Guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Day 2 - Asuncion
Visit sites and attractions is historical downtown Asuncion that offer a window into Paraguay's fascinating history and culture.
Day 3 - Golden Circuit
The towns on the Golden Circuit will allow you to appreciate the beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and rich craftsmanship of the region, as well as gain an understanding of the historical events, such as the War of the Triple Alliance and the Franciscan church presence, that have influenced and made a lasting impression on the culture and art of Paraguay.
In the afternoon, continue driving southeast towards the Misiones region.
Visit San Ignacio, the first Jesuit reduction established in 1609, to visit its impressive museum with sculptures and altars preserved from the time of the Jesuits.
Day 4 - Jesuit Museums & Towns
Explore the charming town of Santa Maria with a local guide and visit the Jesuit Museum which is housed in one of the original "casa de indios". Perhaps visit the women's cooperative to see the women sewing applique art that depicts scenes from everyday life and is an artistic expression unique to this community.
Visit Atinguy wildlife refuge, a 100-hectare property dedicated to the breeding, reproduction and conservation of wildlife of the region, especially species threatened with extinction.
In contrast to the other reductions, the church and buildings at San Cosme and Damian remained in use after the expulsion of the Jesuits and the same renovated church continues to be used by the community to this day. At the attached Center for Astronomical and Planetary Interpretation, local guides provide interesting presentations about the Jesuit priest Father Suárez' astronomical projections, constellations of the southern hemisphere, and interpretations given to the stars and constellations by the Guaranis.
Day 5 - Yerba Mate Tour & Jesuit Ruins
In the morning, visit a verba mate plantation and packaging plant and learn how this traditional Paraguayan tea is dried, seasoned and packaged to offer a high quality tea product.
Explore the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, which were both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1993.
Then continue on towards Iguazu Falls
Day 6 - Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Full day to visit the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls independently.
The Garganta del Diablo Circuit is a one-kilometer-long trail over the river until you reach the top of Devil's Throat, a 70-meter powerful cascade. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Upper Circuit walk along a 1200 mts trail – with low degree of difficulty and no stairs – that goes deep into the jungle. You will get views at the different observation points.
The Lower Circuit goes all the way down to the river. There are many stairs and marvelous views of the falls.
Optional (recommended)
The Great Adventure jungle and boat tour takes you by boat right to the base of the waterfalls – a truly amazing experience. See the waterfalls from every angle – even from beneath the falls!
In the afternoon, you can see the triple frontier monument at the point where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet - separated only by the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers.
Return to hotel in Brazil.
Optional: The Rafain Churrascaria Show features a full Brazilian BBQ with vibrant music and dance performances representing Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil.
Day 7 - Iguazu Falls & Parque das Aves
Morning on your own to enjoy the hotel and visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
The most spectacular waterfalls in the world with 275 cascades spanning 1.2 km. Absolutely breathtaking! Follow the walkway for grandiose panoramic views and viewing platforms with amazing photo opportunities. The walkway culminates on a platform over the river at the foot of the mighty Devil’s Throat.
After lunch meet your guide to visit Parque das Aves, is one of the most respected bird parks in the world. It features more than 900 rare and colorful birds (150 species) which fly freely in huge aviaries built to blend naturally with the humid subtropical forest. In addition to being a tourist attraction, this bird park is an important conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest.
In the afternoon, cross the border to Paraguay.
Day 8 - Itaipu Dam, Saltos Monday and Villarrica
Visit Itaipu Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Itaipu guides offer informative commentary about the construction and power of the dam, environmental impacts, and conservation efforts.
Monday Falls and it's 22-acre park tend to get lost in the shadows of nearby Iguazu Falls, however these beautiful cascades deserve a visit in their own right.
In the afternoon, we will drive along the new Rt 2 highway to the interior town on Villarrica. While not a typical tourist destination, Villarrica is a charming, low-key town. The Manuel Ortiz Guerrero park is named in honor of the famous Paraguayan writer and musician, and is home to a family of capybara.
Day 9 - Salto Cristal
Salto Cristal is one of the most beautiful places in Paraguay.
Reaching the 45 meters high falls is in itself an adventure. We travel along dirt roads through the heart of the countryside and between fields of sugar cane to reach the remote and hidden Salto Cristal waterfalls. Once we arrive at the park, you will walk down a long set of stairs to get to the bank of the river, then walk another 600 meters upstream, climbing over branches and rocks, to reach the falls.
In the summer, swimming in the pool beneath the falls is quite refreshing and life jackets are provided.
Day 10 - Popular Culture & Artisan Appreciation
Today we will visit more towns on the Golden Circuit and have an immersive culture experience.
We will visit the Basilica in Caacupe, the historic train station in Pirayu, take a boat ride on Lake Ypacarai, and visit several artisans.
Popular art is one of the most important manifestations of culture in Paraguay. As our guest, you will have the unique and exclusive experience of visiting artisans in their home workshops. Travelers often tell us that having personal interactions with the artisans and their family members is a highlight of their trip. You won't find this opportunity in a tour book!
(While you are welcome to make purchases directly from the artisans, this is not a shopping trip and you are not expected to buy anything - this is truly a culture trip and the artisans will be fairly compensated for shring their time and talents).
Day 11 - Asuncion
We will make our way back to Asuncion, with stops in Aregua to visit the street market and Luque at shops featuring ornate, hand-crafted filigrana jewelry. We can also arrange and appointment for soccer fans to visit the recently renovated and well-designed soccer museum at the headquarters of the South American Soccer Confederation.
Visit the Museo de Barro, a gorgeous, well-curated museum featuring historic, indigenous, folk and popular art that offers an interesting representation of Paraguayan culture through art.
To celebrate the culmination of your journey in Paraguay, as a last hurrah you will be warmly invited to the home of Gladys, the very friendly owner of a harp school, for gracious hospitality, a wonderful meal and a Paraguayan harp performance!
In the evening, transfer to airport for your late night flight.
Day 12 - Departure
Free day.
Transfer to airport to catch your flight.
Why travel with Trico Tours?
Authentic Cultural Experiences
We have a deep respect for local people, communities and cultures. In addition to must-see sites, we can also recommend unique and boutique sites that allow you to experience the true heart and soul of the culture.
Personal Attention
We treat all our guests like friends. We start with a conversation and create thoroughly-planned, custom itineraries tailored to your interests, pace, and travel styles.
Peace of Mind
Our travel specialists and guides are knowledgeable and highly engaged. We handle all the details and provide 24/7 support offer peace of mind that everything is taken care of and your trip runs smoothly.
We would love to hear from you.
Whether you are just exploring possibilities or are in the process of planning your travel, we are happy to have a conversation. (We are actually quite friendly.)