Brief information
Sometimes Paraguay is called Corazón de América (“Heart of America”), which reflects the geographical location of this country. Until now, very little is known about it, because tourists are fascinated by neighboring Brazil and Argentina. Tourists will be pleasantly surprised by the number of attractions that they will see in Paraguay. To this day, for example, a large number of Spanish medieval churches have been preserved in Asuncion.
Geography
Paraguay is located in the center of South America. Paraguay borders Bolivia to the northwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Argentina to the south and southwest. There is no access to the sea. Total area – 406,752 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 3,920 km.
The Paraguay River flows from north to south of Paraguay, which divides the country into two parts – eastern and western. Most of the population lives in the east of the country (this region is called Paranena), while the western part of the country (it is called Chaco) is small in population. Paranena is an alternation of plateaus, hills and valleys. As for the Chaco, it is a large foothill plain.
In the south of Paraguay, the Parana River flows, which separates this country from Argentina.
Capital of Paraguay
According to simplyyellowpages.com, Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay. More than 600 thousand people now live in this city. Asuncion was founded by the Spaniards in 1537.
Official language
Paraguay has two official languages - Guarani (the language of the local Indians, part of the Tupi family of languages) and Spanish.
Religion
About 90% of the population are Catholics.
State structure
According to diseaseslearning.com, Paraguay is a presidential republic headed by a President. He is not only the head of state, but also the head of government.
The bicameral local parliament is called the National Congress, it consists of the Chamber of Senators (45 people) and the Chamber of Deputies (80 people elected for 5 years).
The main political parties are the Patriotic Alliance for Change, the National Republican Association, the National Union of Ethical Citizens, and the Beloved Fatherland Movement.
Administratively, the country is divided into 17 departments and one metropolitan area.
Climate and weather
The climate is subtropical (in the Chaco region – tropical). The rainy season is from October to April. Most precipitation falls in the east of the country, and the least – in the western regions. The average annual air temperature is +24.3C. The best time to visit Paraguay is from May to September.
Rivers and lakes of Paraguay
The Paraguay River flows from north to south, which divides Paraguay into two parts – eastern and western. Two more local large rivers are Parana and Pilcomayo. During the rainy season, many rivers overflow their banks.
Culture
Every February, Carnival is celebrated in Paraguay – the biggest local holiday. During the Carnival, large cities host costumed processions with theatrical performances and performances by dance and musical groups.
By the way, every February, the Paraguayans also celebrate the San Blas holiday, which has its roots in the days when the first Spaniards came to Paraguay.
It should be noted that each locality has its own religious holidays, celebrated independently of the national ones (Christmas, New Year, Easter). For example, such regional holidays are celebrated annually in Puno and Pasca.
Kitchen
The cuisine of Paraguay was formed under the influence of the culinary traditions of local Indians, as well as immigrants from Europe. Traditional food products are potatoes, rice, cassava, meat, vegetables, fruits.
Tourists are advised to try Arró Quesú rice, Bifé Koygua steak with onions and eggs, Guiso popó (stewed meat with rice, garlic and sweet pepper), Sopa Paraguaya (Paraguayan thick soup with corn, meat, cheese and eggs ), “Dulce de Mamón” (papaya dessert with caramel), “Kaguyjy” (corn and sugar dessert often added with honey and milk), “Ka’i ladrillo” (candy with peanuts and molasses cut into small cubes) ).
Traditional non-alcoholic drinks are mate (a tonic drink made from holly leaves, which is drunk hot or cold), fruit juices.
Traditional alcoholic drinks are “kacha” (strong alcoholic drink), rum and beer.
Attractions
The most important sights in Paraguay are ancient Spanish churches, museums and national parks. Most of the churches and museums are located in Asuncion, which was founded by the Spaniards in 1537. The most beautiful of them is the Metropolitana de Asuncion church, built in the second half of the 17th century.
In Asuncion, we recommend visiting the National Museum of Art, the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography, the Barbero Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Eastern Paraguay is home to the Cerro Coro and Ibique National Parks. They are a giant rainforest and savannah reserve. Other interesting local parks include the Tifunke, Enkiso, Limoy and Mbarakaya reserves.
Cities and resorts
The largest Paraguayan cities are Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Luque, Capiata, Fernando de la Mora, Limpio, and, of course, Asuncion.
About 50 kilometers from Asuncion, on the shores of Lake Ipacara, is the small resort of San Bernardino, which is a popular destination for water sports.
In general, in this country there are several lakes where locals like to relax, sunbathe, swim and engage in water sports. Another such resort is Lake Aregu in the east of the country.
Tourists in Paraguay are offered a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities. So, for example, there are several cycling routes near Asuncion, and in the department of Amambay, tourists are waiting for the Chakurrai tourist complex, built specifically for outdoor activities.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Crafts, ceramics, traditional dolls, jewelry, bags, wallets, purses, belts, straw hats, Indian bows and arrows, traditional Paraguayan musical instruments, mate tea are usually brought from Paraguay.
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 07:30-11:00
Shops:
Mon-Fri: 07:30-11:30 and 15:00-19:00
Sat: 07:30-12:00
Visa
Ukrainians need to apply for a visa to visit Paraguay.
Currency
Guarani is the official currency in Paraguay. Its international designation is PYG. One guarani = 100 centimos. Credit cards are quite widespread.
Customs restrictions
Foreign and local currency can be imported and exported without restrictions, but amounts over $10,000 must be declared.
Products of animal origin, fruits, vegetables, flowers can be imported into the country only if there is an appropriate certificate. A certificate is also required for the import of cats and dogs. You can not import drugs, firearms and pornographic materials.
It is forbidden to export wild animals, diamonds and gold. Plant seedlings can be taken out only with the appropriate permission.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
The interests of Paraguay in Ukraine are represented by the Embassy of Paraguay in Russia:
Moscow, st. Cow Val, 7, 1/142
T: (499)
230-18-10 Email: [email protected]
The interests of Ukraine in Paraguay are represented by the Embassy of Ukraine in Argentina:
Argentina, Buenos Aires, Belgrano “R”, c. Conde, 1763
T: 4552-0657
Email. Email: [email protected]
Emergency numbers
911 – Emergencies
130 – Police
131, 132 – Fire brigade, accidents
Time
Behind Kyiv for 7 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kyiv 13:00, then in Asuncion – 06:00.
Tips
In good restaurants, 10% of the bill is usually left as a tip. Taxi drivers, porters, porters and maids will be grateful for even a small tip.
The medicine
Doctors recommend making preventive vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid fever, dengue fever, hepatitis A and rabies before traveling to Paraguay.
Security
The crime rate in Paraguay cannot be called high. However, reasonable security precautions are necessary. The most unsafe area is the east of the country on the border with Argentina and Brazil. Some Paraguayan cities, especially Ciudad del Este, are often engulfed in riots.
