Paraguay Holidays
Despite being landlocked by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, Paraguay had remained relatively isolated from its neighbours and been overlooked by tourism until fairly recently. Yet this fascinating country has emerged from its turbulent history and succession of charasmatic leaders to gain recognition for its rustic beauty and friendly people. Moreover, Paraguay lays claim to a wealth of natural resources and a diverse landscape including fertile plains grazed by the country's main export, cattle.
Those seeking a raw wilderness to roam and plentiful wildlife to observe should head toward the Gran Chaco. Extending into Argentina and Bolivia and encompassing almost the entire western half of the country, the Gran Chaco is a patchwork of thorny scrubland and marshy savannah sparsely populated by the occassional Mennonite community and a natural haven for birdlife. The Chaco is also home to the Parque Nacional Cerro Corá, a national park treasured for its unspoilt waterfalls and nature trails, and crowned by the majestic Cerro Muralia (325m/1066ft).
Notably, Paraguyans are proud of their indigenous heritage with the native Guaraní language still widely spoken alongside Spanish. You can explore the well-preserved Jesuit missions, sited south of Asuncion, where Guaraní Indians were offered refuge from slave gatherers during the 17th century.
Paraguay offers many unique attractions on its own and can be easily combined with a holiday to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia.