Sometimes known as “Corazon de Sudamerica”, which translates as “the Heart of South America”, Paraguay is one of the least visited countries in South America. This is a country so underrated that even Google Maps is struggling to find it. Which, naturally, put it at the top of our list for the first country in South America that we decided to visit in our monthly travel blog post. Forget about the overrated wonders of the world; here we’re talking about the hidden gems, the secret spots, and a land of surprises where even the chickens have a spring in their step and the hummingbirds perform salsa in mid-air.
In Paraguay the national pastime isn’t soccer but “yerba mate” – a traditional tea sipped through a straw that the locals clutch with a dedication that would make a squirrel hoarding nuts blush. More about that later. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, but the enthusiasm for life speeds up. Where cows have the right of way on the roads, and where the phrase “hurry up” is met with an amused chuckle and a sip of yerba mate.
American essayist and political satirist P.J. O’Rourke once said that Paraguay was “nowhere and famous for nothing.” He then took a business trip there, fell in love with the country and proceeded to move there. We think you too may be swept off your feet as we embark on a journey through the heart of South America’s best-kept secret. Paraguay is a symphony where its culture and natural environment combine harmoniously with the rhythm of that spicy Latin American flair. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride through a land where laughter is the local currency, because in Paraguay, a fiesta awaits!
With a population of 7.3 million, this landlocked nation is surrounded by Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina.
Notwithstanding its lack of coastline, Paraguay is home to the world’s largest navy among landlocked countries. It also has a river defense corps, a coast guard, and naval aviation.
There’s some debate about how Paraguay got its name. One theory states that the word means “River of the Paiaguas” after the native tribes. Another version is that the name may also mean parrot as it’s believed that the first Jesuit priests befriended a parrot named Frank. If the latter story is true, then the country could just as easily have been named “Frank” we guess. For reasons lost to history, apparently, at one point, these priests turned to Frank and made dinner out of him.
Paraguay is one of the few countries that has two official languages with its native tongue – Guarani – coming first and Spanish second. 90% of the population speaks Guarani meaning the majority of the non-indigenous population still speak Guarani, which is very rare. Guarani is what’s known as an onomatopoeic language in which most of its words imitate natural sounds of animals and the surrounding environment, like music. Paraguayans often mix the two languages when speaking, a combination known as “jopara”. Sort of their version of “Spanglish” we guess. For those of you who would like to brush up on your Guarani, here’s a quick refresher for you.
Paraguayans love their beer and wine, and while wine has been produced here for more than 400 years, it’s generally accepted that Paraguayan produce doesn’t match up to the prestige or flavor of the country’s Argentinian or Chilean neighbors. And although there are some great national breweries, most beer is imported from other Latin nations or the USA.
The closest thing you can get to a genuinely local alcoholic beverage in Paraguay is Cana Rum.
The brewing processes for this light and sweet liquor were first laid down by the Paraguayan Jesuits in the 16th century. Its formulation was perfected throughout the 20th century, and it’s now recognized as one of the nation’s iconic drinks.
And if you’re looking for a never-ending supply of ice for your cocktails, look no further because Paraguay is home to the world’s largest water reserve.
The Guarani Aquifer, located underneath Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, has a volume of 40,000 cubic kilometers (9,600 cubic miles) and stretches 1.2 million sq. kilometers (464,000 sq. miles). It could supply fresh drinking water to the entire world for around 200 years.
Paraguay is famous for its locally created cotton thread and a hand-woven technique women use to create beautiful designs called Ao Po’i. Ao Po’i in the Guarani language means “fine knitting” and is often used as formal wear.
The cotton is cleaned and converted into thread, which is then placed on a loom, a process which can take up to a day. After weaving, it is placed in both hot and cold baths, along with yucca starch, then left to dry out in the sun.
Each stitch and pattern has its own name in the Guarani language. For example, “ju’I rupi’a” means “frog’s eggs”, and is a stitch of several dots in on group Another stitch, “tatu pire”, means “armadillo shell”, and another “margarita poty”, means “daisy”.
Paraguayan tablecloths crafted from Ao Po’i cloth are renowned around the world for their intricacy. Just one can take over a year to make.
If you’re just pissed off at someone, Paraguay could be the place for the two of you to visit because pistol dueling is still legal here. You’ll both, however, need to be a registered blood donors to take part. And you’ll also need a professional medic on hand, for the inevitable…..
Paraguay’s flag is unique among national flags as on one side it features the country’s coat of arms while on the back it has the country’s treasury seal. The red and white colors represent equality, patriotism, and courage whereas the blue represents freedom and justice. The national emblem consists of a coat of arms, an olive branch, and the nation’s motto “Paz y Justicia” which means Peace and Justice.
Paraguay runs on hydro-powered electricity, in fact it makes up 100% of the country’s electricity requirements, proving that land-locked doesn’t have to mean energy-locked. The Itaipu Dam, built in 1984 at a cost of nearly USD $19.6 billion (USD $472 billion today!), was the largest dam in the world until the opening of the Three Gorges Dam in China in 2008. Built on the Parana River, the second largest river in South America after the Amazon River, and jointly run by Paraguay and Brazil, the dam is 196 meters (645 feet) in height and 8 kilometers (5 miles) long.
Paraguay boasts brilliant biodiversity and bird lovers will, well, love it as the country is home to over 1,000 different types of birds. It’s also home to the America’s largest cat – the Jaguar.
At the Jardín Zoológico in the capital, Asuncion, you can visit a jaguar refuge center. Ocelots and panthers prowl the country. There are hundreds of snake species, most of them harmless, except the eight species of coral snake. The piranha fish lives in Paraguay too, but – in contrast to what we’ve learnt from James Bond – they actually pose no threat to humans.
The Lapacho tree, known as the Pink Trumpet Tree, is found in many South American Countries. It’s also Paraguay’s national tree. Famous for its beautiful pink leaves, it’s also known for its medicinal properties. It’s believed that the Inca’s used the Lapacho tree as an important medicine.
Mate is the traditional drink for the Guarani indigenous people and, considering Paraguay is one of the few countries in South America to retain its Guarani native heritage, it’s no surprise that it’s also the national drink. Mate is an infused tea made with the yerba mate plant and boiling water. It’s usually served hot and sipped through a metal straw that’s used as a filter, but there’s a cold version of it – Terere – that is also popular in the summer. Yerba mate is a relative of common holly. Sharing a mate with friends is considered a social activity and an important part of the culture.
Although frequently overlooked by travelers en-route to the rest of South America, Paraguay beckons you with its hidden wonders. And while it might be trickier to get to than most places on the continent, there’s good reason to visit. Outdoorsy types can take their pick from wildlife-rich wetlands, sand dune islands, record-breaking waterfalls and Instagrammable rock formations, while those who like the finer things will find a plethora of cocktail bars, museums, and excellent steak houses. It’s a country where time moves at its own pace and where sharing a mate is more than just a tradition – it’s an invitation to connect.
So, as you contemplate your next travel destination, remember that Paraguay is more than just a place; it’s a symphony of nature, history, and laughter. Just open your mind to the unexpected and get ready for a journey through the heart of South America’s best-kept-secret. Because Paraguay isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersive experience waiting to captivate your senses, leaving you with memories as vibrant as the Lapacho tree’s pink leaves. Don’t just dream about it; let Paraguay turn your wanderlust into a fiesta of discovery.
Vamos a Paraguay!!
As Michelle stated always entertaining and fact filled! Favorite fact was the world’s largest aquifer!
What a country that I haven’t thought about ever! May have to visit and have some Yerba Mate!
Again, endless supply of facts. Never disappointed by these blogs.