Travel to Paraguay

Paraguay became my 44th country, though I only had one day to explore - specifically in Ciudad del Este, the country's notorious shopping capital on the Brazilian border. Not exactly a typical introduction to a country, but memorable nonetheless.

Paraguay is South America's most overlooked nation. A landlocked country of 7 million people, it rarely makes international news and draws few tourists. Yet it has fascinating history - it fought devastating wars against its neighbors in the 19th century, losing much of its male population. Today it remains one of the poorest countries in South America but is slowly developing.

What I Experienced

Ciudad del Este is chaos incarnate. It exists primarily as a duty-free shopping zone for Brazilians and Argentines crossing the border to buy electronics, liquor, and anything else cheaper than at home. The streets are packed with vendors, the shops are overflowing with goods, and the atmosphere is pure commercial frenzy.

We crossed the Friendship Bridge from Brazil - a jarring experience with traffic, pedestrians, and motorcycles all competing for space. On the Paraguay side, hawkers immediately descended, offering everything from iPhones to perfume at "special prices." The contrast with the relative order of Brazil was striking.

Beyond the shopping madness, we caught glimpses of everyday Paraguayan life. The food stalls, the music, the mix of Spanish and Guaraní (the indigenous language still spoken by most Paraguayans). It felt very different from its larger neighbors.

Practical Notes

• Paraguayan Guaraní is the currency (though USD and BRL accepted in Ciudad del Este)
• The border crossing is hectic - keep valuables secure
• Bargaining is expected in the markets
• Counterfeit goods are common - buyer beware
• Asunción (the capital) apparently has more charm - I'll have to check next time

One day wasn't enough to understand Paraguay. Ciudad del Este is its commercial face, not its cultural heart. The country deserves a proper visit someday.

Aerial photography from Paraguay is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for South American border region content or emerging market destination marketing.