Short guide to Paraguay
Paraguay has recovered well from a century and a half of dictatorship under a variety of leaders to become a relatively prosperous and peaceful South American nation.
It is landlocked (bordered by Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil) and is, surprisingly, often overlooked by travellers. The reasons for this tourist neglect is unclear, as Paraguay has much to offer.
A brave history of struggle against the Spanish invasions that shaped the surrounding countries means that Paraguay has retained the cultural earmarks of its native Guarani people. Nonetheless, Latin remnants are in abundance, particularly in Asuncion, the capital city, which boasts 500 years of architecture including the towering Cathedral in the city centre. Asuncion is a thriving metropolis and its infrastructure is well developed. As well as the usual facilities for tourists and locals, including major shopping centres, there is also a good selection of bars, restaurants, and nightspots that host the partying locals long into the night.
Because Paraguay has no rail network, the extensive river system is used as a convenient (and very charming) transport network. Commercial boats ship goods all over the country and pleasure boats offer return cruises from the capital to Concepcion (a little over 200 kilometres north).
Chaco, a westerly area of Paraguay is home to the Amish-like German Mennonites, native Guarani people who live the same way that their millennia-old ancestors did, as well as a rich variety of wildlife that is a nature lover's dream.
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