Itaipu Dam & Iguazu Paraguay Tour

Paraguay Mystic History Tour

8 Days / 7 Nights per person*

from 3851

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Itaipu Dam & Iguazu Paraguay Tour

Summary

8 Days / 7 Nights

Guaraní means “warrior” in English. Nowadays we don’t know much about these people, who lived in most parts of South America during the 16th Century. In Paraguay the center zone of the Guarani, only 1% of this population is left, but their culture and way of life is visible everywhere. More then 80% of the Paraguayan speak Yopara a mixture of Spanish and Guaraní. Guaraní and Spanish are the official languages of Paraguay; the money is also called Guaraní. The first Governor insisted the amalgamation between the Spanish and the Indians which is why most Paraguayan ancestors are Spanish and Guaraní. Today many of the citizens in Paraguay are very proud of their roots, and they try to preserve their culture. A serious problem is that the living circumstances of the real Indians is still a traditional lifestyle and changes very slowly. On this journey we will show you more about these fascinating people and teach you their history, and their traditional way of life. NOTE: Price quoted fixed on departure dates, for more info contact us!

FROM 3567 Per Person

This tour includes:

7 overnights stays with breakfast
Tours, tranfers and entrance detailed
English speaking Tour-guide
All the travel in private and air conditioned car

Highlights

Asunción city tour
The Chaco, Mennonites colonies
Jesuits ruins
Itaipu Dam
Iguassu falls

Itinerary

Day 1Asunción City Tour

Arrive at the international airport Silvio Petirossi in Asunción and transfer to your hotel where you have time to refresh after the long trip. In the early afternoon, being your journey with a tour of Asunción. Visit sites dating from 1537 such as the foundation of Asunción. Next, visit the house where independence was declared, ‘Casa de la Independencia,’ the beautiful cathedral, the National Pantheon of the Heroes, and the oldest train station in South America. At night, try some delicious empanadas at Lido, one of the most famous restaurants in Asunción. During the final leg of the tour, pass through the Silvio Pettirossi market, famous for its local artisans.

Racks of clothes and bags outside open door

Day 2Full Day Trip: The Life of the Indigenous

In the morning, depart Asunción and head towards San Lorenzo. In San Lorenzo, visit the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Guido Boggiani. The ethnographic collection consists of over 3,300 pieces of Paraguayan Native life. Stop by the photographic series, “The land without evil” by Zamuko of Buffe JP (1986 and 1993) and a collection of photos made by Guido Boggiani (1898-1905). Later, the journey continues to the Indian tribe, Maká. The Makas originally sustained with hunting, fishing and collecting honey, today they sell handmade souvenirs as a primary source of income.

Next, walk the Remanso bridge, crossing the Paraguay River. Nearby your crossing is Villa Hayes, the capital of the department of Presidente Hayes (one of the three departments of the Paraguayan Chaco). While here, visit the Museum of History, which displays uniforms, weapons, photographs and paraphernalia from the time of the Chaco War.

Afterward, explore another indigenous community in Cerrito, Chaco – “Toba Qom”. The Toba Qom Native community is located about 45 kilometers north of Asuncion, behind Villa Hayes. There are more than 1,000 inhabitants. This native tribe, originally from Bolivia, lives between the Mosquito and Rio Negro rivers and is rich with cultural history. After the visit you will enjoy lunch, with your choice of various locally caught fish, on the bank of the Paraguay River. At night, return to Asunción.

Day 3Asunción, Chaco & Filadelfia

Spend the day visiting the beautiful salt lakes of Loma Plata. Afterward, head to the livestock farming station of the Mennonites nearby. Later, choose an estancia of your choice to visit, as there are plenty in the region. You can try your hand at the lifestyle of a real Gaucho by milking cows or throwing the lasso. In the afternoon, head back to Filadelfia where you can relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 4Filadelfia

Today you will explore another traditional Estancia in Filadelfia. Later, continue to the Mennonite colony Neuland situated nearby Fortín Boquerón. This colony beholds and reflects the history of one of the biggest wars in Paraguayan history: the Chaco War. This waged fight between Paraguay and Bolivia was held in 1932-1935.

Keep your eyes open for unique animals and plants throughout this landscape. You may be surprised at what you see. In the evening, head back to your hotel in Filadelfia.

Day 5Filadelfia & Asunción

After a hearty, traditional breakfast, spend some time exploring the city. One of the most important sites in the city is a visit to the Jacob Unger Museum. Here you have the opportunity to listen to the story of the beginning of the Mennonite colonies Filadelfia, Loma Plata, Neuland and Menno. Later, return to Asunción for the night.

Day 6Asunción & Bella Vista

Your day starts by visiting the oldest church in Paraguay in Yaguarón. The church was originally built in the 17th century by the Jesuits but was later destroyed. In the late 18th century, Franciscan monks built a new church which you can still visit today. The baroque church is a well-preserved example of the 17th-century architecture of missionary churches. It also shows the capacity in arts of the Guaraní. Your journey continues passing by Villa Florida, until you arrive in San Ignacio, an old Jesuit reduction. In San Ignacio, visit the museum which contains artifacts from the Jesuit era. Later, drive to Santa Rosa a small village near Encarnación.

Santa Rosa is an excellent way to see how the reductions were built. Your tour will conclude by exploring the ruins of Trinidad and Jesus, a world heritage site since 1993. In Jesuit time, more than 4000 people lived in these reductions under the command of the padres. These ruins create a fantastic open air museum that feels like going back in time.

Day 7Trinidad, Itaipu & Foz do Iguaçu

Begin your day by visiting one of the biggest Yerba Mate factories in Paraguay. Yerba Mate is Paraguay’s national drink. In the cold of winter, enjoy the beverage hot. In the summer, Yerba Mate kept cold is called Terere. Afterward, travel to Ciudad Del Este where you will first visit Itaipu. This hydro plant is known as one of the modern wonders of the world. The plant produces more energy than 12 nuclear plants! You will also visit the museum of the Guaraní (Tierra de los Guaraní) and cross the bridge to get to your cozy Hotel on the Brazilian side.

Tour boat approaches base of Iguazu Falls

Day 8Foz do Iguaçu

In morning, prepare for your visit to one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The Iguassu Falls has more than 275 waterfalls, with a length of 4km and a height of 90m. Choose from one of the numerous trails in the national park to explore, and marvel at these massive waterfalls. After your misty visit, a guide will transfer you to the airport by car where you can either fly to your next destination or return home with all of the wonderful memories you have made on your South America trip.

Summary

NOTE: Price quoted fixed on departure dates, for more info contact us!

Tour Highlights

Asunción city tour
The Chaco, Mennonites colonies
Jesuits ruins
Itaipu Dam
Iguassu falls

Included

7 overnights stays with breakfast
Tours, tranfers and entrance detailed
English speaking Tour-guide
All the travel in private and air conditioned car

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