Back from Paraguay

Hi there,

I just stopped by quickly between Iguaçu and Argentina (passing through the capital), and what I saw didn’t leave me with unforgettable memories. I would’ve loved to visit the Gran Chaco, but I didn’t have enough time... Where did you go?

almost everywhere except the Chaco—it’s complicated to visit. I’d rather head to the Pantanal next year

Yes, the Pantanal, but starting from Campo Grande in Brazil. 😏

not set yet, the year isn't over, so it's still a long way off!

Hi there,

I’m looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination for November 2025 (about 3 weeks). I speak Spanish and I’ve already been to Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina.

I travel on a tight budget, so I use public transport, youth hostels or local hotels, small restaurants or markets for food, no agencies, etc. No smartphone unless absolutely necessary. I enjoy hiking as much as visiting museums, ruins, old neighborhoods, etc. No beaches unless it’s for the scenery—no lounging around. I like to take my time in a place or city that’s worth it.

So, about Paraguay, I’m interested in any info for a "backpacker" trip: practical tips, logistics, local contacts, unique details, etc.

I can provide more details if needed.

Thanks! !

So about Paraguay, I'm interested in all info for a "backpacker" trip: practical stuff, logistics, local contacts, unique details, etc.

I don’t know what travelers who’ve been there think, but a large part of the country is made up of vast *haciendas*, huge private estates... a land of *gauchos*, kind of like the non-touristy parts of Argentina. I think you’d need to head way up north to the *Gran Chaco* and across the border into Bolivia, where there’s a barely visited park, *Kaa Iya*, but I can’t tell you much about it since I haven’t been... https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_national_Kaa_Iya On the other hand, in Bolivia, you can visit *Noël Kempff Mercado* National Park (super wild): https://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/967/ Two days of transport through the jungle from Santa Cruz. I’ve been there. Anyway, in your shoes, I’d prioritize Bolivia (tons of wild spots) or even better, Colombia (skip the places packed with tourists and tour operators!). There are loads of wild spots all over the country! *Capurganá*, for example (Caribbean coast), near the Panama border... The *San Agustín* region in the south, and also the Pacific coast—but I haven’t been there.

There’s also the *Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta*, but approach it from the south (Valledupar), not Santa Marta like all the tourists do... Take a bus from Valledupar to Nabusimake ("where the sun was born" in the Arhuaco language). That’s where the adventure begins!