Purely Paraguay

• Experience the wildlife and Mennonite culture of the Chaco
• Explore Jesuit ruins in Encarnacion
• Enjoy stunning scenery and walking trails in the Ybytyruzú Mountains
• Experience rural life on an estancia

Days 1 - Depart the UK

Days 2 - 4 - Asuncion

Days 5 - 7 - The Chaco

Days 8 & 9 - Vista Alegre Natural Resort

Day 10 - Estancia, Santiago

Days 11 & 12 - Encarnacion and Jesuit Missions

Day 13 - Asuncion

Days 14 & 15 - Depart Paraguay and arrive back in the UK

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Today you will depart the UK on your overnight international flight to Asuncion, Paraguay

Days 2 - 4 - Asuncion

Arrive in Asuncion where you will spend the next three nights. The following day you will have a city tour visiting the colonial downtown area with its many historic buildings, the oldest locomotive in South America, and a traditional craft market. The afternoon is then free to explore at your leisure. The following day, head out of the city towards Ypacarai Lake to visit small handicraft villages and historical towns where you will visit an 18th-century. Franciscan temple and the Basilica of Caacupé, as well as the picturesque summer resort of San Bernardino situated on the shores of the lake.

Days 5 - 7 – The Chaco

The Chaco is a vast wilderness, largely uninhabited and home to some unique wildlife. With seemingly endless plains, salty lagoons and savannahs the Chaco is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. On your first full day in the area you’ll journey into the wilds of the Chaco to Campo Maria, a large saltwater lagoon and a hotspot for migrating birds, especially flamingo. Your last day will be spent in Filadelfia town discovering all about the history of the Mennonite colonies and indigenous communities in the region at the museum and interpretation centre. You will then return to Asuncion for the night. 

Days 8 & 9 – Vista Alegre Natural Resort

Day 10 – Estancia, Santiago

Travel south to an estancia near the town of Santiago where you’ll have the afternoon to embark on one of the excursions offered by the ranch, explore one of the many walking trails, learn about traditional life, go horse-riding, or simply relax and soak up the surroundings. 

Days 11 & 12 – Encarnacion

Depart the estancia and journey to Encarnacion, located on the banks of the Paraná River, this is Paraguay’s most southerly city and is known as "the pearl of the south". On your first afternoon, you’ll have a city tour to visit the Plaza de Armas, the Stairs of San Pedro, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Itacuá, and the waterfront, a hub for locals enjoying water sports and pretty sunsets. On your second day visit a yerba mate factory. Yerba mate is a typical Paraguayan plant used to make the national drink, known as “the tea of the Jesuits”. Here you will learn all about the process of making yerba mate, from plantation to production. You will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Trinidad del Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangué. These Jesuit ruins are some of the best examples in the country, although not completed by the time the Jesuits were ejected from the country, they are impressive and atmospheric sites, nonetheless.  

Day 13 - Asuncion

Journey back up to Asuncion, where the rest of your time is free to relax. 

Days 14 & 15 - Depart Paraguay and arrive back in the UK