Paraguay: A Country of Contrasts

Paraguay is a country of spectacular contrasts – land of the extremely poor and inconceivably rich. Land of subtropical rainforests, vast plains and developing cities. Land of Asucions’ skyscrapers and abandoned Jesuit colonial villages. A gripping mixture of nature, human evolution and social imbalance – this is today’s Paraguay.

Located in the heart of South America, it has no access to any ocean – it is bordered by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. Despite this geographical location, Paraguay has its virtues.

Its residents do not miss the vast ocean and all the benefits and demerits it has to offer, since they have their two rivers – the Rio Paraguay and the Rio Parana. The second river serves up to a great extent in favor of Paraguay. Not only it is one of the external boundaries of the country, but also the building place of the Itaipu dam. This is one of the biggest projects Paraguay has undertaken. Together with Brazil, the Itaipu dam was built for 13 years and opened in 1984. Nowadays it is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world.

The Rio Paraguay divides the country into two parts – Eastern and Western Region. The most important cities are located in the Eastern part. The leading town is the capital Asuncion. 1 million of the 6 million Paraguayans live in the capital’s metropolitan area, making it the biggest city in the country. Established in 1537, Asuncion has much to offer to its visitors and inhabitants, being one of the oldest cities in both Americas. Alongside with some famous museums and cathedrals (the Godoi Museum, the Metropolitan cathedral), the National Pantheon of Heroes – a national pride for Paraguay, is placed in Asuncion. The Calle Palma is the city’s main street with its historical buildings portraying different periods and infulence, plazas, shops and restaurants. Asuncion is also the host of theatre, opera and ballet companies and several symphony orchestras.

The Western part of Paraguay is also worth visiting. If one would like to escape from crowds and stress and experience the pure wilderness, Chaco is his place. Dusty plains, covering 60% of the territory and 3% of the population – this is Chaco. This place has preserved unique ecosystems, little known to scientists until recent years.

Although being not among the most popular travel destinations, Paraguay’s nature, cities, indigenous people (the Guarani) and culture are definitely worth seeing.