Paraguay Travel Safety — Elevated Risk – Plan Carefully | TouristAlert.com
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Paraguay

Updated about 1 month ago
a view of a city from a bird's eye view
Photo by Alan Martinez on Unsplash
Elevated Risk

Plan Carefully

Paraguay is generally peaceful but has elevated street-crime risk in cities, plus real concerns around corruption and limited police responsiveness. Travelers who plan carefully, avoid high-risk neighborhoods and night travel, and keep a low profile can have a smooth trip, but it is not a “relax-and-forget” destination.

Key Risks
  • Mugging and opportunistic theft in Asunción and Ciudad del Este, especially at night and around transit hubs
  • Scams, overcharging and counterfeit goods in border/commercial areas (notably Ciudad del Este)
  • Road safety issues: poor lighting, aggressive driving, motorbike accidents and limited emergency response outside major cities
  • Corruption and inconsistent law enforcement; occasional demonstrations that can disrupt movement
  • Health risks including dengue/chikungunya outbreaks and heat stress, with variable hospital capacity outside top private clinics
Daily Costs (USD)
Hostel$14
Hotel$45
Apartment$38
Transport$10
Coffee$2.2
Beer$2
Sandwich$4.5
Dinner (2)$24

Estimates only. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood, and personal spending habits. Always check current prices before travelling.

Safety Scorecard
⚔️Conflict

Armed conflict, military tensions & territorial disputes.

9/10 · Excellent
🚨Terrorism

Risk based on recent threat levels & incidents.

8/10 · Good
🔪Violent Crime

Murder, assault, robbery & armed attacks.

4/10 · Poor
🎭Petty Crime & Scams

Pickpocketing, bag-snatching & tourist scams.

4/10 · Poor
🏛️Political Stability

Strength & stability of the government.

5/10 · Fair
🏥Health

Disease risk, healthcare quality & availability.

5/10 · Fair
🌪️Natural Disaster

Earthquake, flood, cyclone & volcanic activity risk.

6/10 · Fair
🚌Infrastructure

Transport safety, roads & emergency services.

5/10 · Fair
🤝Social & Cultural

Welcomeness for solo female & LGBTQ+ travellers.

5/10 · Fair
🍽️Food & Water

Food poisoning risk & tap water safety.

5/10 · Fair

Scores 1–10 · 10 = best · 1 = worst

Travel News
Transport

Demonstrations in Asunción Disrupt Transit

Recent protests in central Asunción have led to roadblocks and delays in public transport, including access to the international airport. Travelers should consider alternate routes and monitor local news.

GOV.UK· 02 May 2026
Weather

Severe Weather Alerts for Paraguayan Regions

Severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, are affecting several regions in Paraguay, potentially disrupting travel plans and causing delays in transport services.

The Asunción Times· 01 May 2026
Safety

Increased Crime Warnings for Travelers

Travel advisories highlight rising crime rates in urban areas, advising tourists to exercise caution and avoid displaying valuables in public or in transit.

Government of Canada· 29 April 2026
Strike

Ongoing Transport Strikes Affecting Services

Ongoing strikes in the transport sector continue to disrupt bus and taxi services across the country, including routes to and from airports.

Adept Traveler· 28 April 2026
Health

Health Alerts for Travelers in Paraguay

Health officials have issued alerts for increased cases of mosquito-borne diseases, advising travelers to take precautions against dengue and zika virus.

Smartraveller· 27 April 2026

Updated about 1 month ago

Why Visit?

Paraguay is South America’s under-the-radar heartland: a river-laced country of yerba maté culture, Jesuit ruins and big-sky wetlands. Come for the slower pace, warm hospitality and the thrill of exploring places that still feel refreshingly untouristed.

5 Things To Do
  1. 1
    Asunción riverside & historic core

    Walk the microcentro for colonial facades, street markets and museums, then time it for sunset along the Costanera. Pair it with a stop in Loma San Jerónimo for viewpoints and neighborhood color.

  2. 2
    Day trip to Areguá & Lake Ypacaraí

    Browse ceramics workshops and art spaces in Areguá’s red-earth streets. Finish with lakeside cafés and a relaxed late afternoon back in the capital.

  3. 3
    Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad and Jesús

    Explore UNESCO-listed stone churches and plazas that hint at a fascinating, complex colonial past. Go near dusk for softer light and fewer tour groups.

  4. 4
    Itaipú Dam (Hernandarias)

    Visit one of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants for a grand-scale engineering fix. Book ahead for guided circuits and bring ID for entry procedures.

  5. 5
    Pantanal edge & wetlands around Bahía Negra (seasonal)

    In the dry season, the far north offers wildlife-rich river journeys and serious off-the-beaten-track travel. Use reputable operators: logistics, fuel and communications are limited.

5-Day Itinerary
1
Asunción essentials

Start with the historic center and a museum stop, then use rideshare to hop between neighborhoods rather than walking long stretches. End with sunset on the Costanera and dinner in a well-trafficked area like Villa Morra.

2
Craft towns and lake breeze

Day-trip to Areguá for ceramics studios and galleries, keeping valuables low-key in busy market areas. Return before dark and sample Paraguayan classics like sopa paraguaya and chipa.

3
Jesuit Missions run

Travel early (bus or private transfer) toward Encarnación and base yourself for the missions. Visit Trinidad in the afternoon and stay overnight locally to avoid late road travel.

4
Encarnación and the Paraná River vibe

See Jesús mission site in the morning, then spend the rest of the day along Encarnación’s riverfront and beaches in season. Stick to populated areas at night and use taxis/rideshare back to your accommodation.

5
Ciudad del Este & Itaipú (choose carefully)

If you go to the border region, focus on Itaipú Dam and controlled attractions, and skip flash-carrying shopping sprees in crowded commercial zones. Travel with a plan, keep documents secure, and aim to depart well before evening.

Things To Know
  • Use rideshare or trusted taxis at night; avoid empty streets and parks after dark, especially in Asunción’s central areas.
  • Keep your phone out of sight in crowded places; use a cross-body bag and carry only the cash you need for the day.
  • Dengue prevention matters: pack repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and choose lodging with screens/AC where possible.
  • Road safety is a major risk: prefer reputable long-distance buses or private transfers, and avoid nighttime intercity driving.
  • Tap water quality varies; many travelers stick to bottled/filtered water, and be cautious with ice and street food during hot months.
Kids & Accessibility

Families will find Paraguay welcoming and affordable, with parks, lake trips and relaxed dining, but you’ll need extra vigilance around traffic and nighttime security. Accessibility is mixed: sidewalks can be uneven, curb cuts are inconsistent, and outside newer malls/hotels step-free access and reliable elevators are not guaranteed.