Paraguay, in respect to its Fauna, its Flora and its climate, is divided in two parts: The western part, the so-called Chaco, covers 61 % of the Paraguayan territory. Only 3% of Paraguayan population lives here. After the "Amazonas-Jungle" the Paraguayan Chaco is the second biggest forest in the Americas. The eastern part makes up only 39% of the land, but is the most populated part of Paraguay. 20 National Parks and nature preserves enable its visitors to enjoy ecological tourism at its best.

Paraguay ranks 58th in the world in Country size with 406.752 km2. Of its 5.8 million inhabitants, 52% live in towns and 48% in the country-side. With 13 people per km2, Paraguay is not very populated. Paraguay is the only bilingual country in South America. The Spanish and Guaraní languages have equal rights in Paraguay. In spring time (Set. - Dec.) the Paraguayan climate is at 25°C during the day and is very pleasant. In summer (Dec. - Mar.) it can be very hot with temperatures up to 40°C Summer is also the rainy season at least once a week. In autumn (Apr.-June) the weather changes often (between 18°C-30°C). Winter time (July - Set.) sees changes too, with warm and cold days down to 10°C and humidity of 90%. Warm clothing, like pullovers, overcoats and jackets, are advisable in this season. In the summer the tourists should wear cotton shirts, shorts, sandals and it is advisable to take raincoat and umbrella in case of rain.

Holidays in Paraguay:

1.1. (New Year),
1.3. (Heroes Day),
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (Mar.-Apr.),
1.5. (Day of Work),
15. 5. (Independence Day),
12.6. (Peace with Bolivia),
15.8. (Foundation of Asunción),
12.10. (Discovery of America),
8.12. (Pilgrimage of Caacupé),
25.12. (Christmas)

The Paraguayan love to celebrate and always will find a reason for it. No invited guests are always welcome.

The traffic-rules are according to the international standards - with a South American touch (right of way is ignored).
The Paraguayan money is called Guaraní and is divided in 100 Centimes. In circulation are bills of  5,000, 10,000, 20.000, 50,000 and 100.000 Guaraníes, besides coins of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Guaraníes. In May 2008 the exchange rate was 3,930 Guaraníes to 1 US$. Guaraníes and foreign money can be transferred without any limitation. In all the banks and in most of the shops, credit cards and traveller-checks are accepted. Paraguay is a big "duty-free-shop". You can use the local currency, but the American Dollar is more and more accepted. Cigarettes, alcohol beverages, meat, gas oil, electronic stuff and trade mark clothing are worth the money. Arts and crafts items are quiet cheap, also.

Its flora and fauna makes of Paraguay a paradise of nature and is called the "Garden of the World". Innumerable kinds of decorative plants, such as lilies and orchids are mixed with majestic jungle-trees, like Lapacho, Quebracho and palm groves rising up to the horizon with its evergreen splendour. Exotic fruits, like bananas, pineapples and multitude of citric plants grow wild or are cultivated in plantations. The most important exports of Paraguay are soya-beens, wheat and cotton, beside others. Also exotic is the fauna of this country Examples are hummingbirds, parrots ostriches, armadillos, ant- eaters, pumas, tapirs and jaguars. Reptiles like caimans, snakes and iguanas also contribute to the nature of the land. Sports fishermen, who like fishing Surubí, Dorado or Pakú get their money's worth.

Those who wish to enjoy sports have lots of possibilities in Paraguay: Apart from national sports, like soccer and volleyball, the interested tourist can enjoy horse-riding, fishing and trekking-tours. Water-sports are also available. Boat-trips on innumerable clean rivers exist and swimming is also safe. Lake Ypacaraí near Asunción, presents itself for sailing, surfing or wet-bike-trips. Special permission or licence is not required. Visitors from the European Community with valid passports do not need a visa for Paraguay. Special vaccination is not required; however, domestic animals need an international vaccination certificate. Customs directions are similar to other countries (personal stuff like camera, video etc. are duty-free). It is not worth it to bring cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, a.s.o., because they are much cheaper in Paraguay. Medications are quite cheap in Paraguay, but it is recommended to take your usual medicine. Medical service in the capital is quite good, but it can be deficient in the country side. Charges of a possible treatment are quite reasonable. In Asunción there are a lot of foreign language-speaking medicals.

Voltage in Paraguay is 220V/50Hz. It is recommended to take plug-adapters. Business-hours: Workshops and factories work from 7 a.m. -12 a.m. and from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., government agencies from 7 a.m. continue to 3 p.m., banks from 8.45 a.m. -3 p.m. and other shops from 9 -12 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m. The public transportation of passengers is quite well developed and very cheap. Buses within the cities (micros) circulate almost every minute and stop at every corner. For cross-country-trips luxury buses are used or sometimes you can travel with the oldest steam-train of South America, if it works. Ship trips on the Paraguay River up to the Pantanal in the north or to Buenos Aires in the south upon request. To some smaller towns or remote places, shuttle-service with little air planes is available. Street-maps are sold in the Geographic Military Institute, in the Paraguayan Touring-Club or in libraries. Cheaper and better is the new town-guide of Asunción (Gran Plano de Asunción) or the TAP-Guide II.

Important directions in Paraguay:

Embassy of the USA
Avda. Mariscal López 1776
Asunción - Paraguay
TEL.: 213-715
FAX: 213-728

Embassy of Great Britain
Avda. Boggiani 5848 c/ R.I.6 Boquerón
Asunción - Paraguay
TEL.: 612-611 / 612-610 / 612-605/10
FAX: 605-007

Embassy of Japan
Avda. Mariscal López 2364
Casilla de Correo 1957 Asunción - Paraguay
TEL.: 604-616 / 603-682 / 606-900
FAX: 606-901

Consulate of Canada
JUAN ALBERTO SPERATTI RISSO Cónsul Honorario
Fono: 494-931/2
OFICINA CONSULAR:
Profesor Ramirez Nª 3 c/Juan de Zalazar
Fono: 227 207 Fax: 227 208

Embassy of Paraguay en Canada
151 Slater Street Suite 501,
Ottawa - Ontario,

S U D A F R I C A. .

DIRECCION DE EMBAJADA:
189 Streliza Road Waterkoof
Heights - PRETORIA
Tel. (2783) 7099000 – 2773 1689388
Fax: (2712) 3460900 3470403
Horario de atención: 08:00 a 16:00 hs

E-Mail: pyembassy@telkom.net

Homepage: http://www.embassyofparaguay.co.za
Homepage: http://www.westfalenhaus.com

Senioren/In winterntime in Paraguay!
http://www.senioren-ueberwintern.de/