There are two muy importante things to know when traversing the lesser-known, but when it comes to South America specifically, there are scattered no-go zones across some of the continent’s most beautiful destinations (ahem, Colombia and Brazil).
Those two would be safety and hospitality.
Traveling anywhere that feels undiscovered without being welcomed can make a sketchy situation even sketchier.
Fortunately for you, one of South America’s last frontiers for tourism actually wants you to visit — somewhat of a unicorn sighting in the day and age of overtourism protests across the globe.
Not only does it feel like a warm hug, it’s super affordable too, in addition to boasting astounding nature and delightful towns beyond the urban sprawl of its capital Asunción.
If you did well in geography class like me, then you already know we’re talking about Paraguay, a little-known country that’s been touring the world spreading the word about how awesome their country is in hopes you’ll visit.
Before diving in, remember it’s always wise to check Safety Levels and Entry Requirements no matter where your next adventure takes you!
Paraguay: South America’s Safest Country
Let’s circle back to some of South America’s “dangerous” destinations, shall we?
Colombia, Brazil, and most recently Ecuador all seem to share one thing besides incredible culture and stunning seaside getaways:
Crime.
I’ve had the fortune of visiting both Colombia and Brazil and never felt unsafe, but statistics and many travelers’ experiences say otherwise.
Now let’s tackle where South America’s safest destinations are, which are all classified as Level 1 (the lowest designation) by the U.S. State Department:
- French Guiana
- Suriname
- Argentina
- Paraguay
Piggybacking off the State Department, if you’re an avid follower of Travel Off Path — and who wouldn’t be — you may have familiarized yourself with our new Safety Index too, showing real-time safety levels.
Paraguay is currently leading all the aforementioned destinations with a score of 85/100, with only one reported incident of theft.
See below for yourself and feel free to chime in:
Paraguay’s Off-Path Appeal
From the underrated capital to the riverbanks of Encarnación, Paraguay is a delight to explore top to bottom.
That’s why Paraguayan officials are actively promoting their country — a landlocked nation that feels worlds away from some of its easier-to-reach neighbors, such as Brazil and Argentina.
Digital nomads have been flocking here for years, since late 2022 when they eased restrictions for investments to stay here long-term.
But what about other types of travelers?
Everyday 9-to-5ers likely don’t have Paraguay circled on their wishlist, but those who crave adventure and realness, not cookie-cutter fluff and regurgitated itineraries, are the type who would love this country most.
If you follow comedian Ari Shaffir, you know he’s notorious for giving the old “Irish goodbye” to society and living off the beaten path for months on end for a solo sabbatical.
Even with his mindset, he opted to skip Paraguay and visit just about every other nearby country, even fellow off-pather Bolivia.
So, what is it about Paraguay that’s so off-putting being undeniably safe, cultural, and offering astounding nature?
Nothing. People just don’t about it, which is why Americans can’t fly here directly anymore after Eastern Airlines cut the lone route from Miami years ago.
In fact, we’ll go on record in saying Asunción doesn’t come close to being the best part about it even with its historic colonial charm and authentic culture.
Paraguay’s Golden Beach Town Nobody Ever Talks About
Encarnación is even lesser known than Asunción, but even though it’s harder to reach, the good news about it is it straddles the the border of Paraguay and Argentina, making for multiple ways to get here.
Yes, we did say Paraguay is landlocked, so we’re not talking Rio beach quality.
However, Encarnación boasts gleaming gold sandy shores along its vast riverbanks with palm-lined promenades and “fresh catch” shacks serving up grilled freshwater fish versus the usual saltwater selection you may be more accustomed to.
But let me tell you — after my trip to Iquitos, Peru, I’m here to say freshwater fish may be even more delicious.
Alligator ceviche, though? Hard pass.
Encarnación is one of South America’s most unsung cities — it’s cheap, cultural, offers shockingly pretty beaches, hosts Paraguay’s biggest carnival, and a pair of incredible UNESCO sites, Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue.
