The delicate, intricate lace called "Nanduti" is still woven by hand the way it was centuries ago. Iguassu Falls still roars through the nearby jungle as it has for thousands of years. Victorian trolley cars still glide over the streets of Asuncion as they have been doing for as long as anyone can remember. Paraguay is a country forgotten by time and remains undiscovered by most tourists. This is where the pleasures are simple and natural and often a bit primitive. This is where you can hunt alligators or jaguar. It is where you can dine at a great country estate where the meals are as spectacular as the opulent surroundings. Paraguay is a quiet slice of paradise nestled between Argentina and Brazil.
Capital: Asuncion
Population: 5, 600,000
Area: 157,055 square miles
Language: Spanish and Guarani
Time: + 1 hours from New York
Electricity: 220 volts AC / 50 Hz
Geography: Paraguay is bordered by Brazil in the east, Argentina to the west and south and Bolivia to the northwest. The country is relatively flat and is made up of subtropical forest and grasslands.
International Airport Asuncion - (ASU) - The airport is located about 8 miles from the city and can be reached by taxi or slow bus. The taxi fare usually is about US$15 plus surcharges for baggage. Allow 35 minutes for transit time.
Tipping: 10% should be left for the waiters. Small change should be given to porters and taxi drivers.
Shopping: Shops open early at 7:30 in the morning and close at 11:30 for lunch reopening at 3 pm and staying open until 7 pm weekdays. Saturdays shops close at noon and do not open on Sundays. Leather goods and basketry are very good items to buy. Do not pass up the opportunity to buy some " Aho-Poy" cloth. This cloth is used in dresses, shirts and other woven clothing. It is quite pretty and endures well.
Food and Drink: The closest thing to a national dish is called - "Sopa Paraguaya" which is a rather stiff soufflé composed of mashed corn, eggs, cheese, onions and milk. There is lots of beer available and well as wines and rum. Soft drinks are plentiful Local brands taste like bubble gum with fizz.
Social: The people of Paraguay are very poor. The social ruin which took place all during the dictatorship has left the nation very much divided along economic lines. Social unrest is always just underneath the surface. Never wear flashy jewelry in public. Always be courteous to others just as you would like them to be to you. Beware of pickpockets and petty thieves. No not venture out at night unless you are in a party of people and then only after checking with locals about the safety of the venture.
Business: English is not widely spoken in even the capital. In business meetings remember that it will be better that you speak Spanish or have an interpreter. Business suits are always worn. Appointments are best in the mornings. Normal caution is recommended on the streets and roads.
Banking: Banks are open from 7:30 am to 11 am daily. There are no weekend hours.
Currency: The Guarani (G/)
Money Exchange: Banks are best for all transactions including travelers checks
Credit cards: Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are accepted in few places and usually only at hotels and upmarket shops and restaurants. ATMs should not be relied upon.
Climate
The weather is fairly even throughout the year. Summer temperatures are about 90F during the day and 73F in the winter months. Undependable rainfall in the area west of the Rio Paraguay restricts agricultural activity. | 