Paraguay
Paraguay is a South American landlocked country. The name signifies "from a great river" in the local language. The great river refers to River Parana and it is the river which produces the largest amount of hydro-electric power in the world. Placed in the heart of South America it is surrounded by Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and the Paraguay River. The climate of the country fluctuates between subtropical and temperate. It has considerable amount of rain in the east whereas the far west is semi-arid.
Travel to Paraguay The airline of Paraguay is TAM Mercosur. Gol and Aerosur are the other names that reach the soil of Paraguay.
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is the aerodrome that caters to flights worldwide. It is located at Luque which is a suburb of the capital city, Asuncion. The distance will be about 16 km from the hub. A coach and taxis are also readily available from the airport. The journey time will be about twenty minutes. Services like duty free shopping and restaurants are available at the airport for the comfort of the passengers along with authorised currency exchangers.
Attractions
Parque Nacional Ybycuí Ybycuí is located at a distance of about 150 km from Asuncion. It has a lovely lush subtropical rainforest which is filled with amazing beauty, unique flora and fauna with enormous butterflies. Though in the thick and fertile forest it is quite difficult to spot the animal life, butterflies fly amongst you which are a lively sight. It has an unspoilt splendour with steep hills, cascades and pools. You can go for camping or hiking in this picturesque and serene spot.
Panteon Nacional de los Heroes This is located at the capital city of Asuncion. It depicts the Paraguayan history as a memorial to the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the catastrophic wars and battles of the country. It is open on the weekdays from six in the morning to 5.30 in the evening. In the weekends it is present for public viewing till noon. Two sentinels guard the tranquil location and a 15 min changing of the guard ceremony will be conducted at 10 am on Saturdays.
Language Spanish and Paraguayan Guarani are the official language. Equal status is given to both the languages and the country’s constitution is bilingual. You can find that the state produced textbooks are in both Spanish and Guarani. The local speakers tend to mix the languages when they speak. Other languages spoken by the immigrants are Japanese, Greek, Italian, Ukrainian, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese. Other languages like Guana, Ayoreo, Maca, Toba, Chamacoco, Standard German, Lengua, Nivacle,Sanapana other Guarani dialects and more can be heard among the minorities.
Shopping There are some big departmental stores in the cities so you can go for shopping for almost anything. From clothing to modern electronic equipment can be procured. Calle Palma is one of the hottest shopping localities. If you want something special that makes you remember the place then go for products like souvenirs, ńandutí lace that are made by the women of Itagua and aopoi sports shirts which are produced in a variety of colours and designs. Other products to go for are locally designed jewellery, leather products, silver yerba mate cups and wooden handicrafts.
Guarani is the official currency for Paraguay. It is a country with free monetary exchange guiding principles and there are no restrictions when it comes to currency exchange. US Dollars is more easily exchangeable than the Pound Sterling in Paraguay and it is acceptable throughout the country. You can exchange the currencies at the Bureaux de exchange which are the authorised exchangers. Tourists are advised not to exchange their currencies with unauthorised people as you may be cheated with false notes. ATMs are widespread. Major credit cards are accepted but you may have to provide a proof of identity like a passport when making purchases with it. Traveller’s cheques are not very much received.
Destinations
Asuncion This capital city sits on the bank of the Paraguay River. The hills and the river together offer lovely landscapes. It is also an urban area which is the political capital of the country. It is the industrial and economic hub of Paraguay too and footwear, tobacco and textiles are produced here. Calle Palma – a shopping street is a favoured place by shoppers is in this city. In addition to it several shopping centres here will meet your demands. Several interesting tourists attractions like the Godoy Museum, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and more are here. You can reach this spot by the airport.
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