Paraguay
Paraguay is South America's 'empty quarter', a country little known even to its neighbours. Beloved national writer Augusto Roa Bastos called Paraguay "an island surrounded by land", while PJ O'Rourke slated it as "nowhere and famous for nothing". Then, however, on a short visit to cover elections, he promptly fell in love with the place. You might well do the same.
Since elevations do not exceed 600m (1968ft), temperatures are almost uniformly hot in summer - the average high in December, January and February is 35°C (95°F), with daily temperatures ranging between 25°C and 43°C (77°F to 109°F). Winter temperatures are more variable and can reach freezing or hover at 6°C (42°F), though the average high in July, the coldest month, is 22°C (71°F). Occasional southern polar air can severely decrease the temperature. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year with the winter months usually being a bit drier. Conditions are wetter in the east where rainfall averages an abundant 2000mm (79in) a year, declining to about 1500mm (59in) near Asunción. Southern Paraguay's climate is humid, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
Asunción, Paraguay's energetic capital and largest city, is built on unassuming hills above the east bank of the Río Paraguay. There are thankfully few high rises, downtown El Centro retains its intimate 19th-century feel, with low, balconied buildings and orange trees lining the narrow streets.
Most of the city's key sights are found within an area bound by the riverfront, Avenida Colón in the west, calles Haedo and Luis A Herrera in the south, and Estados Unidos to the east. A recent construction boom has seen a jumble of new eclectic buildings and large malls.
Many of Paraguay's finest attractions are just a short hop from the capital and include the weaving capital of Itaguá, where the famous ñandutí or spiderweb lace is made, and the lakeside resorts of Areguá and San Bernadino, both on Lago Ypacaraí.
West of here is Caacupé, Paraguay's most important religious centre and the site of an annual pilgrimage. The tranquil and undeveloped Parque Nacional Ybycuí, preserving one of the few remaining areas of rainforest in the country, is to the south.
Defensores del Chaco is a wooded alluvial plain; Cerro León is its greatest landmark. The dense thorn forest harbours large cats such as jaguar, puma and ocelot. The best way to explore the park is by guided tour, which is best arranged from Asunción.
Set atop a lush green hill, Trinidad is Paraguay's best-preserved Jesuit reducción, a settlement in which native populations were concentrated for religious instruction, education, and protection. It's a stunning, peaceful, and fascinating place, and a UNESCO world heritage site, although little visited.
Paraguay is South America's 'empty quarter', a country little known even to its neighbours. Beloved national writer Augusto Roa Bastos called Paraguay "an island surrounded by land", while PJ O'Rourke slated it as "nowhere and famous for nothing". Then, however, on a short visit to cover elections, he promptly fell in love with the place. You might well do the same.
Set atop a lush green hill, Trinidad is Paraguay's best-preserved Jesuit reducción, a settlement in which native populations were concentrated for religious instruction, education, and protection. It's a stunning, peaceful, and fascinating place, and a UNESCO world heritage site, although little visited.