Paraguay Experience

It is a country where everything moves by car or bus (honestly, it offers a pathetic service). To travel 300km, the "direct" bus took 7 hours, on a road with one lane each way (I paid 2 tolls). The prices are not cheap at all. Taxis in Asuncion cost from 30,000 to 60,000 guaranies; some do not have a taximeter and take advantage of that to ask for more. The sidewalks are precarious or nonexistent, you cannot walk, and many streets are full of potholes. The most beautiful things are its rivers, to see them from afar because if you get close you will see all the trash they carry; it is pathetic!

Since we couldn't get any other participants, we had them do a private tour for an additional fee. It was a great option because it was difficult to get from Fosdoiguaçu to anything other than the center of Ciudad del Este for a day trip without a car. The guide was kind and it was a great day.

We booked this tour well in advance and were confirmed for a set day and early morning time, 5/28. However, just a it more than a day before we were to do this experience, the tour operator (apparently) cancelled out of the blue w/no explanation at all. Thinking I had perhaps accidentally left some info out on the booking, and given there was no explanation, I went through the booking process again for two days later, w/passport info, etc. and double- and triple-checked for completeness and accuracy. I again got a confirmation and thought it was just some solved anomaly. However, within an hour, it was (again) cancelled inexplicably by email. I tried to find out why and couldn't. Though the weather had been quite bad the week before, at this time, there was no known weather event that should've cancelled this. I guess it's just a very unreliable company. I don't believe we have been charged, fortunately, although I haven't gotten the credit card bill yet.

Paraguay was an interesting place. Viktor was very helpful and did a great job at guiding. His English was especially good. As a guide I give him 5 stars. I particularly enjoyed Itaipu - both the wildlife preserve and the dam. The Monday waterfall was also nice to visit. Unfortunately, the border crossing to Paraguay took over an hour and the return border crossing took over 2 hours. On the way into Paraguay Viktor brought us up to speed on Paraguayan history. I suggest that anyone who want to do this may do well to bring something to do while waiting on the return trip.

If you are looking for an excuse to visit another Country from Iguaçu then this is a good way to do it. The Saltos Monday are actually amazing and deserve a visit if you are in the area. Prepare for long wait at the border crossing but it is what it is - take a book.

Excellent walk. Guide Vitor very polite and knowledgeable of the region. I highly recommend the tour.

An early start but we made it through the border in quick time! Vito was an excellent driver. The dam was interesting & the falls lovely. Nice veggie too

This was an interesting short trip across the border to Paraguay. We were picked up promptly at our pick up point and it took us about 45 minutes to get across the border. The first stop was the Itaipu dam, which is a grand structure. We then headed to Saltos Monday, which was a very nice stop. Our guide then took us to the three corners location on the Paraguay side for some photos and then we headed back into the city for a short walk through one of the markets and a lunch stop at a great little place serving excellent empanadas and Paraguayan soup.

Our guide was very knowledgeable. Be prepared for a wait at the border, hopefully the new bridge will reduce the wait.

This was a really fun small group tour! Bruna is super friendly and knowledgeable and it was great to see Paraguay if only for a few hours. The museum was closed so we visited an animal sanctuary instead which aligned more with my interests anyway. We also made a short stop at a small shop selling homemade goods like yogurt, breads and cookies and I had one of the best empanadas of my life. No real wait times crossing the border in either direction. Comfortable transportation and skilled driver.