We had planned this journey toward the land where Beni was born, also including Brazil and Uruguay, as a preparation for the great trip we would make across South America. We crossed the famous triple border where Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil meet by going from Posadas to Encarnación, and this is how our journey to San Pedro del Paraná, a calm, warm and sincere town, began. For us, this journey became a true experience of traveling to Paraguay.
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I. THE FIRST STEP BEYOND THE PARANÁ RIVER — TOWARD SAN PEDRO DEL PARANÁ
The journey began in the coolness of midnight. As we moved from Posadas toward the Paraná River, both of us were filled with great excitement.
Özcan was going to discover the places where the woman he loved was born; Beni would introduce her family to the man she had chosen to write beautiful stories with, and show him her country, her land, her roots and her identity.
After Argentina, Paraguay showed its difference as soon as we crossed the border. The first things that surprised him most were the red soil, the dense vegetation and the deep shadows of tropical trees.
As we crossed the bridges near Encarnación, the branches of the Paraná reflected the sunlight and flowed southward with a slow but majestic force.
The road stretched all the way to San Pedro del Paraná, where Beni was born and raised. This small and charming town is one of the most beautiful examples of rural life in Paraguay.
As we would later see in other cities around the country, all the roads outside the main avenues were paved with stone; the remaining roads were covered with Paraguay’s famous red soil. Her family welcomed us with great sincerity and warmth. The modesty of the town spread a peace that big cities cannot offer.
Together, we explored the fields, farms and the land where they lived; we collected mandioca, harvested the country’s traditional exotic fruits and coconuts from palm trees. All of this made Özcan feel as if he had entered a completely different world.
We visited an elderly woman Beni had known and loved since childhood, and Beni could not help showing her emotions. The woman welcomed them with love; they talked, took photos and shared that simple but bright side of daily life.
The two days Özcan spent in San Pedro del Paraná became a real window into understanding Paraguay: sincere people, a simple life and powerful nature.
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After that, we continued east toward the border city of Ciudad del Este.
II. Ciudad del Este — Waterfalls, Parks and the Chaos of a Border City
Our goal there was to visit and discover the city.
Saltos del Monday — Not Just a Waterfall, but a Full Park from Beginning to End
Our first stop was Saltos del Monday, one of the country’s most impressive natural beauties. This was not just a waterfall; it was a huge park full of trails, viewpoints, walking paths and a lively forest where hundreds of birds lived.
As the Monday River fell between massive rocks, it threw mist and rainbows into the air. We walked along the paths, listened to the power of the water and lost ourselves in the vastness of the view.
Parque Tacurú Pucú — The Land of Giant Anthills
Our next stop was Parque Tacurú Pucú. In the Guaraní language, “Tacurú Pucú” means “large anthill.” The park was full of these impressive red formations created by millions of ants.
We walked along the paths, rode bicycles and talked by the Paraná River. Away from the noise of the city, it was a calm oasis.
We ended that afternoon drinking mate by the Paraná River. Away from the noise of the city, it was a calm oasis.
The Shopping City — Paraguay’s Commercial Heart
Thanks to its low taxes, Ciudad del Este is one of the largest commercial centers in South America. Every day, thousands of Brazilians and Argentinians cross the border to shop.
We walked around the city center, visited the famous Shopping París and many electronics and clothing stores. The variety, prices and energy of the atmosphere truly surprised us.
Asunción — Between History and City Life
As we set out from Ciudad del Este toward Asunción, we drove through green landscapes and gentle hills. In the middle of the route, we decided to stop in one of the most beautiful towns of the Cordillera region: Itacurubí de la Cordillera.
Itacurubí de la Cordillera — A Stop in the Garden of the Republic
We went to the park where the town’s colorful sign is located. We sat under the trees, enjoyed the light breeze and left the tiredness of the road behind.
Caacupé — The Spiritual Heart of Paraguay
From Itacurubí, we continued toward Caacupé, Paraguay’s spiritual capital. When we arrived in the city, the blue dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles welcomed us, dominating the entire valley.
We walked around the square, climbed the steps, explored the surroundings and watched the calm movements of the pilgrims. Bells rang in the distance, and the wind carried a deep sense of peace with it.
Caacupé wrapped us in its own unique stillness, as if time flowed more slowly there. After visiting the basilica and admiring its architecture, we continued our way toward Asunción.
Entrance to Caacupé, Paraguay’s spiritual capital.
The majestic Caacupé Basilica seen from the entrance.
A calm moment in Caacupé’s central park.
Panteón Nacional de los Héroes — The Historical Heart of Paraguay
Our first visit in Asunción was the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, a majestic mausoleum dedicated to the country’s heroes. Its white dome and the solemn atmosphere of the square carried a deep sense of history.
On the same street, there was a temporary fair. People were eating at street stalls and buying handicrafts and local products.
Özcan tried the famous asadito for the first time; he enjoyed the small pieces of meat on skewers with great pleasure.
Asunción Costanera — Where the River and the City Breathe Together
As evening fell, we headed toward the Costanera, the waterfront where the city meets the river. As the sun went down behind the horizon, we walked slowly beside the water; the sky had turned shades of pink and gold.
We sat in front of the large “YO ❤ ASU” sign and watched the Paraguay River flow quietly. We drank mate, listened to the wind and let the calmness of the view wrap around us. It was one of those moments when time felt as if it had stopped.
Palacio de López — Paraguay’s Presidential Palace
With its pink façade, Palacio de López shone under the sun. There was almost no visible security, so taking photos was very comfortable.
Then we decided to sit at a small café directly across from the palace. We drank tea with a view looking straight at the presidential building. It was truly a peaceful moment.
Monumento a la Paz Victoriosa
Paraguay is an almost completely flat country. That is why the Monumento a la Paz Victoriosa is one of the few places where you can see Asunción, the river and Argentine land from above.
The impressive architecture of the monument and its wide stairways immediately caught our attention. We rested there and enjoyed the view while drinking mate.
This monument symbolizes the end of a painful war and the beginning of peace.
Return to Ciudad del Este and the Road to Brazil
After our stay in Asunción, we returned to Ciudad del Este and continued our journey toward Brazil.
The days we spent in Paraguay were full of nature, family, culture, walks, laughter and discovery. But more than anything, they were the first real steps into the new life we were building together.
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If you would like to read more general information about the country, you can check the Paraguay article on Wikipedia.