Three (3) Days - Authentic Paraguay Tours

Majestic Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina)

Tracy — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 03:17:03 +0000

Iguazu Falls (UNESCO site) are one of the most impressive sights in the world. More than 275 cascades spread across a gulf of nearly two miles. Absolutely breathtaking!
Duration: 3 days
$70.00

Salto Cristal waterfall

Majestic Iguazu Falls (3 days)

Activities

Natural Wonders

Highlights

Majestic Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina)
Saltos Monday Waterfalls
Parque das Aves Bird Park
Itaipu Dam

Optional Activities:

Triple Frontier Monument and Show (optional)
Rafain Churrascaria Dinner & Dance Show (optional)
Adventure Boat Ride Beneath the Falls (optional)

Iguazu Falls

Itaipu Dam

Coati at Iguazu Falls

Rafain Churrascaria Show

Description

Iguazu Falls (UNESCO site) are one of the most impressive sights in the world. More than 275 cascades spread across a gulf of nearly two miles. Absolutely breathtaking!

Devil’s throat is the main attraction - At 82m high and 150m wide, the Devil’s Throat is an amazing force of nature. The viewing platforms in both Argentina and Brazil allow a close-up look at Devil’s Throat and amazing photo opportunities, but both offer a very different experience.

Day 1: Itaipu Dam & Monday Falls

Itaipu Dam

Named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and the most the single most expensive object on Earth, a visit to the Itaipu Dam in Paraguay is a captivating exploration of one of the world's greatest engineering wonders.

Multimedia presentations and guided tours over the dam and to strategic viewpoints offer an insightful overview, detailing the dam's construction, environmental impact, and the intricate mechanisms that harness the river's power for electricity generation.

Saltos Monday

Monday Falls tend to get lost in the shadows of nearby Iguazu Falls, however these beautiful cascades deserve a visit in their own right. Saltos Monday hasn’t made its mark on the international tourist trail yet, so you may be one of a few visitors exploring the falls and trails through the 22-acre subtropical park.

We will then cross into Brazil via the Friendship Bridge.

Optional activity in the evening:

Marco das Três Fronteiras (optional, entrance not included)
In the evening, we invite you to explore the Triple Frontier Monument at the confluence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers, where Brazil borders Argentina and Paraguay.

Cultural presentations with dance shows from each of the border countries, begins after the setting of the Latin sunset, typically after 6:00pm (actual time varies depending on the season. Closed Mondays.)

Day 2: Iguazu Falls Argentina & Dinner Show

Iguazu Falls Argentina

You will have a full day to explore the falls independently. The Argentinian side has more than a full day’s worth of trails to view the falls from various viewpoints.

There are a number of walking trails that wind through the jungle and offer different views of the cascades, as well as nature trails. The most popular, and must-see trail, is Devil’s Throat which will take you along a catwalk over the river right to the top of Devil’s Throat where you will have a truly magnificent sensory experience and feel the power of the falls.

Optional activities:

Gran Aventura Boat Ride at Iguazu Falls
(optional, not included)
Embark on an exciting 8 km journey aboard eco-trucks through the jungle to the port. Here, you’ll step onto special rafting boats that navigate around the falls, ultimately taking you to the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat Canyon. This unforgettable experience allows you to become immersed in the sheer power and beauty of the falls.

Rafain Churrascaria Dinner and Show
(optional, not included)

Vegas-style entertainment featuring 45 artists in colorful costumes performing songs and dances from South America, including Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. What the show lacks in authenticity, it makes up for in flair.

Entrance includes show and an abundant meal dinner buffet with churrascaria-style meats and over 200 accompanying dishes (salad buffet, typical Brazilian dishes, samples of oriental, Arab and Italian cuisine, seafood, and a buffet of richly prepared desserts).

Return to hotel.
Meals: B

Day 3: Iguazu Falls Brazil & Parque das Aves

Iguazu Falls Brazil

Parque das Aves (Bird Park)

After lunch at one of the eateries at the national park, we will continue our journey with a visit to Parque das Aves, a recovery and conservation center, where you will be able to have direct contact with around 1,500 birds (150 different species). Developed on 16 hectares of Atlantic Forest, the birds and wildlife live in an environment representative of their natural habitat; trails through the aviaries allows visitors to see the birds up close, not through a cage. Iguazu Falls and Parque das Aves make for an enchanting conclusion to your three-day exploration.

Return or End

In the early afternoon, we will depart for the return trip to Asuncion. As an alternative, we can drop you off at the airport or at a hotel in Foz do Iguazu for to continue your journey.

Departure Time: 8:00am

Meeting point: Hotel pickup

Duration: 3 days

Inclusions/Exclusions

✓ Tour guide or host: languages Spanish, English

✓ Transportation air-conditioned vehicle(s)

✓ Entrance & Activity Fees: Itaipu Dam, Saltos del Monday, Iguazu Falls Argentina, Iguazu Falls Brazil, Parque das Aves

✓ Hotel (2 nights): Beautiful Sanma Hotel (5-star) with breakfast included (or similar based on availability)

x Entrance & Activities Fees: Optional activities (boat ride, dinner show, triple frontier, etc.) Credit cards accepted for all optional activities.

x Meals: lunch and dinner

x Gratuities

x Visas and other expenses related to international travel

Recommendations:

Comfortable shoes and clothing, nicer clothes if you plan to attend the show, insect repellent, camera, passport and visas (if required)

Options available:

- Standard tour (small group; 8 max)
$660 - $2,200 per person

- Private tour
$3,200 - $4,200

See options and pricing:

Catwalk at Iguazu Falls Brazil

The post Majestic Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina) first appeared on Authentic Paraguay Tours.

Chaco Essence – 3 Day Immersive Experience

Tracy — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 02:27:58 +0000

On only three days, we cover a lot of ground and provide a broad overview of life in the Paraguayan Chaco.
Duration: 3 long days (10-12 hours each day)
$70.00

Landscape of the Chaco

Chaco Essence: A Three-Day Immersion Experience

Activities

Heritage, History, Culture, Wildlife

Highlights

A journey through Paraguay's Chaco region, where landscapes, culture, wildlife, and history converge in a three-day intensive and immersive experience.

This three day tour offers a great overview the Paraguayan Chaco:

Nature and wildlife excursions
Mennonite communities - historical settlement and modern life
Overview of some indigenous traditions and lifestyle
Battlesites and trenches from the Chaco War (1930s)
Life in the Chaco - drinking water, schooling, and more

Chaco Paraguay

Peccary

Indigenous and Mennonite children

Sniper tree from the Chaco War

Description

On only three days, we cover a lot of ground and provide a broad overview of life in the Paraguayan Chaco.

Day 1: Introduction to the Chaco

As we travel through the sparsely-populated Chaco region, you will notice the gradual transition of vegetation from the humid Chaco as we travel north toward the dry or Central Chaco.

Our first brief stop will be in the small town of Villa Hayes, named after former US President Rutherford B Hayes and learn about the important role he played in Paraguayan history.

If the school staff is available to receive us, we visit a rural boarding school with more than 800 students, 90% of whom live at the school because their families homes are very far away. The students come from low-income families, and some of the children have traveled hundred of kilometers to attend this school. In addition to learning about the education available to children in the sparsely populated Chaco, we will also see the amazing carpentry of the students, learn how the school collects and stores rain water for drinking and bathing, and more.

We will arrive to our hotel in the evening.

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Fort Toledo, Wildlife, Mennonite Community, Native Fruit Jams

Part 1
In the morning we will visit a battle site from the Chaco War and take a nature walk to see flora and fauna.

Fortin Toledo was considered a strategic point during the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay.

Part 2
The Proyecto Taguá is a chaco peccary breeding project. Once thought to have been extinct, the chaco peccary remains and endangered species. This project breeds the peccary in captivity and healthy peccary are then released to the wild. After visiting the peccary project, we will walk through the nature reserve to see the interesting flora and fauna of the Chaco.

Part 3
We will spend the afternoon in the Mennonite colony.

A local Mennonite will guide us through different parts of the museum.

The Mennonite History Museum starts with the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century and continues until the Mennonites presence in Paraguay at the present time.
The scientific “Jakob Unger” museum exhibits a collection of natural and ethnological material from the Chaco, including a collection of 210 examples of the 250 categories of birds that live in the Chaco.
The colony house, one of the first buildings constructed during the settlement (1933-34), displays objects from the first years of settlement in the colony.

Part 4
Finally, we will visit an interesting small business that is working with indigenous communities to process, package and sell jams and powders from the seeds and fruits native to the Chaco. You will be able to sample jams from cactus, cumquats, tamarind, and other exotic fruits!

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Museums or Salt Lagoon

We will also visit the impressive Chaco Interpretation Center, as well as Fortin Boqueron where you can see the hollowed out (and still living) sniper tree and trenches from the war, as well as a museum with important artifacts from the Chaco War..

Optional alternative:
Depending on the interests of the tour participants, as an alternative to the above activities we can visit a salt lagoon - in addition to spotting wildlife such as caiman, rhea, chaco deer, and if you are very luck giant anteaters or tapir, migrating flamingos can often be seen at the salt lagoons June-September.

Return to Asuncion in the evening (long drive - 6 hours)

Meals: B, L

Departure Time: 8:30am

Meeting point: Hotel pickup

Duration: 3 full/long days (8-12 hours per day)

Inclusions/Exclusions

✓ Tour guide or host: languages Spanish, English, German

✓ Transportation air-conditioned vehicle, 4x4 vehicle if necessary to remote areas

✓ Entrance & Activity Fees for nature and wildlife excursions/guide, nature reserve entrances, museum entry fees

✓ Hotel: 2 nights at comfortable hotel

✓ Meals: water and meals (breakfast x2, lunch x3, dinner x2)

x Gratuities

Recommendations:

Comfortable close-toed shoes, long sleeved shirt and long pants, layered clothing appropriate to the season, insect repellent, camera, binoculars

Options available:

- Semi-Private tour (8 people max)
$900 per person (2 person min)

- Private tour (only your party)
$2,000+

We recommend only selecting a private tour if you absolutely want a tour only for yourself and your party, guaranteed.

Due to the relatively low volume of tourism in Paraguay, more than 80% of our SemiPrivate tour departures are single party. In fact, it is rare we encounter other tourists throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy an authentic and immersive experience like a local!

See options and pricing:

Bottle tree in the Chaco

Trench at Fortin Boqueron

The post Chaco Essence – 3 Day Immersive Experience first appeared on Authentic Paraguay Tours.

Jesuit Missions in Paraguay – 3 days

Tracy — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 04:13:47 +0000

The Mission of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná

Jesuit Missions in Paraguay

(3 days)

Activities

Heritage, History, Culture

Highlights

This three day tour offers a very complete overview of Jesuit history in Paraguay, their culture and values, and their legacy in Paraguay

Jesuit Missions - UNESCO Heritage sites
Jesuit Museums and villages
Yerba Mate Tour and Tasting

Pulpit at Trinidad Jesuit ruins

Jesuit Museum in San Ignacio

Jesuit Ruins

Yerba mate tour and tasting

Description

The trip offers a deep dive into the Jesuit reductions, which represented a true cultural experiment not duplicated in other parts of history.

The Jesuits gathered members of the indigenous population and encouraged them to live in established communities (reductions) while practicing the Christian religion. Unlike other Spanish missions in the New World, the natives were not forced to fully "Europeanize." Many indigenous traditions were preserved, encouraged, and carried out by the Jesuits alongside the indigenous Guaranies. Examples include use of the Guarani language and the cultivation of yerba mate, a plant used in a traditional tea that is still consumed by 90% of the current population of Paraguay.

Learn about the fascinating history of the Jesuits in Paraguay while visiting several UNESCO Heritage sites and other sites of cultural and historical significance on this packed two-day tour.

Day 1: San Ignacio & Santa Maria

Begin your adventure with a visit to the historic town of San Ignacio Guazu, the site of the first Jesuit reduction in the region, established in 1609.

Visit a museum, situated in an original Casa de Indios, which showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts and sculptures, intricately carved sculptures during the time of the Jesuit missions.

We will continue on to Santa Maria de Fe, a charming town that was the site of a Jesuit reduction founded in 1669. We will visit a Jesuit museum, also located in a Casa de Indios and see displays that clearly demonstrate the Jesuit masters and indigenous student carvings. Walk through the plaza, located in the same location as the Jesuit's Plaza Mayor, which is now a gathering space for the community, as well as for a family of monkeys which may or may not make an appearance.

We will stay the night at a wonderful little hotel created by a non-profit to provide job opportunities for low-income young people.

Hotel in Santa Maria de Fe

Day 2: Santa Rosa & San Cosme and Damian

The craft workshop of Santa María is open only in the mornings. A group of women gather to create applique art that tells the story of the league of peasants of Paraguay (who were repressed and tortured during the dictatorship), as well as everyday scene from Paraguay rural life. (Optional visit before breakfast).

After breakfast we will depart for Santa Rosa, a Jesuit reduction established in 1698. The original church was burned in 1883 and only the original bell was preserved and is still in use. Our Lady of Loreto Chapel has frescos from the time of the Jesuit missions.

Visit San Cosme and Damian and the church that was constructed under the Jesuits and is still in use to this day.

Hotel in Bella Vista

Day 3: Yerba Mate Tour, Trinidad & Jesus

Then, we venture to the UNESCO heritage sites of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná and Jesus de Tavarangue, two architectural marvels that stand as poignant remnants of Jesuit missions. Typically there are few people at the Jesuit ruins which fosters an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and a deep connection with the historical resonance of the site.

Return to Asuncion (long drive - 6 hours)

Departure Time: 8:00am

Meeting point: Hotel pickup

Duration: 3 days (8-12 hours each day)

Inclusions/Exclusions

✓ Tour guide or host: languages Spanish, English

✓ Transportation air-conditioned vehicle

✓ Entrance & Activity Fees to Jesuit Museums, Jesuit Missions, yerba mate tour

✓ Hotel: boutique, and 4-star hotel

✓ Meals: breakfast, dinner x1 (Santa Maria)

x Other Meals

x Gratuities

Recommendations:

Comfortable shoes and clothing, insect repellent, camera

Options available:

- Standard tour (small group; 8 max)
$850 per person

- Private tour
$2,800+

See options and pricing:

Jesuit Museum in San Ignacio

Jesús de Tavarangue Ruins. Photo by Terry Larkin while on tour with Trico Tours.

The post Jesuit Missions in Paraguay – 3 days first appeared on Authentic Paraguay Tours.

Jesuit Route & Iguazu Falls – 3 days

Tracy — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 01:41:16 +0000

Iguazu Falls

Paraguay Past and Present: Jesuit Missions & Iguazu Falls (3 days)

Activities

Heritage, History, Natural Wonders

Highlights

Jesuit Missions and Museums - UNESCO Heritage sites
Majestic Iguazu Falls
Yerba Mate Tour and Tasting
Historic church in Yaguaron - UNESCO Tentative List

Iguazu Falls

Jesuit Museum in San Ignacio

Jesuit Ruins

Yerba mate tour and tasting

Description

Embark on a captivating 3-day journey from Asuncion, Paraguay, exploring UNESCO Heritage Sites and natural wonders that define the region. This meticulously curated itinerary promises an enriching exploration, seamlessly blending historical immersion and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Day 1: Jesuit Museum & Carmen del Parana

Begin your adventure with a visit to the historic town of San Ignacio Guazu, the site of the first Jesuit reduction in the region, established in 1609. Though architectural remnants may be sparse, the significance of this location is immeasurable. The museum, situated in an original Casa de Indios, showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts and intricately carved objects, narrating the story of the Jesuit influence in the region and providing context for the Jesuits' global missions during that time period. We may make a few stops at sites of cultural interest along the way, such as in San Miguel the “capital of wool”, and Carmen del Parana to see the beach created by the Yacyreta Dam. Hotel near the Jesuit ruins.

Day 2: Yerba Mate Tour and Jesuit Missions

We start the day with a guided tour through a yerba mate plantation, uncovering the intricate cultivation and production processes integral to this cherished local beverage. Indulge in a tasting session to discover the flavors of yerba mate and various herbal additions that provide health benefits or are simply refreshing. Later, we venture to the UNESCO heritage sites of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná and Jesus de Tavarangue, two architectural marvels that stand as poignant remnants of Jesuit missions. Typically there are few people at the Jesuit ruins which fosters an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and a deep connection with the historical resonance of the site. Hotel near Iguazu Falls.

Day 3: Iguazu Falls and Parque das Aves

After enjoying a wonderful breakfast at your hotel in Brazil, we will visit the world-famous Iguazu Falls where you can witness the sheer power and beauty of the cascading waterfalls that continue for as far as the eye can see. There are several viewpoints along the well-groomed trails to the base of the river, where your visit culminates in a catwalk over the river to the base of Devil’s Throat. After lunch at one of the eateries at the national park, we will continue our journey with a visit to Parque das Aves, a recovery and conservation center, where you will be able to have direct contact with around 1,500 birds (150 different species). Developed on 16 hectares of Atlantic Forest, the birds and wildlife live in an environment representative of their natural habitat; trails through the aviaries allows visitors to see the birds up close, not through a cage. Iguazu Falls and Parque das Aves make for an enchanting conclusion to your three-day exploration.

In the early afternoon, we will depart for the return trip to Asuncion. As an alternative, we can drop you off at the airport or at a hotel in Foz do Iguazu to continue your journey.

Departure Time: 8:00am

Meeting point: Hotel pickup

Duration: 3 days

Inclusions/Exclusions

✓ Tour guide or host: languages Spanish, English

✓ Transportation air-conditioned vehicle

✓ Entrance & Activity Fees to Yaguaron church, Jesuit Museum, Jesuit Missions, yerba mate tour, Iguazu Falls, Parque das Aves

✓ Hotel for 2 nights: Tourist class. Option for upscale hotels at Iguazu Falls

✓ Meals: breakfast

x Lunch

x Gratuities

Recommendations:

Comfortable shoes and clothing, insect repellent, camera

Options available:

SemiPrivate tour (small group; 8 max)
Private tour

We recommend only selecting a private tour if you want a private tour only for yourself and your party, guaranteed.

See options and pricing:

Jesús de Tavarangue Ruins. Photo by Terry Larkin while on tour with Trico Tours.

The post Jesuit Route & Iguazu Falls – 3 days first appeared on Authentic Paraguay Tours.