Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Paraguay is nowhere and famous for nothing.
Political essayist P.J. ORourke wrote the preceding statement. A short time later, the sarcastic humorist took a business trip to the country...and loved it. At first glance, many people would dismiss this small country, and many more have likely never even heard of it. Tucked comfortably between the more well-known Brazil and Argentina, Paraguay is easy to forget. However, as that wise wit ORourke can attest, this South American site is a hidden treasure of culture, natural beauty, keen historical preservation, and other fascinating fancies.
A good deal of Paraguays rich history is encapsulated in capital city Asuncion. The large city, built along the Rio Paraguay, is home to an assortment of architectural wonders. These assorted wonders pay tribute to the countrys picturesque past. While modern buildings increasingly dot the landscape, a host of bygone era settlements remain dug into the riverside scenery. The area is a fascinating study in the convergence of twenty-first century technology with nineteenth-century efficiency. For the history buffs, the elegant Palacio de Gobierno remains a popular destination. This heavily visited site once beckoned death for its visitors. The palace was thought so wondrous that one ruler even ordered a shooting death for any person caught admiring it. Another covert creation once served as harbor for rebel revolutionaries. An unassuming mixture of brick, beautiful patios, and whitewashed walls, the 14 de Mayo house (built two years before the American Revolution) reminds the visitor of Paraguays own fight for independence. Colonial architectural lovers can also marvel at the sights offered by the Casa Viola museum and the mansion-filled paradise of Avenida Mariscal Lopez. One fascinating mansion stop is the Calle de la Residenta 902, a nineteenth-century marvel filled with antique furniture and paintings. Visitors can even enjoy a drink at the residences cocktail bar. Asuncion itself is akin to a cool drink at the bar for tourists. The citys fascinating and visible past crackles in every building, whetting the appetites of visitors. Even better, most of this living history lesson can be enjoyed at no cost. The government palace even offers free tours.
Asuncion is also a critical beat in the heart of Paraguays deep cultural heritage. Cultural centers line every corner of the city, offering up some of the continents best live music and theatre. The music is an interesting eclectic mixture of relaxing harp and guitar and spirited polka and bottle dance (complete with jars on the heads of the participants) tunes. Art for the ears is accompanied by art for the eyes. In addition to theatre, Ascuncions Museo del Barro houses some of the finest modern art in the world. And for a complete overview of Paraguays culture and history, visitors need only stop by the Gral Artigas and Primer Presidente, home to a unique museum as well as a small zoo.
Gral Artigas represents another strong selling point for Paraguay. The country offers some of the most beautiful landscape and wildlife of any destination this side of the Atlantic. Those with an affinity for nature trails should mark Ybycui and Villa Florida on the map, while Lago Ypacari is must-see (and swim) for hydrophilic individuals. For the adventurous, the vast Indian lands of western Paraguay beckon the brave at heart. A hodgepodge of breathtaking jungle and plains, the Chaco (as this area is known) is a mecca for endangered species, including the jaguar and the puma. Another cant-miss tropical destination is the Parque Nacional Cerro Cor, a dry forest and savanna complete with dozens of caves awaiting exploration.
What else does South Americas empty quarter have to offer? How about lively and unique street vendors, peddling everything from Indian handicrafts to Latin American literature to centuries-old herbal remedies? Aside from the portable merchandisers, the most popular destination for shopaholics is the Square Asuncion. Colon, Estrella, Palma, and Pettirossi are particularly high on shoppers lists. Moving to the military enthusiasts, Fortin Toledo, Piribebuy, and the Mariscal Estigarribia at Plaza de los Hroes are popular sites which pay tribute to Paraguays fallen heroes. Monuments of a religious nature are abundant at Caacupe. And although Paraguay is a landlocked country, seaside-worthy resorts await at lakeside destinations Aregu and San Bernadino. Meanwhile, for Guiness world record fans, the worlds largest hydroelectric project, Itaipu Dam, makes for a nice pit stop. Finally, if one is undecided about when to visit Paraguay, then consider FebruaryCarnival time.
The chest of treasures found in Paraguay can be unlocked with a very affordable key. The highest quality meal can be savored for a mere $10-$15. Lodging is equally accessible to the wallet, averaging as low as $5-$10. So, the next time you are searching for a low-cost and enjoyable getaway, remember South Americas forgotten jewel.
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