Paraguay is one of the most fascinating places to listen in all of South America — and home to a genuine rarity: it’s the only country on the continent where an Indigenous language is spoken by almost everyone. Spanish and Guaraní are both official, and most Paraguayans are fluently bilingual, slipping between the two — and blending them — without a second thought.
Around 90% of Paraguayans speak Guaraní, and for many it’s the language of home and the heart, while Spanish rules business and the cities. The two mix so naturally that the blend has its own name — jopará — and you’ll hear it everywhere, from market stalls to pop songs. Out in the countryside Guaraní often takes the lead, and up near the Brazilian border in the north you’ll also hear plenty of Portuguese.
English isn’t widely spoken, so a little Spanish goes a long way — and a word or two of Guaraní will absolutely delight the locals. In hotels, restaurants and tourist sites you’ll find English spoken, and all of our guides are English-speaking, so you’ll never be stuck.
A “Spanish for Travelers” class, Rosetta Stone, or a free app like Duolingo makes the basics easy to pick up before you fly. Start with these Spanish essentials:
And to truly win hearts, try a little Guaraní:
Ready to hear two languages at once? Browse our Paraguay tours — with English-speaking local guides to bring it all to life.
