Paraguay is one of South America’s quietest, friendliest and most under-the-radar destinations — and one of its safest. The US State Department rates it Level 1 — “Exercise Normal Precautions,” its lowest tier, and most visitors travel here without a hint of trouble. A little ordinary city awareness is all that’s really needed. Here’s the practical picture.
Genuinely safe and refreshingly low-key. Asunción, the Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús, and the countryside are welcoming and relaxed. The most you’re likely to encounter is opportunistic pickpocketing in busy areas, particularly late at night or early morning — the same risk you’d manage in any city.
For completeness: a handful of remote departments along the north-eastern border with Brazil — Amambay, Concepción, San Pedro, Canindeyú and Alto Paraná — carry a higher “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory because of cross-border smuggling and a thin police presence. These are well off the standard tourist trail, but it’s worth knowing if you’re planning independent travel in the region. Our itineraries keep you in the welcoming, well-travelled areas.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, and be ready for genuine heat — Paraguay’s summers are hot, so hydrate and use sun protection. The emergency number is 911. As always, travel with comprehensive medical insurance.
All our Paraguay tours include professional local guides, with your transport, transfers, hotels and excursions arranged through operators we know personally and recommend highly — so you can simply enjoy one of the continent’s best-kept secrets.
For official updates, US citizens can enrol in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and review the Paraguay travel advisory; UK travellers can check the FCDO’s Paraguay advice.
Ready to discover Paraguay with everything taken care of? Browse our Paraguay tours and travel with confidence.
