If you really want to get off the beaten track, then consider a holiday to Paraguay, right at the heart of South America, surrounded by Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. The lush and fertile east and the barren, sparsely populated Chaco region to the west are two distinct areas, separated by the River Paraguay. The remote Chaco is home to unusual immigrant communities such as the Mennonites, who live along side the Amerindians, the original inhabitants of the region.
Paraguay's famous Jesuit missions were founded in the 17th century, the result of a determined effort by the Jesuit priests to convert the Guarani aborigines to Christianity. Visit the restored ruins on your tour of Paraguay for a fascinating glimpse into the past.
The colossal Itaipu is the world's largest hydro-electrical dam, an awe-inspiring sight supplying electricity to most of Southern Brazil, with the Iguassu Falls within easy reach. The Falls link three international borders, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, and it's easy enough to cross over to see their splendour from all sides.
A Paraguay holiday can easily be combined with tours to Brazil or Argentina and is an under-explored region just waiting to be discovered.
The weather is sub-tropical, with the best time to visit from March to June and September to December. July and August are the winter months in Paraguay and can be cold at night.
Talk to our Latin America specialists about a holiday or tour to Paraguay offering more information about other South American countries to, perhaps, include in your itinerary.