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There are two very important things you need to know when traveling the lesser-known, but when it comes to South America specifically, there are no-go zones scattered across some of the continent’s most beautiful destinations (ahem, Colombia and Brazil).
Those two would be safety And hospitality.
If you travel somewhere where you feel undiscovered without being welcomed, a sketchy situation can become even sketchier.
Luckily for you, this is actually one of South America’s last frontiers for tourism wants you to come visit – a bit of a unicorn sighting at a time of protests against overtourism around the world.
Not only does it feel like a warm hug, it is also super affordable, in addition to the amazing nature and beautiful towns outside the urban sprawl of the capital Asunción.
If you did well in geography class like me, then you already know we’re talking about Paraguay, a little-known country that travels the world talking about how great their country is in the hopes that you will visit.
Before you dive in, remember that it’s always wise to check security levels and access requirements wherever your next adventure takes you!
Paraguay: the safest country in South America
Let’s get back to some of South America’s “dangerous” destinations, shall we?
Colombia, Brazil and most recently Ecuador all seem to share one thing besides incredible culture and beautiful seaside vacations:
Crime.
I have been fortunate to visit both Colombia and Brazil and have never felt unsafe, but statistics and the experiences of many travelers say otherwise.
Now let’s take a look at where South America’s safest destinations are, all of which are classified as Level 1 (the lowest designation) by the US Department of State:
- French Guiana
- Suriname
- Argentina
- Paraguay
Piggybacking on the State Department, if you’re an avid supporter of Travel Off Path – and who wouldn’t be – you may already be familiar with our new Safety index also, with real-time safety levels.
Paraguay currently tops all the above destinations with a score of 85/100, with only one reported theft incident.
Take a look for yourself below and feel free to join in:
Paraguay’s off-path call
From the underrated capital to the shores of Encarnación, Paraguay is a joy to explore from top to bottom.
That’s why Paraguayan officials are actively promoting their country – a landlocked country that feels worlds away from some of its more easily accessible neighbors, such as Brazil and Argentina.
Digital nomads have been congregating here for years, since late 2022 when they eased restrictions on investment to stay here long-term.
But what about other types of travelers?
Weekday 9-to-5-ers probably don’t have Paraguay circled on their bucket list, but those who crave adventure and authenticity, not boring fluff and regurgitated itineraries, are the type who would love this country most.
If you follow comedian Ari Shaffir, you know he’s infamous for ditching the old “Irish farewell” from society and living off the beaten path for months on a solo sabbatical.
Even with his mentality, he chose to skip Paraguay and visit almost every other nearby country, even the one that didn’t live near Bolivia.
So, what’s so compelling about Paraguay that it offers undeniably safe, cultural, and amazing nature?
Nothing. People just aren’t into it, which is why Americans can’t fly directly here anymore after Eastern Airlines cut its only route from Miami years ago.
In fact, we’ll honestly say that Asunción doesn’t come close to the best part of it, even with its historic colonial charm and authentic culture.
Paraguay’s golden beach city that no one ever talks about
Encarnación is even less known than Asunción, but even though it’s harder to get to, the good news is that it straddles the border of Paraguay and Argentina, meaning there are multiple ways to get here.
Yes, we mentioned that Paraguay is landlocked, so we’re not talking about Rio’s beach quality.
Encarnación, however, features gleaming golden sand beaches along the extensive riverbanks with palm-lined promenades and ‘fresh catch’ shacks serving grilled freshwater fish, compared to the usual saltwater selection you may be more accustomed to.
But let me tell you: after my trip to Iquitos, Peru, I’m here to say that freshwater fish might be even tastier.
But alligator ceviche? Difficult pass.
Encarnación is one of South America’s most unsung cities: it’s cheap, cultural, offers shockingly beautiful beaches, organizes the largest carnival in Paraguayand some incredible ones UNESCO sitesJesuit missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue.
