According to tourists who visited the Eastern Region, the must-do activities are:
1. Visit the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible by car or tour from Encarnación.
2. Explore Asunción, the capital, with its historic center and culinary offerings, accessible on foot or by public transport.
3. Admire the Monday Falls, impressive waterfalls surrounded by vegetation, accessible by car or tour from Ciudad del Este.
4. Learn about the Itaipú Dam, a monumental engineering feat, with guided tours organized from Ciudad del Este or Hernandarias.
The top-rated activities in the Eastern Region are:
1. Explore the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús, sites declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, perfect for immersing yourself in history.
2. Tour Asunción, the capital, visiting its historic center, museums, and enjoying its cuisine.
3. Sail on <a href="https://www.tur.com/en/region-oriental-387/excursion-al-circuito-de-oro-y-lago-ypacarai-5616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lake Ypacaraí</a>, especially from San Bernardino, to enjoy the tranquility and views.
4. Visit the Mbaracayú Reserve to explore the Atlantic forest and its biodiversity.
From the Eastern Region, you can take the following day trips:
1. Encarnación: 370 km (5 hours), ideal for beaches and visiting the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús.
2. Ciudad del Este: 330 km (4.5 hours), perfect for shopping, visiting the Itaipú Dam, and the Monday Falls.
3. San Bernardino and <a href="https://www.tur.com/en/region-oriental-387/excursion-al-circuito-de-oro-y-lago-ypacarai-5616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lake Ypacaraí</a>: 50 km (1 hour), ideal for water activities and enjoying the historic summer city.
4. Ybycuí National Park: 120 km (2.5 hours), for nature lovers and hiking in subtropical jungle.
5. Salto Cristal: 2 hours by car from Asunción, to admire a waterfall of about 45 meters.
It is recommended to spend 3 days to see key points like Asunción, the Jesuit Ruins, and the Itaipú Dam. An ideal visit of 5 days allows for a deeper exploration, including the east and south of the region. A full week enables visits to national parks and other historic cities. The suggested itinerary for 7 days includes Asunción, the south (Encarnación, Ruins), the east (Ciudad del Este, Itaipú, Monday Falls), and national parks. Factors such as travel pace and interest in specific activities influence the duration.
The best time is from May to September, with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, offering a cool and dry climate ideal for cultural and nature tourism. Prices are moderate, with possible discounts outside the peak winter months. The high season (December-March) is warm and humid (25°C-38°C), with high prices and events like the Encarnación Carnival. The low season (June-August) is cooler and drier (10°C-22°C), with medium-low prices and less crowding, although cold fronts may occur.
Traveling to the Eastern Region is economical. The estimated daily budget is $25-40 USD for backpackers, $50-80 USD for a mid-range traveler, and $90-150 USD for comfort. A meal at an average restaurant costs $4-8 USD (30,000-60,000 PYG), and public transport $0-1 USD. Budget accommodations range from $10-20 USD per night. A budget of 5 days for a mid-range traveler, including accommodation, meals, and main attractions, is $250-400 USD. Paraguay is one of the most affordable destinations in South America.
You can stroll for free through the Historic Center of Asunción, admiring its colonial architecture, and visit the Triple Frontier Landmark. The Asunción Waterfront offers a modern promenade along the Paraguay River. The Omar Ibn Al-Jattab Mosque in Ciudad del Este offers free guided tours (check schedules and dress code). The Central Market of Asunción is free to enter to experience local life. Entrance to the Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue costs approximately $4 USD (25,000 PYG) each. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights:
1. <a href="https://www.tur.com/en/region-oriental-387/city-tour-a-pie-en-la-ciudad-de-asuncion-4746" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Free Walking Tour in the city of Asunción</a>
2. <a href="https://www.tur.com/en/region-oriental-387/city-tour-por-la-historica-ciudad-de-asuncion-5615" target="_blank" rel="noopener">City Tour of the historic city of Asunción</a>
3. Excursion to the Golden Circuit and <a href="https://www.tur.com/en/region-oriental-387/excursion-al-circuito-de-oro-y-lago-ypacarai-5616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lake Ypacaraí</a>
4. Night Tour: Lights and <a href="https://www.tur.com/en/region-oriental-387/tour-nocturno-luces-y-leyendas-de-asuncion-6189" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Legends of Asunción</a>.