Asunción – Chaco – Independencia – Trinidad – Cataratas do Iguacu

Day 1: Asunción
Arrival at the Asunción Airport and transport to the Hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2: Asunción
Take our half-day City-Tour and explore Asunción - a city with a million inhabitants and a rather down to earth, original, and provincial feeling instead of a hectic pace. Visit the old train station which boasts the oldest railway in South America (no longer in service), the Panteón, the Government Palace and stroll down the main street „Calle Palma“ with us. Experience a typical South America market atmosphere at the Pettirossi Market and take advantage of the inexpensive shopping.
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 3: Asunción – Chaco - Filadelfia
Early in the morning, we depart to the heart of the Paraguayan Chacos (South America’s largest dry savannah area). Here you will enjoy the undisturbed flora and fauna which is second to none. During the 420 km journey, you will get acquainted with the ecosystem of the Gran Chaco through our expert guide. The trip also offers the possibility of bird-watching (weather permitting) in a heavenly environment.
In the three remote colonies of Menno, developing remote land is becoming one of the countries largest economic factors. After this, we will visit the Jakob Unger museum with deals with the founding of the colonies and visit an upholstery shop (if time permits) which is known for the high quality of their exclusive saddles and have exported them to Europe and America. In Loma Plata we will visit the larg dairy farm (time permitting) 300,000 liters of milk are processed there each day.

Day 4: Filadelfia – Concepción
On our trip to Concepción, we will visit Laguna Capitan (weather permitting), which is a 700 hectare area with naturally formed salt lakes, and there is a center affiliated with the development of animal husbandry. Also located here is Fortin Boqueron, the site of a major battle in the Chaco War with Bolivia. A stroll through the extensive grounds gives you a feel for how it was for the soldiers at 50 degrees (Celcsus) in the shade, and the absolute dryness that must have been felt in the trenches.
Arrival in Concepión in the evening.

Day 5: Concepción – Independencia
We depart in the morning and go through Yby Yau, Coronel Oviedo, after Independencia. On the way we stop in Rio Verde, a community founded by Mennonites. 3,500 Mennonites still live there today. By late afternoon we will reach the wine colony of Independencia, which was founded by emigrants from Baden, and was formerly the oldest and largest wine growing region of Paraguay. There you will have the opportunity to partake in a wine tasting.

Day 6: Independencia – Bella Vista
We depart early in the morning to the distant colony of Bella Vista (350 km), which was founded 100 years ago by German immigrants. It is located near the third largest river in the world, the Rio Parana.
On our way, we will Stop in Villa Florida, a small fishing village with beautiful sandy beaches, and in San Miguel. San Miguel is known for his creative making of ponchos, hammocks, etc. which are still made on old-fashioned looms. If we are lucky, we can see the men and women at work. Just before Bella Vista, we will reach the ruins of the former Jesuit village of Trinadad del Parana. Under the guidance of spanish Jesuit Padres, the Guarani Indians established in the middle of a then impenetrable jungle a huge complex with towers, ramparts and cathedrals houses for 4,000 people. Experience the magic of this location.

Day 7: Bella Vista – Foz do Iguacu
In the morning we visit one of the largest Yerba Mata factories in Paraguay (closed on Sat. Sun. and holidays). Here, we have the possibility to follow the entire production process (in season) from harvest to the finished product, and a chance to sample the product. Mate is the national drink of Paraguay. No matter where you find yourself in Paraguay, you will see people drinking it with a special tube and cup.
Then, we will proceed to the city of Ciuded del Este (250 km).
There, we start our sightseeing tour. First we tour Itaipu, the largest hydropower plant in the world. A documentary will explain the origins of this giant plant. Afterwords, we take a bus tour to an 8 km wide dam, with a view of an enormous turbine hall inside of the dam. After this, we leave Paraguay, crossing the „Bridge of Friendship“ to Brazil.
Optional evening: Visit to the Churrasqueria Rafain + Show (closed Sundays)

Day 8: Foz do Iguacu
In the morning, we will visit the Brazilian side of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The waterfall stands 2700 meters wide, and the water falls 80 meters, creating quite the spectacle. The mist causes a rainbow which stretches over the falls, creating a natural phenomenon not to be missed.
Transfer to the airport

Included items:
Accommodations in selected mid-class hotels, breakfast included.
All other meals as mentioned in the program.
Excursions, transfers, sightseeing and admission fees as mentioned in the program.
English-speaking local travel guide.

Not included:
All services not mentioned.
Tips, drinks and expenses of a personal nature.
International flights and airport fees.

Current prices see our price-list.
Special prices at Christmas, New Years Eve, Carnival, Easter and on bank holidays and trade-fair dates on request.