| Long overlooked by tourists, low prices and an array | | | | of Paraguayan history riding the rails on a steam |
| of cultural attractions that rival any of it's more affluent | | | | engine that is over a hundred years old. Starting in |
| neighbors has begun to place Paraguay on many | | | | Asuncion, you will be treated to gorgeous views of the |
| travelers' short list of places to go in South America. | | | | local landscape, historical points of interest, and several |
| Here are ten of Paraguay's top attractions. | | | | of the area's smaller towns. |
| Panteon National de Heroes | | | | The Gran Chaco |
| The National Hall of Heroes, this site not only serves to | | | | This largely unpopulated area consists mostly of a |
| commemorate those who have contributed | | | | great nature preserve, covering over 60% of |
| significantly to the history of Paraguay, but is also | | | | Paraguay's land mass. The area is the world's largest |
| serves as a demonstration site for new milestones | | | | dry forest, and the world's second largest forest of |
| reached by the Paraguayan people. Built in the home | | | | any kind (after the Amazon Rain Forest) and is home |
| where Paraguayan independence was first announced | | | | to countless species of floral and fauna. |
| in Asuncion, it is simply a must see. | | | | Jesuit Missions |
| Eco-Reserva Mbatovi | | | | Since the sixteenth century, Jesuit missionaries have |
| Combining tourism with nature conservation, the | | | | worked to convert the indigenous peoples of |
| Reserva should be on everyone's list of places to see | | | | Paraguay and the surrounding countries. Many of the |
| in Paraguay. Natural caves, abundant flora, pure | | | | original churches and missions, built by local Guarani |
| waterfalls, and hundreds of species of native birds, | | | | people, still stand today. |
| mammals, reptiles and amphibians make this an | | | | Jardin Botanico |
| eco-tourist's dream. | | | | The Botanical Garden and Zoo of Paraguay is located |
| Palacio de Lopez | | | | in Asuncion, and has been displaying South American |
| Also called Palacio de Gobierno, this Colonial palace is | | | | flora and fauna for over 100 years. Over 70 species |
| the seat of government in Paraguay. Located in | | | | of animals are on exhibit, along with hundreds of native |
| Asuncion, it is one of the finest examples of | | | | plant species. |
| architecture in the New World. | | | | Paraguay River |
| Rivera Square | | | | Dissecting the country, the Paraguay River makes an |
| Consisting of eight houses in front of the governmental | | | | excellent destination in and of itself. In addition to |
| palace in Asuncion, Rivera Square affords tourists the | | | | excellent fishing, there are guided boat tours available |
| opportunity to view Colonial and neo-Classical | | | | extending into the Chaco and the Amazon Basin. |
| architecture at its finest. Additionally, the area serves | | | | Nesrta Senora de la Asuncion Santander Catedral |
| as the cultural center of Asuncion. | | | | Originally built during Spanish Colonial times, much of the |
| The Paraguayan Train Station | | | | original building was destroyed by fire in 1914, thus |
| Paraguay's railway system was the first of its kind in | | | | providing visitors the opportunity to see Colonial |
| South America, and today tourists can get a glimpse | | | | architecture alongside neo-Classical. |