Language

panish and the indigenous language, Guaraní, are spoken in Paraguay. In Argentina it’s Spanish.

Transport

9 road journeys, some on unmade roads, but always scenic, with stops along the way to visit places of interests or take photographs.  Most journeys are between 1-3 hours, the main exception being the long (8hr) drive to and from the Chaco.

Accommodation

At all levels, we prefer smaller hotels with some local character; whether boutique, one of a local chain or independent. On the occasions where we use an international chain, we choose properties with some historic or other unique features – the Sheraton at Iguazú is a standard good quality chain hotel but it’s location at the edge of the falls in the national park can’t be beaten The hotels in Paraguay outside Asuncion are the best available at their locations; quite basic but friendly and often owner-run.

Meals

Breakfast daily; lunch days 3 – 7; dinner day 9; full board day 10.

Summary Of Nights

12 days, 11 nights: Asuncion 2; Filadelfia 2; Asuncion 1; Santa Maria 1; Bella Vista 1; Sheraton Iguazú 1; Yacutinga Lodge 2; Sheraton Iguazú 1.

Optional Excursions

• Visit to the Brazilian side of the Igauzú Falls (subject to your departure flight schedule).

Currency

The unit of currency in Paraguay is the Guarani, in Argentina it is the Argentinian peso.

How To Take It

Cash machines (ATMs) are available in Asuncion, Posadas and Puerto Iguazú and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since ATMs sometimes don’t work and cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. There are money changing offices all over Asuncion which convert US dollars cash into Guaranies (passport required). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.

Daily Spend

It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$25 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in Paraguay, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants in Argentina and you will pay considerably more but you are on full board at Yacutinga Lodge.

Tipping

Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We recommend approximately $10 per person for a half day and $20 for a full day for guides and half that for drivers.

Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.

Tipping guidlines can be found in our  Briefing Dossier.

Insurance

Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.

Airport Taxes

If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.

Time Difference

GMT -3 hours.

Journey Grade

There is a fair bit of travelling on this holiday, sometimes on unmade roads. Be prepared for some early mornings and potentially some extremely hot weather in summer (Jan-Mar). This holiday is suitable for all able reasonably fit visitors, including families. In other cases if you have a disability or other special requirements, please do call us. 

Climate

The climate of the low-lying Paraguay and Argentina’s Misiones province is sub-tropical. Summer is extremely hot and humid, with average temperatures in Feb reaching 35°C. In the southern winter temperatures are variable and it can be cold at night. Most precipitation falls Oct-Apr but it can rain at any time of the year.

Clothing And Special Equipment

In the southern hemisphere summer it will be hot in summer so take loose-fitting, light clothing for maximum comfort. An umbrella is a good idea in case of a tropical shower.  At other times of the year prepare for a European summer with the possibility of some cold nights.

Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellent, sun block and sun glasses. You should take swimwear for pools. A good pair of binoculars will help you get the most out of your visit to the Chaco and Yacutinga lodge.

Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.

Combines With

Argentina, accessing Puerto Iguazú (close to the Falls) by road via the frontier at Ciudad del Este; Iguazú Falls, Brazil, crossing over the frontier via the Friendship Bridge from Ciudad del Este. It’s a 3-5 hour drive to Asunción.

Getting There

Flight time to Asunción is about 17 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK. Some routes involve a change of ‘plane in Brazil, Europe or the USA.

Vaccinations

Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; polio, tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever. Anti-malarials are not required for this holiday (please check with us if you are also travelling elsewhere). For specific requirements you must consult your GP.

You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.

Visas

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.

If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.