Getting an IDP is essential if you’re planning to drive vehicles in Paraguay. It helps authorities verify your identity, especially if your driver’s license is not in English or Spanish. An IDP is also useful when you rent a car from car rental companies. You can get an IDP from your home country or from third-party organizations or agencies.

In Paraguay, they recognize the 1949 IDP only, which is valid for one year. Here are the countries that also recognize the 1949 IDP:

• Barbados
• Botswana
• Congo
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Finland
• Guatemala
• Iceland
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Laos
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Namibia
• Papua New Guinea
• Portugal
• Spain
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

If you hold a US license, you are allowed to drive in Paraguay. It’s also good to have an IDP and car insurance when you’re driving in a foreign country.

You can get an international driving licence without a visa. You only need to submit a copy of your driving licence and passport if necessary. You might also need a credit card when applying for an IDP.

Witness the unusual wildlife in the Chaco region, make your way to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, enjoy the carnival in the prettiest city of Paraguay and learn more about the country through its national monuments and historical landmarks. It is a guarantee that your trip will be filled with fun-filled adventures and discoveries. Read through the list of places you should not miss as you step into Paraguay.

Asunción

Asunción is more than just the capital of Paraguay. The city is one of the oldest on the continent, founded in 1537 by the Spanish, and the longest inhabited area in the Rio de la Plata. It features a mix of modern and historical landmarks, from 17th-century old buildings to great restaurants offering authentic Paraguayan cuisine.

Explore Asunción first before driving away from the capital. Get to know the whole country from Museo del Barro, which presents wood carvings, ceramics, religious sculptures, and masks. Most exhibits trace more than 400 years of indigenous culture and colonial invasion. Take a quiet stroll at La Costanera and check out the sunset while sipping the country’s national drink - tereré. You can always pick your desired month of the year to explore Asunción.

San Jose Beach

San Jose beach, or some call Playa San Jose, is located in Encarnacion, known to be the “Pearl of the South.” Get some tan while overlooking the Paraná River at this golden beach. Tourists frequent this place to enjoy the beach, playing volleyball, swim, or just gazing over the clear water towards a unique urban skyline. Since Paraguay’s heat can be intense in the summer, it is best to visit San Jose beach between May and September.

Encarnacion Carnival

The first carnival in Encarnacion was in 1916, and a century forward, tourists are still treated yearly with samba parades, rhythmic dances, colorful costumes, gigantic floats, and carnival queens. About 300,000 people join the fun and party, making this Paraguay’s biggest tourist attraction. It started as a private party and dances limited to the high society, but over the years, the event got bigger, and they even built a Sambadrome to host the parades.

Encarnacion Carnival takes place before the onset of Christian Lent. It usually happens over five weekends between January and February. From props to costumes and floats, the presentations are primarily based on Paraguay’s customs and traditions that date back centuries. And because it is a combination of competition and exhibition, every group will always give their best. So you expect nothing but the best creations from every competitor.

The Chaco

The Chaco boasts fantastic wildlife and eventful history in the Chaco region, where Paraguayans prevailed over the Bolivians during the Chaco War in 1932-1935. Visit the Fortin Boqueron for large museums, monuments, and soldiers’ graveyards, to know more about the history and some settlements made here before and after the Chaco War. Stick around for the Transchaco Rally, a motorsport's competition held sometime in September of the year.

The Chaco region is about 647 500 square kilometers big and shared among Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. The Paraguayan Chaco houses close to 600 species of tropical birds. Spot some pumas, tapirs, anteaters, and even jaguars. And if it’s not enough for you, you can set up a tent in one of the nature reserves and stare at the stars while listening to different animal sounds during the night. Don’t forget to seek help from guided tours for this.

Navigating the roads in a new country can be challenging. In Paraguay, besides adapting to different road conditions, it's vital to know the Paraguay driving rules. As a visitor, understanding these rules is essential for a safe journey. Here are some key Paraguay driving rules to keep in mind.

Basic Traffic Rules

Countries vary in terms of what side of the road to drive. In Paraguay, just like in many countries, you need to drive on the right side of the road. The second basic rule is to not use your mobile phone while driving.

Don’t Forget to Carry Required Documents

Important documents such as passport, driver’s license, visa, and other essential documents should be readily available when visiting a foreign country. It is an illegal entry if you don’t comply and present the necessary documents upon arrival. Securing these documents, including your International Driver’s License, will somehow test your patience, but it is better to be a responsible traveler than be sorry.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs

It is no secret that these types of travelers who violate this fundamental law end up either in jail or hospitals. Paraguay’s blood alcohol limit is 80mg per 100ml of blood; meanwhile, doing drugs is never allowed, especially when driving. You don’t want to jeopardize your trip by doing these things. You are visiting a foreign country to make the most out of your savings and hard work. Why waste it violating basic rules?

Obey the Speed Limits of the Road

Paraguay implements different speed limits in different areas. It is required for you to follow speed limits, not only because of traffic police but also to avoid accidents. Drivers must maintain a maximum speed limit of 80 KPH in cities and other urban areas; meanwhile, 50 KPH are the allowed maximum speed in rural areas and 110 KPH on highways.

Wearing a Seatbelt and Securing Child’s Safety

Some locals don’t use seatbelts when they are inside the vehicle. However, it does not mean that tourists also have to do the same. On any road trip in Paraguay, you must see that everyone, from the driver to passengers, uses seatbelts. And if you have toddlers with you, place them in car seats if the need arises.

Observe Road Signs While Driving in Paraguay

This can be a challenge for tourists as road signs are not visible, especially during the night. That is why, if you must slow down to observe some road signs, you can do so. But make sure that you are not too slow and that it will affect other motorists’ speed behind you.