Paraguay is still largely undiscovered by travelers, but those who make their way here are delighted by the country’s distinctive culture and strong indigenous features. This is the only truly bilingual nation of Latin America, with Guaraní spoken alongside Spanish all over the country. Its folk-dance tradition is hugely popular among young people; its harp playing is legendary; and Paraguayans are proud of their different handicrafts, particularly their sewing. The country is also home to the historic Jesuit missions, or reductions (as depicted in the film The Mission).

Bradt’s Paraguay – the only English-language guidebook to this emerging tourism destination – covers the region with unrivalled detail and knowledge. Written by an author who has lived for the last decade in the Paraguayan countryside, where she has set up an educational charity, it delves deep into a country that has so far eluded the grasp of mass tourism, and where rich indigenous culture and folk traditions still hold strong.

Walk around Asunción’s historic centre and admire the grandeur of colonial-era buildings like the Palacio de Gobierno, styled on the Palace of Versailles, before hitting market stalls selling traditional arts and crafts. Paraguay is an under-explored pocket of South America, boasting rich wildlife, lush forests, and mighty rivers. This land-locked country is home to a proud Guaraní culture, as well as the 16th-century Jesuit Missions, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Footprintfocus Paraguay is a concise and portable guide to this friendly country, containing detailed information on attractions that are both popular and off the beaten track.

·         Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around.

·         Highlights map so you know what not to miss.

·         Comprehensive listings on where to eat & sleep, plus details on festivals and activities.

·         Detailed street maps for Asunción and other important towns.

·         Slim enough to fit in your pocket.

Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprintfocus guide will help you get the most out of Paraguay without weighing you down.

The content of the Footprintfocus Paraguay guide has been extracted from Footprint’s South America Handbook.