Paraguay, the heart of South America, offers a unique blend of Guaraní indigenous culture and Spanish colonial heritage. From the vibrant capital of Asunción along the Paraguay River to the historic Jesuit Missions and the stunning natural beauty of the Chaco region, this landlocked nation provides an authentic South American experience away from typical tourist crowds.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Paraguay is officially bilingual — Spanish and Guaraní are both official languages, and Guaraní is spoken in daily life. Learning even a few Guaraní words earns enormous respect.
Tereré (cold yerba mate) sharing is central to social life. When offered, accept it graciously; refusing is considered rude. Pass the guampa to the left when sharing communally.
Paraguayans have a relaxed attitude toward time — social events, meals, and casual meetings often start 30-60 minutes later than scheduled. Build flexibility into your plans.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Accept tereré when offered — sharing the cold yerba mate drink is a fundamental act of Paraguayan hospitality and friendship
- Greet everyone individually with a handshake or cheek kiss, addressing the eldest or most senior person first in group settings
- Dress modestly when visiting churches, basilicas, and religious sites — covered shoulders and knees are expected
- Carry small denomination Guaraní notes for markets and street vendors as change can be difficult to get
- Learn a few basic Guaraní words — even 'mba'éichapa' (how are you?) will delight locals and earn warm responses
Don't
- Don't refuse tereré or food offered by a host — it is considered a direct insult to their hospitality in Paraguayan culture
- Don't photograph military installations, government buildings including the Presidential Palace interior, or border crossings
- Don't engage in political discussions about the Stroessner era or the Colorado Party with strangers — these remain sensitive topics
- Don't make jokes about the War of the Triple Alliance, which killed the majority of Paraguay's population — it remains a profound national trauma
- Don't assume everyone speaks English — Spanish is essential, and in rural areas Guaraní may be the primary language
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Tereré Sharing Circle
Paraguay's most important social ritual involves passing a guampa (vessel) of cold tereré among friends and family in a circle, always to the left. The cebador (server) refills and passes until everyone has had their fill. Declining is considered rude.
Sunday Asado
The Sunday family asado is sacred in Paraguayan culture. Families gather for hours of slow-grilled meats prepared by the designated asador. These events are community bonding rituals that often last entire afternoons.
San Juan Night Celebrations
On June 23-24, communities celebrate San Juan's Day with traditional games including walking on burning coals, the unta (hitting a fire-covered ball), and other daring rituals dating to pre-colonial times mixed with Catholic traditions.
Caacupé Pilgrimage
Every December 8th, hundreds of thousands of Paraguayans walk on foot from across the country to the Caacupé Basilica to honor the Virgin Mary. Many walk for days in an act of profound devotion central to Paraguayan Catholic identity.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake for first meetings; cheek kiss (right cheek) for friends and women greeting women or men. Always greet eldest person first in group settings.
- Dining
- Wait for host to invite you to begin eating. Leaving food on the plate can offend. Lunch (12-2 PM) is the main meal of the day.
- Dress
- Smart casual is standard in cities. Beachwear limited to beach areas. Church visits require covered shoulders and knees for both men and women.
- Gifts
- Bring wine, whisky, or pastries when invited to a home. Flowers are acceptable. Gift immediately given to host — not set aside for later.
- Business
- Business cards exchanged at start of meetings. Titles (Ingeniero, Doctor, Licenciado) used with surnames. Punctuality respected in business settings but social events run late.
- Tipping
- 10% at restaurants is customary but not mandatory. Some bills include service charge. Taxi drivers not typically tipped. Hotel staff $1-2 per day for housekeeping.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Mba'éichapa (Guaraní) / Hola (Spanish)
Hello / How are you?
mba-ay-EE-cha-pa
Aguyje (Guaraní) / Gracias (Spanish)
Thank you
ah-goo-YEH-heh
Iporã (Guaraní) / Bien (Spanish)
Good (response to how are you)
ee-po-RAH
Eipota (Guaraní) / Por favor (Spanish)
Please
ay-ee-PO-tah
Heẽ / Nahániri (Guaraní)
Yes / No
heh-EH / nah-HA-nee-ree
Moõpa oĩ...? (Guaraní) / ¿Dónde está...? (Spanish)
Where is...?
moh-OH-pa oh-EE
Mba'epa ikane'õ? (Guaraní) / ¿Cuánto cuesta? (Spanish)
How much does it cost?
mba-ay-pa ee-KAH-neh-OH
Iporã ko tembi'u (Guaraní)
The food is delicious
ee-po-RAH ko tem-BEE-oo
Ndaikuaái (Guaraní) / No entiendo (Spanish)
I don't understand
ndah-ee-KWAH-ee
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Paraguay.
Main: Roman Catholic (approximately 90% of population), with strong indigenous Guaraní spiritual traditions interwoven throughout folk Catholicism
Sites: Caacupé Basilica (most sacred site), Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción, numerous Franciscan and Jesuit mission churches throughout the country
Holy Days: December 8 (Virgin of Caacupé, massive national pilgrimage), May 15 (Independence/Patron Saint Day), June 24 (San Juan), Holy Week (Easter week sees processions nationwide)
Conversations: Religion is generally a welcomed topic but avoid criticism of the Catholic Church. The 1992 separation of church and state is relatively recent and the Church remains influential.