Paraguay is one of the two South American nations to retain its indigenous language. Over 5 million people speak Guarani in Paraguay making Spanish almost a second language. It is also 1 of the two South American nations to be completely landlocked. Although Paraguay is an incredible place to visit there are some hazards visitors should beware of.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Paraguay are required to have a valid passport. Certain nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa and are allowed a stay of up to 90 days whilst others must obtain the document prior to entry. Visitors who choose to drive around the country are required to have their domestic permit. An international driving permit is not required but is recommended for visitors holding non-South American driving permits.

Traveling hazards

Road conditions in Paraguay are generally poor. The only paved and maintained roads are highways. Roads in major cities are usually cobblestone roads, some are paved however these often develop potholes and remain unrepaired. Local drivers often ignore traffic laws, accidents happen often and the majority of them include motorcycles. Poor signage, road markings and road, and car maintenance greatly contribute to the number of crashes. Public transport is readily available however it is dangerous due to crime levels. (see crime)

Environmental hazards

There are two large cat species that can be a threat to humans. Jaguars and cougars are two of the largest cat species in the Americas. Jaguars are less common than their smaller kin and generally stay away from areas of human activity however there were fatal encounters recorded in the past. Cougars are more common and are more adaptable to different landscapes. These cats usually do not attack grown adults however attacks on children have been recorded. There are several species of venomous snakes in Paraguay. Most dangerous include the yarara and the South American rattlesnake. Antivenom should be available in most clinics around the country. Although Paraguay is landlocked there are some dangers lurking in the waters of the country. Although the crocodiles inhabiting Paraguay are rather small it is advised to avoid murky waters especially if bleeding or injured. Among the dangers in the Paraguayan waters are the piranhas, electric eels and yacare caimans.
When it comes to natural disasters Paraguay is rather safe, it rarely experiences any earthquakes nor does it have any active volcanoes. The only real dangers in the country are seasonal floods and droughts which are usually relieved by humanitarian actions.

Health hazards

Every visitor traveling from the countries with a risk of yellow fever must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination before entry. (risk countries in sources). Currently, Paraguay is one of the countries with a risk of yellow fever, therefore, a vaccination for tourists traveling from nations not affected by the disease is strongly recommended. There are several other vaccines which are recommended. These are the routine vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccine. There is a risk of contracting malaria. Unfortunately, there is no approved vaccination against it. There is however medicine on prescription against malaria which should be available to anyone after consulting their local general practitioner. Healthcare level in Paraguay is mediocre. While in the cities most services are available in the rural areas healthcare facilities are scarce and many citizens of Paraguay do not have access to proper treatment. Private clinics provide a higher quality of services however most Paraguayans cannot afford such services.
In case of an emergency dial 911.

Crime

Crime in Paraguay is a major problem however violent crime rarely affects tourists. In fact, most travel advisories only advise exercising normal precaution. Although theft, robbery, and pickpocketing are thriving it is easily avoidable. There are several steps that can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Firstly it is not advised to wander around at night, the darker it gets the more dangerous it is. If exploring the Paraguayan nightlife it is best to stick to popular tourist areas and to avoid secluded places. It is also advised to avoid public transport both at daytime and nighttime. When traveling it is best to use registered taxis or a rental vehicle. It is advised to stay low key and not to expose signs of wealth by wearing flashy jewelry or being indiscreet with money. Wearing money belts can reduce the risk of being pickpocketed and allows to keep money out of sight. As of 1988 possession 10 grams of marijuana, 2 grams of cocaine or heroin is decriminalized. Possession of higher quantities will be considered as either trafficking or distributing and is punishable by jail time.

Summary

Although Paraguay is not as popular as the rest of SA countries there are still many attractions to visit and many indigenous cultures to explore. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/paraguay/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/paraguay
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#5291