Paraguay

At a Glance

Paraguay is a landlocked South American country that rarely appears on anyone's itinerary, which is part of its charm for those who seek out the overlooked. The Guaraní culture and language remain central to daily life even in the capital Asunción, giving it an indigenous quality rare in South American cities. The country's quiet pace, distinctive food, and genuine off-the-map feeling suit slow travellers rather than those with a packed agenda.

• Runs almost entirely on hydroelectric power — one of the world's largest exporters of electricity.
• Guaraní is spoken by more Paraguayans than Spanish — a rare case of an indigenous language surviving majority use.
• Only doubly landlocked country in South America — surrounded by landlocked Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil.