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Voykit pocket guide · Paraguay
Belén
Half a day is enough: see the Tropic of Capricorn monolith, eat grilled meat at El Roble, then move on to Concepción or Vallemi.
Belén is a small town 25 km east of Concepción, founded by Jesuits on the Ypané River. Its main draw is the Monolith of the Tropic of Capricorn and a relaxed plaza. Most travellers pass through on the way to Vallemi or Pedro Juan Caballero.
- Country
- Paraguay
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- Avoid
- Dec–Feb (hot, humid)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PYG
- Money
- Currency is the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG, ₲). About ₲7,000–8,000 per US dollar in 2026 — check. Cash dominates outside hotels, malls and larger restaurants in Asunción.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₲80,000–150,000 excl. bed · Mid ₲150,000–250,000 excl. bed · High ₲250,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Tigo, Personal and Claro; prepaid SIMs with a passport at shops and malls, or an eSIM before you fly.
- Emergency
- Police 911 · Ambulance 141
- Plugs
- Types C, F · 220 V · 50 Hz · European two-pin plugs fit most sockets.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: About 10% if not included.; Taxi / app: Round up.; Guide: US$5–10 a day.
- Water
- Tap water is treated in Asunción but many drink bottled; bottled outside the city.
- Toilets
- Use malls, restaurants and bus terminals; carry tissues.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Grilled meat meal (El Roble) | ₲40,000–60,000 |
| Bottle of water | ₲3,000–5,000 |
| Short taxi ride within town | ₲15,000–25,000 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- CIO · Teniente Coronel Carmelo Peralta Airport
- About 35 km (22 mi) west in Concepción; limited flights from Asunción.About 22 mi (35 km) west in Concepción; limited flights from Asunción.
Typical fares
- Concepción → Belén by bus
- about ₲5,000–10,000, 30 min (check)
- Taxi from Concepción to Belén
- ₲60,000–100,000 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walkable centre; you need a car or taxi to reach the Tropic of Capricorn monolith (about 3 km (1.9 mi) north).Walkable centre; you need a car or taxi to reach the Tropic of Capricorn monolith (about 1.9 mi (3 km) north).
See and do
Known for
- Monolith of the Tropic of Capricorn
- Plaza José Sanchez Labrador
- Jesuit and Mbya heritage
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Concepción | Bus or car east on Ruta 5, about 25 km (16 mi), 30 minBus or car east on Ruta 5, about 16 mi (25 km), 30 min | 30 min |
| Vallemi | Car north on Ruta 5 then unpaved road, about 60 km (37 mi), 1.5 hCar north on Ruta 5 then unpaved road, about 37 mi (60 km), 1.5 h | 1.5 h |
| Pedro Juan Caballero | Car north on Ruta 5, about 120 km (75 mi), 2 hCar north on Ruta 5, about 75 mi (120 km), 2 h | 2 h |
Sleep
- Town centre
- A few basic options like Motel Euforia; most visitors sleep in Concepción.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | Hola / Mba'éichapaoh-lah / mba-eh-ee-cha-pa |
| Thank you | Gracias / Aguyjegrah-see-as / ah-goo-yeh |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto? / Mba'épa?kwan-toh / mba-eh-pa |
| Where is the Tropic of Capricorn monolith? | ¿Dónde está el monolito del Trópico de Capricornio?don-deh es-ta el mo-no-lee-to del tro-pee-ko de ca-pree-kor-nee-o |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake, or a cheek kiss among women and friends; avoid: Skipping 'buenos días'
- Tereré circle: Say thank you when you want to stop; avoid: Wiping the straw
- Language: Try a Guaraní word (aguyje = thanks); avoid: Calling Guaraní a dialect
- Time: Expect relaxed punctuality (hora paraguaya); avoid: Getting visibly impatient
Scams and watch-outs
- No bank or ATM confirmed in town; bring cash from Concepción.
- Little English spoken; basic Spanish or Guaraní helps.
- Road to Vallemi is unpaved in parts; check conditions after rain.
Belén is quiet and safe during the day. Usual precautions: lock your car, don't walk alone after dark on unlit streets.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Belén yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Monolith of the Tropic of Capricorn
- Plaza José Sanchez Labrador
- Jesuit and Mbya heritage
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Belén (Paraguay), revision 5064034 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5064034
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/belen-paraguay). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.