Major city · Paraguay
Encarnación
Give Encarnación 2 nights: one full day for the Jesuit missions at Trinidad and Jesús, one for the Costanera and the beaches. Skip it if you are not going to the ruins.
Encarnación sits on the Río Paraná, across the bridge from Posadas in Argentina, and is the base for the UNESCO Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue. The city itself is compact and walkable: a plaza, a riverfront Costanera with small beaches, and cheap shopping for Argentines crossing over. Two nights covers the missions and the riverfront without rushing; three if you want a beach day or a Posadas side trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PYG
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jan–Feb (hot and humid, 33 °C (91 °F)+), and the wettest stretch Oct–Decavoid Jan–Feb (hot and humid, 91 °F (33 °C)+), and the wettest stretch Oct–Dec
- Airports
- ASU · AGT
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Paraguay ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Paraguay's migration authority or a Paraguayan consulate; get your passport stamped at land borders, as some crossings let you pass without it.
- Paraguay ↗The Chaco is remote with few services; travel with a guide or experienced operator and carry water and fuel.
- Paraguay ↗Paraguay can require a yellow fever certificate from travellers arriving from risk countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Colombia — check the current list and vaccinate at least 10 days before you travel.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Encarnación911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Encarnación, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG, ₲).Paraguay-wide
- SIM or eSIMTigo, Personal and Claro; prepaid SIMs with a passport at shops and malls, or an eSIM before you fly.Paraguay-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated in Asunción but many drink bottled; bottled outside the city.Paraguay-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% if not included.Paraguay-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Paraguay-wide
- SafetyEncarnación is a relaxed, low-crime city by regional standards.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse malls, restaurants and bus terminals; carry tissues.Paraguay-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysSiesta about 12:00–15:00 in towns; Mennonite colonies close on Sundays.Siesta about 12:00 PM–3:00 PM in towns; Mennonite colonies close on Sundays.Paraguay-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportASU Silvio Pettirossi International (Asunción) (No airport at Encarnación; fly into Asunción, then 5–6 h by bus).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable; buses cover the rest of the city at GS.5,000 a ride, with no passes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeGS.8,000–15,000
- Beerdraught / can at a shopGS.15,000–25,000GS.8,000–12,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi rideGS.25,000–40,000
- Metro or bus rideCity bus rideGS.5,000
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekGS.50,000–100,000
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or mission entryGS.25,000–60,000
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomPYG 180,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per roomPYG 180,000
- High-end bedDouble room, a night, per roomPYG 350,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PYG 150,000 · Mid PYG 300,000 · High PYG 550,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ASU Silvio Pettirossi International (Asunción) (No airport at Encarnación; fly into Asunción, then 5–6 h by bus) · AGT Guaraní International (Ciudad del Este) (Alternative arrival; bus toward Encarnación takes about 6 h (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
not flagged
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Care
29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)
Nov
Care
30°C (87°F)87°F (30°C)
Dec
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep. Mixed: Oct–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Jan (9 rain days), driest Jul (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Encarnación: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (69°F)69°F (21°C)
8 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (67°F)67°F (19°C)
8 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
8 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (53°F)53°F (12°C)
7 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Aug
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
12°C (53°F)53°F (12°C)
6 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Oct
29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)
17°C (62°F)62°F (17°C)
9 rd
Nov
30°C (87°F)87°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable; buses cover the rest of the city at GS.5,000 a ride, with no passes. Taxis wait near the plaza and the bus terminal. The international train shuttle to Posadas runs about every 30 minutes during the day and takes just over 10 minutes.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue
goDoor to door: About 1 h to Trinidad (check); add 30–40 min to Jesús (check)
Bus from the Encarnación terminal toward Trinidad, then a local connection to Jesús
The reason most people come. Both sites are UNESCO-listed; go early, carry water, and check return bus times before you leave.
Posadas, Argentina
goDoor to door: About 1 h by bus, just over 10 min by train
International bus across the bridge, or the train shuttle
Bring your passport; the bus stops at both immigration offices.
San Juan del Paraná
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min (check)
Local bus on Ruta 1 (check the route and time)
Quiet riverside village; limited sights, mainly a half-day escape from the city.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Plaza de Armas
Walkable core: cathedral, Casa de la Cultura, ATMs, restaurants. Best for a short stay without a car.
Costanera / Playa San José
Riverfront hotels and the beach; 10–15 min walk from the plaza. Best for the river and sunsets.
Bus terminal area (Mariscal Estigarribia)
Practical for early departures and the Posadas shuttle; a few blocks from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- GS.150,000–250,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- GS.250,000–450,000 excl. bed
- High
- GS.450,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room1 × 2 nights × PYG 180,000 | PYG 360,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × PYG 300,000 | PYG 1,200,000 |
| Bus to Trinidad and back, one day2 × PYG 30,000 · check | PYG 60,000 |
| City bus ride2 × PYG 5,000 | PYG 10,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × PYG 60,000 · check | PYG 120,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PYG 175,000 |
| Trip total≈ PYG 481,000 per person per day, bed included | PYG 1,925,000 |
check
2026 estimate in guaraníes; long-distance buses and flights excluded. Bed prices are check. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | GS.8,000–15,000 |
| Lunch menu of the day | GS.25,000–45,000 |
| Beer: draught / can at a shop | GS.15,000–25,000 / GS.8,000–12,000 |
| 5 km taxi ride | GS.25,000–40,000 |
| City bus ride | GS.5,000 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | GS.50,000–100,000 |
| Museum or mission entry | GS.25,000–60,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buy long-distance tickets at the company offices, not from touts outside the terminal.
- The Posadas bus leaves you at each passport office and may not wait: keep your ticket stub and take the next one.
- Summer heat and mosquitoes near the river; carry water and repellent.
- Siesta closes many shops about 12:00–15:00 outside malls.Siesta closes many shops about 12:00 PM–3:00 PM outside malls.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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EncarnaciónEncarnación
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ko dirección-pe, ikatúramoTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Encarnación; most countries keep embassies in Asunción. Argentina has a consulate in Encarnación (check the address and hours).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Encarnación → Trinidad: about GS.15,000, about 1 h (check)
- Bus Encarnación → Posadas: about GS.9,000, about 1 h (check)
- Train shuttle Encarnación → Posadas: about 10 min, runs every 30 min in the day (check)
Say or show
- Mba'éichapa — Hello (m-bah-ey-CHA-pah)
- Aguyje — Thank you (ah-gwee-JEH)
- Mba'épa hepy? — How much is it? (m-bah-EH-pah heh-PÜ)
- Moõpa oĩ terminal? — Where is the bus terminal? (mo-OHN-pah oh-EEN ter-mee-NAL)
- Ndaikumbái — I don't understand (n-die-koom-BAH-ee)
- Pytyvõ — Help (pü-tü-VOHN)
Guaraní is widely spoken alongside Spanish; a few words go a long way.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Encarnación. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jan–Feb (hot and humid, 33 °C+), and the wettest stretch Oct–Dec · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ASU: last bus departures to Encarnación, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaza de Armas, Costanera and Playa San José, the bus terminal.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Trinidad, Jesús, Casa de la Cultura, cathedral) and eat pages with last orders.
- Border-crossing fixture for Posadas so the passport and bus steps can go green.
Sources
Ask about Encarnación
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