Wednesday - July 15, 2009
Paraguay
Let there be no misunderstanding - No, you don't have to go to these places. No, these are not by definition the best spots. After having travelled in South America for a year we realize that it's no problem here to find your own beautiful spots for camping. We decided to continue the page anyway, for people who would like some tips about camping spots which we enjoyed or found practical - please note that this is always our personal experience. Furthermore, you'll find waypoints of workshops and other interesting points.
N.B. We use the following system
HDDD.MM.MMM -WGS 84
1. PJ Caballero and National Park Cerro Corá
PJ Caballero [border Brazil]
Electrician Keiti
Rua Joaquim Pereira Texeira, 335 / Ponta Pora [Brazilian side of the border]
gps S 22.31.893 - W 055.43.866
Customs Office Brazil [for car] + on the other side is the Paraguayan office [for car as well as passport]
gps S 22.33.290 - W 055.43.093
Immigration office Brazil, Policia Federal [passport]
gps S 22.32.202 - W 055.43.848
National Park Cerro Corá [236 metres]
No entrance fee and camping is free of charge. Lovely spot.
gps S 22.37.908 - W 056.01.434
2. Route 3, Esso station
Nothing special. Quiet night.
gps S 24.11.984 - W 056.26.005
3. Ciudad del Este, parking lot McDonald’s
Nothing special. Another quiet night.
gps S 25.30.579 - W 054.37.997
4. Trinidad
We stayed in the parking lot of hotel "A las Ruinas", free of charge. It is situated opposite the entrance of the Jesuit mission.
gps S 27.07.745 - W 055.42.107
5. Asunción
- Jardin Botanico, camping
According to the guidebooks, the Botanical garden has a "camping". This is a bit of an exaggeration, but there is a spot where you can camp. The toilets are dirty, the shower is cold, but there are guards and it is a good place to meet other overlanders.
N.B. At six pm the gate closes and you won't be able to enter the Jardin Botanico until the next morning!
gps S 25.14.936 - W 057.34.140
Down the path, next to the old colonial mansion of General Lopez, it is sometimes possible to park as well. Sanitary is better / cleaner here.
gps S 25.15.188 - W 057.34.161
- Suspension workshop FerPar
Good working shop for suspension, axles and other works. Especially catered for heavy trucks. The owner speaks German and Spanish.
gps S 25.18.401 - W 057.36.152
- Tireshop Gol
Ernesto speaks German and sells you any type of tires. Mounting, lining ed. is all possible. Has a wide network of friends who are helpful in case of serious car trouble.
gps S 25.18.240- W 057.32.253
- Apple Big Manzana
The only authorized Apple reseller in Paraguay, and I think the cheapest place to get Apple stuff in South America. They have three technicians solving any trouble you might have.
gps S 25.17.559- W 057.36.301
- German Bakery Michael Bock [Panadería - Confitería]
A reason in itself to visit Asunción: a wonderful German bakery with dark, delicious bread. Daily open from 7.30am-7.30pm. There are 2 stores:
- Pdte. Franco 828 [on corner with Ayolas]
gps S 25.16.718- W 057.38.332
- Lillo 2333 [on corner withTorales]
no gps waypoint
Places of interest in and around Asunción
- Five must see museums.
- Franciscan churches east of town.
- Franciscan trail west of town.
- Hotel del Lago in San Bernardino.
6. Lomo Plata
Camped in the parking lot of hotel "Lomo Plata", where we could use the toilet facilities. Quiet place
gps S 22.23.281 - W 059.50.098