South America

Paraguay

Location

Central South America, north-east of Argentina.

Instances of serious violent crime, including kidnapping, have increased in recent years. Weapons can be easily obtained, and are routinely carried. Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, poisonous snakes.

Use bottled water.

Grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere.

Sub-tropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semi-arid in the far west.

Local flooding in south-east (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June).

Hepatitis A, leishmaniasis, malaria, polio, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: Sanatorio Migone Battilana, eligio Ayala 1293, Ascuncion. Tel: 021-498200

Deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands.

Paraguay's network of surfaced main roads is limited and variable. Large potholes, unlit vehicles and cattle on roads are a serious hazard. It is common to travel long distance by bus.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.