Paraguay is a land-locked country located in the heart of South America. Though it has no actual coastline of it's own, Paraguay is bordered to the south east by the Parana River, flowing directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into two regions - Eastern Paraguay, known as the Paranena region, and Western Paraguay, known as the Chaco. The major difference between the two regions are the climate, creating marshy, subtropical plains in the west and arid, wooded hills in the east.

Argentina wraps around the entire southern border of Paraguay, and most of the western border as well. Brazil borders much of the eastern side while Bolivia lies to the northwest. The Parana River runs along the south-eastern border, running through both Argentina and Brazil.

The Parana River is actually quite famous - not for its size, or it's fantastic white water rapids - this River boasts the world's largest hydro-electric power plant, the Itaipu dam, shared by Paraguay and Bolivia, producing the most hydro-electricity of its kind across the globe. In fact, the River is responsible for supplying nearly all of the electrical power used in Paraguay. Another hydro-electric power plant on the Parana Rive is the Yacyreta, shared by Paraguay and Argentina.

The name, Paraguay, was derived from the Guarani word, pararaguay, which means "from a great river", named for the presence of the great Parana River.

Paraguay's landscape is made up of wooded hills and grassy plains in the eastern Paranena region, with a predominance of low-lying, marshy terrain in the western Chaco region. The climate varies greatly between these regions. In the west, a temperate, arid climate is present, while the eastern region experiences subtropical temperatures and excessive rainfall - hence the marsh-covered landscape.

The economy in Paraguay is mostly reliant upon it's agricultural market and cattle ranching. A multitude of small business corporations and the re-exportation of imported goods to neighboring countries makes up another significant portion of the economy. Paraguay is the world's largest exporter of hydro-electric power, third largest exporter of soybeans, and the exportation of beef is substantially large when compared to the size of the country.

Because of it's land-locked position, Paraguay's economy relies greatly on it's neighboring trade partner nations, Brazil and Argentina. The country does, however, have direct access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Parana River. Through trade agreements and treaties, Paraguay has been provided free trade ports in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The Friendship Bridge, spanning from the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este to Brazil's Foz do Iguacu allows direct land access to its Brazilian port in Paranagua, as well as providing a commute for both country's residents, of which some 40,000 travel daily.

Without the beautiful coastline or majestic Andes mountain ranges of most South American countries to rely on, Paraguay does not experience a significant tourism industry. However, cultural enthusiasts often travel to the country to learn first-hand about it's rich history and ancient architectural designs that remain. For example, La Santisima Trinidad de Parana (Holy Trinity of Parana), a former Jesuit mission often referred to by the locals simply as "ruins of Trinidad", was one of the final Jesuit reductions built in southern Paraguay in 1706. This historical landmark is the most visited tourist attraction in all of Paraguay, located near the modern day city of Encarnacion.

Other popular tourist sites include the Botanical Gardens and Zoo, the Museo del Barro and Museo Etnografico Andres Barbero, both museums famous for their displays of local indigenous art. Each of these location can be found in the capital city of Asuncion, Paraguay. The beautiful Las Cataratas waterfall (pictured at top and left) in Ciudad Del Este attracts its fair share of sight-seers as well.

The magnificent Las Cataratas waterfall, also known as Iguazu Falls, consists of 275 falls, flowing from the Iguazu River. These falls span 2.7 kilometers (1.67 miles), ranging from 64 to 82 meters in height. The most spectacular of the falls is known as Garganta del Diablo, meaning "Devil's Throat", a U-shaped cliff (pictured left) spanning 150 meters wide and 700 meters in length. This impressive waterfall marks the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Vacationing In Paraguay

Despite it's lack of coastal beaches and snow-capped mountain ranges, the rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscape of Paraguay are enough to induce vacationers to travel to this magnificent, Latin American country. Even if the original destination is a bordering country - Brazil, Argentina or Bolivia - vacationers are strongly encouraged to cross the border into Paraguay and view it's ancient ruins. If nothing else, a trip to the breath-taking Las Cataratas waterfall is highly recommended.

For those interested in planning a Paraguay vacation, you will find Paraguay.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Paraguay vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the phenomenally diverse regions of Paraguay can be found right here.

Moving to Paraguay

Most investors and home buyers may not consider Paraguay as a likely location for purchasing real estate, as it is a land-locked country with no beachfront coastline. However, many individuals are overlooking the benefits of buying real estate in Paraguay. The cost of property in this country is significantly lower than it's neighboring countries, who experience a large tourism-based economy. Real Estate in Paraguay allows the home owner to quickly travel to these more predominant locations with ease, fishing and surfing in the oceans, or soaking up the sun on white-sandy beaches, then leaving the crowds and high prices behind on the trip home. For these same reasons, retiring in Paraguay is not an option that should be discarded without deep contemplation.

Paraguay.Rica24 provides Paraguay Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Paraguay, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and type, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to Paraguay.

At Paraguay.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a spectacular vacation or successful real estate acquisition in Paraguay. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the lush natural wonders of Paraguay.