Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Suggested itineraries, International tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Visiting museums and churches, Media and communications, Cultural interaction, Giving something back Chapter 3 Asuncion History, Getting there, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, tour operators and agencies, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Excursions Chapter 4 Circuito de Oro Getting out of Asuncion, Suggested circuits, Travelling along Ruta 2, San Lorenzo, Capiata, Itaugua, Ypacarai, Caacupe, Itacurubi de la Cordillera, Towns north of Ruta 2, Luque, Aregua, San Bernardino, Altos, Emboscada, Atyra, Tobati, Vapor Cue, Towns south of Ruta 2, Pirayu, Piribebuy, Valenzuela, Sapucai, Travelling along Ruta 1, Ita, Yaguaron , Paraguari, Carapegua, Ybycui, San Roque Gonzalez, Quiindy, Parque Nacional Ypoa, Caapucu Chapter 5 Misiones and the Jesuit Reductions Villa Florida, San Miguel, San Juan, San Ignacio, Santa Maria de Fe, Santa Rosa, Santiago, Ayolas Chapter 6 Southeast to Itapua and the Ruins San Cosme y Damian, Trinidad, Jesus, Colonias Unidas, Excursion to San IgnacioMini, Excursion to San Rafael Nature Reserve, Encarnacion Chapter 7 Southwest to -eembucu and the Old Battlegrounds Pilar, Humaita, Paso de Patria Chapter 8 Excursion to the Iguazu Falls Puerto Iguazu, Foz do Iguauu Chapter 9 Ciudad del Este and the East Ciudad del Este, Itaipu Chapter 10 Villarrica and Central Paraguay Coronel Oviedo, Yataity, Independencia, Villarrica, Excursions from Villarrica, Caazapa Chapter 11 Concepcion and the Northeast Getting there and away, Travelling on Ruta 3, Concepcion, The far north, Cruising the Rio Paraguay, Pedro Juan Caballero, Parque Cerro Cora and surrounding area, The east-northeast Chapter 12 The Chaco Travelling along the Ruta Transchaco, Filadelfia, Boqueron, Loma Plata, Mariscal Estigarribia, The Pantanal Appendix Language Appendix Glossary Appendix Selective list of fauna Appendix Further information Index