Avañe'ẽ / Guaraní / Corazón de América / Americas
From the yerba mate fields to the Chaco, the Guarani spirit endures
Paraguay gave the world tereré — iced yerba mate infused with medicinal herbs. UNESCO inscribed tereré as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. While Argentina drinks hot mate, Paraguayans perfected the cold version with yuyos (herbs). The guampa (horn cup) and bombilla (metal straw) are carried everywhere. Sharing tereré is Paraguay's greatest social ritual.
Paraguay is the only country in the Americas where an Indigenous language (Guarani) is spoken by the majority population — 87% of Paraguayans speak it, including non-Indigenous people. It's co-official with Spanish. Guarani words like 'jaguar' (jaguarete), 'piranha' (pira aña), and 'toucan' (tukã) entered global vocabulary. This bilingual identity is Paraguay's crown jewel.
From 1864-1870, Paraguay fought Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay simultaneously — the deadliest war in South American history. Paraguay lost 60-90% of its male population. Despite devastation, the war forged an indestructible national identity. Mariscal Francisco Solano López became a symbol of defiance. Paraguay's spirit: 'Vencer o morir' (conquer or die).
The Paraguayan harp (arpa paraguaya) produces one of the most beautiful sounds in world music. With 36 strings and a resonant cedar body, it's the national instrument. Félix Pérez Cardozo's 'Pájaro Campana' (Bellbird) is iconic. Paraguayan harp music was recognized by UNESCO. From rural estancias to concert halls, the harp is Paraguay's voice.
Ñandutí (meaning 'spider web' in Guarani) is Paraguay's distinctive needle lace, created with intricate radial patterns in vibrant colors. Each piece takes weeks to months. The tradition centers in Itauguá, where annual festivals celebrate this art. Ñandutí adorns clothing, tablecloths, and ceremonial items. It's a living art form passed mother to daughter for centuries.
The Itaipú Dam on the Paraguay-Brazil border was the world's largest hydroelectric plant until 2012. It still generates more electricity than any other dam annually — powering 75% of Paraguay's and 15% of Brazil's electricity. Paraguay exports surplus energy, making it the world's largest net exporter of electricity per capita. A Guarani engineering triumph on the Paraná River.
Sacred moments marking the Guarani journey through time
August 15, 1537 — Mother of Cities founded
May 14, 1811 — Independence from Spain
March 1, 1870 — War ends, nation survives
May 5, 1984 — World's largest dam begins operation
Tetã yvypóra: 7.4M Population|Ñe'ẽ: 87% speak Guarani|Táva: Asunción (Capital)|UNESCO: Tereré Heritage|Mba'e porã: Itaipú Dam|Yvypóra: Heart of South America
The strength of Avañe'ẽ in figures
Two resilient nations connected through Korean immigration and trade
Paraguay hosts one of South America's significant Korean communities, primarily in Asunción and Ciudad del Este. Korean merchants dominate electronics trade in the tri-border area. Korean BBQ restaurants thrive alongside Paraguayan asado. The Korean school in Asunción educates generations bridging both cultures. Paraguay was among the first South American nations to establish diplomatic ties with Korea.
Ciudad del Este, on the Brazilian border, is South America's second-largest free trade zone. Korean electronics (Samsung, LG) flow through Paraguay to the continent. Korean investment in agriculture and manufacturing grows steadily. Both nations share values of family loyalty, hard work, and resilience — Paraguay survived the Triple Alliance War, Korea survived the Korean War.
Jeheka (find) hotels across Paraguay and beyond
Argentina · Neighbor · Tango capital
Jeheka — Find hotels
Brazil · Largest city · Business hub
Jeheka — Find hotels
Brazil · Cristo Redentor · Carnival
Jeheka — Find hotels
Capital · Mother of Cities · Guarani heart
Jeheka — Find hotels
Uruguay · River Plate · Southern charm
Jeheka — Find hotels
Chile · Andes gateway · Wine country
Jeheka — Find hotels
Peru · Culinary capital · Pacific coast
Jeheka — Find hotels
USA · Latin gateway · Diaspora hub
Jeheka — Find hotels
Spain · Colonial mother · European gate
Jeheka — Find hotels
USA · Global city · Opportunities
Jeheka — Find hotels
Tekoha (sacred homeland) of deep spiritual significance
Misiones · UNESCO Ruins · Guarani-Jesuit heritage
Marangatu — sacred/protected
Western Paraguay · Wilderness · Indigenous homeland
Marangatu — sacred/protected
Alto Paraná · Triple border · Natural wonder
Marangatu — sacred/protected
Central · Ñandutí capital · Living lace tradition
Marangatu — sacred/protected
Interactive experiences across WIA Trip
Book through our partners — from tereré to champagne