Learn about Paraguay

History of AMIGOS in Paraguay 

AMIGOS first arrived in Paraguay in 1972, partnering with the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to support community sanitation and immunization campaigns in rural areas. Our volunteers worked alongside health brigades and local families, helping expand access to vaccines and basic sanitation while building early connections with Paraguayan communities. Over the following decades, AMIGOS projects continued to focus on public health, particularly through immunization and water and sanitation efforts in and around Asunción and neighboring departments helping the work done by the Secretaria Nacional de Saneamiento (SENASA). 

By the early 1990s, AMIGOS was running multiple initiatives in Paraguay, including immunization projects based in the capital and sanitation work in rural communities. As the country’s needs evolved, so did AMIGOS’ work. Beginning around 2011, projects gradually shifted from strictly health-focused initiatives to broader youth leadership, environmental education, and community-based service, with volunteers collaborating more directly with young people and local organizations. 

In recent years, AMIGOS has remained active through both Summer Programs and the Gap Program in Paraguay. Volunteers have partnered with organizations such as SENASA, The Benjamin Franklin Science Corner, Panambi Recicla, MuCi, Fundación Saraki, TECHO Paraguay, and OPADES, among others. These collaborations have centered on topics like environmental conservation, inclusive education, and community development for both our Gap and summer programs. 

In 2026, AMIGOS continues this legacy with two Summer Programs: Tierra Guaraní (Immerse), based in rural communities of Guairá, and Ruta del Mate (Explore), based in communities around Curuguaty in Canindeyú. Across all these initiatives, AMIGOS builds on decades of relationships in Paraguay, focusing on locally led projects, youth leadership, and meaningful cultural exchange. 

AMIGOS Project Regions 

Guairá (Villarrica region) 

Guairá is a department in the southeastern part of Paraguay, with Villarrica as its capital. Villarrica is located roughly 99 – 111 miles from Asunción or about 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on the route and traffic. The area is known for its rolling green hills, small agricultural communities, and a strong presence of both Spanish and Guaraní in everyday life. Local economies are often based on small-scale agriculture, livestock, and services linked to the department capital. Participants will experience a mix of small-town life and rural communities, with close-knit neighborhoods, plazas, and community spaces that host local celebrations and cultural events. 

Link to map: Villarrica, Guairá – Paraguay 

Projects that visit this region: Tierra Guarani 

Canindeyú (Curuguaty / Mbaracayú region) 

Canindeyú is a department in northeastern Paraguay, bordering Brazil. The Curuguaty area, where AMIGOS is based for Ruta del Mate, is approximately 142 – 161 miles from Asunción or around 4 to 5 hours by road. The region is known for its agricultural activity (including yerba mate and other crops) and its proximity to important conservation areas like the Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve, a protected area of Atlantic forest with high biodiversity. Rural communities in this region often combine farming, small-scale commerce, and community-based initiatives, and Guaraní is widely spoken in daily life. 

Link to map: Curuguaty, Canindeyú – Paraguay 

Link to map: Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú 

Projects that visit this region: Ruta del Mate 

Ciudad del Este (Alto Paraná region) 

Ciudad del Este is the capital of the Alto Paraná department and is located in the far eastern part of Paraguay, right on the border with Brazil and Argentina. It is approximately 205 – 211 miles from Asunción or about 5 to 6 hours by road and sits across the Paraná River from the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu. Ciudad del Este is known for being an international commercial hub with a multicultural atmosphere, modern shopping districts, and a constant movement of people between the three surrounding countries. In Ciudad del Este, it’s normal to hear Portuguese, Spanish, and Guaraní on the same street. Many people switch between languages depending on who they’re speaking to. 

The region is a popular destination because of its proximity to natural and engineering landmarks, including Iguazu Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the modern world, and Itaipu Binacional, one of the biggest hydroelectric dams on the planet and a major source of renewable electricity for Paraguay and Brazil.  

Link to: Itaipu Dam 

Link to: Iguazu Falls 

Projects that visit this region: Ruta del Mate, and Tierra Guarani 

COUNTRY OVERVIEW  

Pre-Colonial, Colonial & Post-Colonial History 

Long before European arrival, the territory of what is now Paraguay was home mainly to Guaraní peoples, who lived in semi-sedentary villages, practiced agriculture (maize, cassava, beans, sweet potatoes), hunting, and fishing, and organized life around extended families and communal, spiritual practices.  

The Guaraní also engaged in regional alliances and conflicts, including resistance to incursions from neighboring groups. 

Spanish colonization began in the 16th century with the founding of Asunción in 1537, which became an important colonial center and is often called the “Madre de Ciudades” (Mother of Cities) because it served as a base for founding other settlements in the region.  

Colonial Paraguay was shaped by Guaraní and Spanish interaction, including extensive intermarriage, the encomienda system, and later the establishment of Jesuit missions that organized Indigenous communities around agriculture, crafts, and religious life until the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767.  

Paraguay declared independence from Spain in 1811. The 19th century included periods of strong centralized rule and, most traumatically, the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870) against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, which caused massive population loss and territorial concessions.  

The 20th century saw political instability, the Chaco War (1932–1935) against Bolivia, long periods of authoritarian rule (including the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner from 1954 to 1989), and a gradual transition to democracy. The 1992 constitution established a modern democratic framework with stronger protections for civil and political rights which is still the current constitution.  

Government 

Paraguay is currently a representative democratic republic with three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial, as defined by the 1992 Constitution. The president is both head of state and head of government and is elected by popular vote for a single five-year term with no immediate re-election. The National Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, whose members are also elected for five-year terms.  

Administratively, Paraguay is divided into 17 departments plus the capital district, each with its own departmental and municipal authorities. Civic life often centers around local municipalities, neighborhood commissions, and community-based organizations, where citizens participate in local decision-making, festivals, and community initiatives. Political life has historically been dominated by a few major parties, in particular the Colorado Party. The current president (elected in 2023) is Santiago Peña. 

Economy 

Paraguay is classified by the World Bank as an upper-middle-income country with an economy heavily influenced by agriculture, livestock, and hydroelectric power. It is a major exporter of soybeans, beef, and electricity, leveraging large binational dams like Itaipú and Yacyretá.  

Services and commerce have grown significantly in recent decades, especially in urban centers, while agro-industry is an important part of the industrial sector.  

Despite sustained GDP growth in many years, income distribution remains unequal, and rural poverty continues to affect a notable share of the population. Recent World Bank assessments highlight the need to improve human capital, enhance infrastructure, and make growth more inclusive, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities.  

In many rural areas where AMIGOS works, young people may help with family agriculture, small businesses, or informal work, and participants are likely to see a mix of subsistence farming, small shops, weekend markets, and seasonal employment. 

Geography 

Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. The Paraguay River roughly divides the country into two major regions: the more humid and densely populated Eastern Region, with rolling hills, rivers, and patches of Atlantic forest, and the Western Region (Chaco), a vast, flatter area of savannas, scrubland, and wetlands. Most AMIGOS project sites are in the Eastern Region. The climate ranges from subtropical in the east to tropical in parts of the Chaco, with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is generally higher in the southeast and decreases toward the northwest.  

Travel during AMIGOS programs is typically by bus or van between major cities and staff houses, and by short local rides or walking between homes, schools, and community spaces. Roads in rural areas may be unpaved, which can affect travel times during heavy rain. Participants in Ruta del Mate will also visit natural reserves and forested areas with trails, while Tierra Guaraní volunteers will experience small towns and rural communities surrounded by fields and low hills. 

Food 

Paraguayan food reflects a blend of Guaraní traditions and Spanish influences, with staples like corn, cassava (mandioca), cheese, and beef. Many dishes are shared at family meals, community gatherings, and celebrations. 

Some key dishes and drinks participants are likely to encounter include: 

• Sopa Paraguaya: although the name may be misleading, Sopa Paraguaya is a type of cornbread, similar to a cake or cornbread, made with cornmeal, cheese, onion, milk, and fat. It is a popular dish at festivals and celebrations. 
• Chipa: this is a traditional cheese bread made with cassava starch (yuca), cheese, eggs, and milk. It is a fluffy and tasty delight enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack at any time of the day. 
• Mbejú: another dish based on cassava, mbejú is a kind of pancake made with cassava flour, cheese, and fat, cooked on the grill. It is a very popular dish in Paraguay and is served for both breakfast and dinner. 
• Asado Paraguayo: like in other South American countries, barbecue is an important part of Paraguayan culinary culture. Beef, pork, chicken, or sausages are grilled and served with a variety of accompaniments, such as boiled cassava, salads, and sauces. 
• Bori Bori: this is a traditional Paraguayan soup made with chicken, vegetables, and small balls of cornmeal dough called bori bori. It is comforting and tasty, perfect for chilly days or as a main dish at any time of the year. 
• Pastel Mandi'o: this is a savory pie made with mashed cassava, ground beef, onion, and spices. It is baked in the oven and served as a main dish on many occasions. 
• Sopa de So'o: a rich and hearty soup made with beef, vegetables, and spices. It is a comforting dish enjoyed throughout Paraguay.
• Terere: cold yerba mate, shared socially throughout the day. 

COUNTRY SPECIFICS 

Traditions 

Paraguay has many traditions that participants may encounter in daily life: 

Guaraní language and culture which is an official language alongside Spanish and is widely spoken, especially in rural areas. Many expressions, songs, and stories blend both languages.  

Catholic celebrations such as Semana Santa and the Feast of the Virgin of Caacupé are important national events, often involving processions, music, and shared meals. During the project time volunteers will experience the San Juan festival: in many communities, June brings traditional games, bonfires, music, and food stalls, especially around San Juan festivities. 

Ñandutí lace, ceramics, and woodwork are common artisanal products, and participants may see or buy them in markets or community fairs.  

Extended families often gather on weekends, with barbecues, tereré, and long conversations in patios or courtyards. Volunteers may notice that most weekend gatherings involve extended family, food, and tereré, a big part of daily life in Paraguay. 

Slang 

 You can also visit this page called “Guaranglish”  

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 

Books 

• Yo el Supremo by Augusto Roa Bastos: This historical novel is a reflection on the Paraguayan dictator José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia.  
• Hijo de hombre by Augusto Roa Bastos: This book is about the life of a peasant leader in the context of social and political struggles in Paraguay. 
• La travesía secreta by Hugo Rodríguez-Alcalá: This historical novel narrates the journey of a young Paraguayan soldier during the Chaco War, exploring themes such as patriotism, friendship, and human tragedy. 
• Las palmeras salvajes by Horacio Quiroga: Although born in Uruguay, Horacio Quiroga lived for many years in Paraguay. This book is a collection of stories reflecting the jungle and life in Paraguay. 
• Mitos, cuentos y leyendas guaraníes by Félix de Guarania: This compilation of Guarani myths and legends provides a fascinating insight into the rich oral tradition of Paraguay, passed down through generations by the Guarani people. 
• Madame Sui by Gabriel Casaccia: This novel revolves around the story of Madame Sui, a Chinese immigrant woman who arrives in Paraguay in the early 20th century and whose life intertwines with Paraguayan history and culture. 
• The Thunder Among the Leaves by Augusto Roa Bastos: This novel tells the story of the Aché indigenous people in the Paraguayan jungle and the tensions between their traditional way of life and the arrival of modern civilization.  

Music 

• Polka Paraguaya - A joyful and fast-paced traditional genre played at parties and community festivals; usually performed with guitar and harp.
• Guaranias - A slower, emotional music style often associated with love, nostalgia, and cultural identity, iconic to Paraguay.
• Kchiporros - One of the most famous pop-rock bands in Paraguay; combines modern sounds with Paraguayan rhythms. Very popular among youth.
• Los verduleros - Cumbia and dance party music commonly played at gatherings and celebrations. Instantly recognizable in Paraguay.
• Tierra Adentro - A contemporary folk band that mixes traditional instruments with modern influences; highlights pride in Paraguayan culture.
• Néstor Ló y los Caminantes - Folk-fusion group with poetic lyrics inspired by social life, daily realities, and Paraguayan identity.
• Paiko  - Pop-rock band that marked a generation of Paraguayan youth; known for uplifting songs that mix rock with Latin influences.
• LaNuestra  - A contemporary pop band with socially aware lyrics, strong female vocals, and themes of empowerment and identity.
• Salamandra  - A legendary national rock band with energetic and emotional songs that are widely known and sung at concerts and gatherings.