Paraguay

The people are largely hospitable and curious and contact is easily made. Appropriate clothing is required.

The language is Guaraní, but most people also speak Spanish, sometimes with some reluctance. Furthermore, German and Portuguese are sometimes spoken and some English.

Some nationalities can enter Paraguay without a visa for up to 90 days.

Paraguay

Countries with visa-free access to Paraguay

Visa on arrival to Paraguay

Visa required for entry to Paraguay

Source: Wikipedia.

Safety doesn't seem to be an issue, with normal caution.

Supermarkets

Partly due to the many immigrants, there is a lot of comparable food available in addition to the local food. Price approx 4$. The many stalls along the way and the large supermarkets provide enough stock and variety. The well-known "mate" herbal tea is drunk here cold (so no boiled water!)

Drink

Peter: In the chaco alto, in addition to my three water bottles, I carried another three 5-litre jerry cans with me, two of which I had put in my front bags, the third I never filled because I had a good idea where I could get some again. I always had extra water with me for 1 day. I often trusted water from the ground, I had a pump with me and micropur pills. If I could buy water, I'd rather do it.

Best time to cycle

May to September is the most ideal for cycling here.

Spare parts

A lot of items are available in Asuncion. Hardware stores often sell cycling gear as well.

Nice routes

Chaco Alto - drought, heat, little food and water, bad roads, no traffic, wild animals (including puma) and virtually uninhabited. Peter chose to sleep at military posts for safety, often he could also get water here and sometimes something to eat. The soldiers were very hospitable. These distances could be done in a day:

• Boyuibe - Choroquetaz 65km (11.00-17.30), in school.
• Choroquetaz - Villazon 77km (8.30-17.00) in border post.
• Villazon - Mister Long 27km (8.15-17.00) in military post.
• Mister Long – Nueva Asunción walk 18km (10:00-15:00) in military post. After 3.15 hours of walking: estancia with food and drink (Don Pedro).
• Nueva Asunción – La Patria 95km (8.00-19.00) camped at hotel. Here you can also buy food in a supermarket.
• La Patria – Mariscal Estigarribia 120km (10.30-21.30) in hotel alleman.