Page 97 iGap Travel Guide 2022
P. 97
iGap Travel Guide | The Americas
97
ENCARNACIÓN
On the banks of the Paraná River near Paraguay’s
southern border, Encarnación is one of the country’s
most laid-back cities. Its downtown area, the Zona
Centro, is compact and very walkable, featuring
restaurants, shops, and the Plaza de Armas at its
centre – a peaceful square with a Japanese Garden.
Towards the river, west of the Zona Centro, is a
golden, sandy beach – the Playa San José. It’s clean,
safe, and popular amongst locals during the peak
summer season, offering a refreshing dip and beach
activities such as volleyball.
Encarnación is also known as a gateway to Paraguay’s incredible Jesuit Missions ruins. Amongst the best preserved
is La Santísma Trinidad de Paraná, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can be reached within an hour by bus.
First built in 1712, this archaeological ruin is a large and stunning complex featuring a plaza, two churches,
housing, workshops, and gardens. The most ambitious of the Jesuit settlements, it inspired much of Paraguay’s
architecture moving forward.
Jesuit Missions ruins
ChrisHieb / Shutterstock.com
97
ENCARNACIÓN
On the banks of the Paraná River near Paraguay’s
southern border, Encarnación is one of the country’s
most laid-back cities. Its downtown area, the Zona
Centro, is compact and very walkable, featuring
restaurants, shops, and the Plaza de Armas at its
centre – a peaceful square with a Japanese Garden.
Towards the river, west of the Zona Centro, is a
golden, sandy beach – the Playa San José. It’s clean,
safe, and popular amongst locals during the peak
summer season, offering a refreshing dip and beach
activities such as volleyball.
Encarnación is also known as a gateway to Paraguay’s incredible Jesuit Missions ruins. Amongst the best preserved
is La Santísma Trinidad de Paraná, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can be reached within an hour by bus.
First built in 1712, this archaeological ruin is a large and stunning complex featuring a plaza, two churches,
housing, workshops, and gardens. The most ambitious of the Jesuit settlements, it inspired much of Paraguay’s
architecture moving forward.
Jesuit Missions ruins
ChrisHieb / Shutterstock.com
