The answer in the most simple of terms is very pleasant. For anyone who is easy going, flexible and keen to get to know the local way of doing things it can be very rewarding. Even more so for those wishing to be left to live their lives as they choose.

Like everywhere in the world it does have it’s problems and difficulties. Those though are greatly outweighed by the positives of living a life in Paraguay. Every country has it’s own way of doing things and learning them is all part of the relocation experience.

It would be a dull world if everything was done the same way everywhere.

Whilst getting things done can be at times a little frustrating it is worth remembering that problems affect everyone. Locals and foreigners alike. You will soon discover that if you mention them to foreigners who have been here for a while the root of the issue is often nothing more than cultural misunderstandings.

Once that is realised many of them just fade away. Either through an adjustment of thoughts and expectations or through the acceptance that some things are just they way they are and must be worked with rather than against.

A foreigner who accepts a country for what it is lives a far happier life than one who tries to bend it to his will.

So much for the required mind set. What about the practicalities of living in Paraguay?

I live in the countryside and as such my thoughts on the matter reflect a country lifestyle rather than the city one found in Asuncion other cities in Paraguay.

The country lifestyle is more traditional and for me a more rewarding way to live than that found in cities.

Life in the countryside is a more natural one, closer to nature.

Much of the Paraguayan countryside is a never ending blanket of green. Woods, forests and farmland stretching off into the distance as far as the eye can see.

Out here nature is never far away and the quiet of the day is broken only by the sounds of birds and insects, or by the running of a crystal clear stream. Traffic away from the urban centres is very light.

The closest thing to a rush hour you are going to experience is a herd of cattle being moved to pasture blocking the roads for a short while.

Those urban centres are country towns of varying sizes which are scattered all across Paraguay. Even a few miles from a town the land can feel remote and untouched. Unless you are seeking a truly remote of the grid life there is little reason to live beyond easy reach of a little country town.

All towns are equipped with the essentials. Doctors, supermarkets, hardware stores and the like. Every country town is stocked with the basic necessities required for life.

In the countryside the pace of life is much slower, more relaxed. Nothing gets done in a hurry and everyone has time for everyone else. Paraguayans are very friendly, open people and a new comer is soon made to feel part of the community.

The cost of living is also low in the countryside, from the price of properties to the expense of day to day living.

It is of course quite possible to live in the countryside and have a lifestyle that is as costly as one in the city, but to live well there is no need to do so.

Dining out in restaurants every day and constant shopping trips to seek out the best of everything run counter to the whole reason for seeking a rural country life.

This is not a place that buzzes with the vibrancy of a city but instead somewhere full of more low key charms waiting to be discovered.

A nightlife there may not be vast stretches of green countryside waiting to be explored there is.

It is also far from the tourist trails. So local customs and traditions have not been adjusted to fit in with what it is believed tourists would expect. Every festival is by the local population for the local population. Any newcomers are made more than welcome and these are some of the best places to see genuine Paraguayan culture.

As for a home you will soon discover that with a bit of searching almost anything is available. From small Paraguayan houses in either modern or traditional styles right up to large working farms and ranches. It is even quite possible to buy some land and have your own dream house built on it.

You will also find that scattered as the population looks in the countryside you will not be alone. The Paraguayans infinitely patient and helpful. Get to know your neighbours and will soon find yourself part of a community that cares as much for your well being as you care for theirs.

Then in addition to that there are immigrant communities and expat groups all over Paraguay that can provide support and the outsiders view that is sometimes needed.

Paraguay is a rewarding place to be and to live in Paraguay is relatively easy for someone with the right mindset to settle into.

If you have any questions about Paraguay or would like to know more about living here, or about the country in general don’t hesitate to contact me with your queries.

Also if you haven’t already please do take a look at my YouTube channel (also named Simons Paraguay) so that you may see as well as read about Paraguay.

Link below

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGJr96FQfkxKzbJ5SGSCFg

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It is a relaxed and friendly place to be. An easy going lifestyle can be found here. One where in general terms everyone is left to live as they choose so long as that does not cause harm or inconvenience to others.

That said that in common with Paraguay more generally it is not to everyone’s taste. Everything seems to happen more slowly, many things don’t work quite as they should and it is on the whole still quite undeveloped.

However if you can see the charm and character that such things give to a place and are of an adaptable and flexible nature then the Paraguayan countryside may be somewhere that at the very least you investigate.

It is the sort of place that someone who feels the pull of such places would have little trouble settling into.

The local population is almost universally welcoming of outsiders. Those within a few hours travel of Asuncion are used to people from there visiting for extended periods, and there have been for a long time expat communities scattered across the country.

To feel part of the community and to be treated as such by those who have been there for many years is really quite simple. Integrate with the local community,mix with the people take an honest interest in local events.

Then invites to local events will soon come in.

First though before all that you must if you are considering Paraguay ask yourself what sort of person you are or want to be. A city person, a town one or someone of the countryside.

City life offers those luxuries such as shopping malls that cannot be found elsewhere. It is also a place more vibrant and full of life. However it is hardly reflective of Paraguay as a whole. It is far to easy for the likes of safety for example to stay almost entirely in the modern upmarket districts that bare no relation to the vast majority of the country.

A better way to see and appreciate Paraguay is to be in one of the country towns. There are a lot of nice towns within a couple of hours of Asuncion. They are all surrounded by countryside, which they tend to serve. An advantage of being in a country town is that it is possible to live without owning your own transport. Stores will be within walking distance and buses available for heading further afield.

There are through a few downsides to being based in a town.

A couple are, firstly that the open spaces of empty countryside will be nearby while you have neighbours all around.

And secondly care is needed in choosing where in a town to be. Country towns are on the whole safe peaceful places, but every town in the world has it’s better areas. Also as often there is little going on bored teenagers (as they do in similar places everywhere) will be looking for something to do to liven up their lives, and those somethings could be quite loud.

The final option however for somewhere to live in Paraguay should be far more peaceful. The Paraguayan countryside.

There is no reason to live far from a town with most being surrounded by green countryside. Unless the aim is to be living off grid it makes sense to be just a short trip away from a town and it’s stores.

Once out of the towns roads leading off the main paved roads are dirt, so the quality of the road and the likely hood of it becoming impassable in bad weather need to be considered. Life down these dirt tracks has a slower more rural feel about it.

A complete antidote to the rush of modern life.

The houses out here everything from simple one room dwellings to mansions and everything in between, by way of farm houses and summer homes.

Then of course if you were to find the right spot but discover there is no house there it is quite possible to buy the land and have one built. However when considering building I would suggest finding somewhere with a run down house and removing and replacing it. That way connections to both water and electric should already be on the property.

There are many fine areas of countryside in Paraguay. The one that I know best is the Cordillera hills area which contains towns such as Piribebuy and Caacupe.

Other areas such as Villarrica and Aregua amongst others also have a lot to recommend them, but it is Cordillera that I know best.

It is just a couple of hours travel from Asuncion so within easy reach of the capital for those things that can only be done there. I take day trips to Asuncion a few times a year just to see a little city life. It is though always nice to head home away from the city afterwards.

Cordillera is the nearest region of higher ground to Asuncion and it is just a little bit fresher there. It has a landscape of hills and valleys, all of which are pleasing on the eye. It is also where many of the streams and rivers in Western Paraguay start as crystal clear mountain streams. Cool, clear and refreshing.

Properties can be found, more commonly around Piribebuy, with their own private stretch of river. A stream is one of the few places where the heat of summer can truly be escaped.

I myself may not have a river but I open the curtains every morning to look out upon tree covered hills that rise sharply across the valley from my house. Then at night I can sit out behind the house looking up at a star filled sky that does not have to compete against a single artificial light.

And for most of most days I hear like is to be heard in much of the countryside little beyond the sounds of nature.

That nature must be considered as part of the countryside. It is packed with life. This includes insects and spiders of all shapes and sizes as well and larger creatures such lizards and snakes. So if you do have an issue with bugs the Paraguayan countryside might be a challenge for you.

Alternatively though there are also many colourful and exotic birds to be seen every day.

As I hope you have seen in this brief overview the Paraguayan countryside has a lot to offer anyone of the right frame of mind. Someone who wishes for a new life somewhere more peaceful, or as they say in Paraguay “tranquillo”.

If you would like to discover more please do contact me either by leaving a message below, or through the Contacts page on the website.

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Crossing the River Paraguay it is clearly visible from as far away as the Bay of Asuncion. That is a few kilometres downstream. From there it dominates the distant horizon.

The bridge itself is a Cable Stayed bridge. That give it a look not dissimilar to a Suspension bridge, although it works quite differently.

In a cable stayed bridge the cables descend from towers placed along the bridge rather from a cable running the length of the bridge as would be the case with a suspension bridge. The effect of this is that it is the towers themselves rather than anchorings at either end of the bridge that support the weight of the bridge deck.

Coincidentally the particular design chosen with cable radiating out from descending points on the towers is called a Harp. The harp is also the national instrument of Paraguay.

There are a number of reason for choosing a cable stayed bridge over a suspension bridge. One is purely artistic The clean, slim look of a bridge held up by cables fanning out from central towers.

Additionally there are practical reason for selecting a cable stayed bridge. Firstly the design is more suitable for shorter spans where building a suspension bridge would be impracticable.

Furthermore geology may affect the choice of design. Solid rocks are required for the anchoring of the chains of a suspension bridge, but with all the forces being passed down through the towers the quality of rocks on either bank is not an issue.

Construction of the Heroes of the Chaco bridge began in 2020 after the awarding of the contracts to do so in late 2019. The work was then done by two Paraguayan firms.

After the awarding of the contracts in December 2019 the first ground was broken on 12th June 2020. The date upon which the work began was highly symbolic marking the 85th anniversary of the end of the Chaco War.

From there work commenced at a pace with a total work force of 1,500 of whom the maximum working at one time was 900. The bridge was scheduled to open in December 2023 but was completed and open a little ahead the projected date.

To build the bridge 7.4 Km of new road ways needed to be constructed. These included viaducts 1 Km long at either end of the bridge and 450 m of the bridge itself over the River Paraguay.

Viaducts were placed at either end of the bridge to lift it above environmentally important wetland habitats along the banks of the river. In doing so anyone crossing the bridge will be able to pass across these natural areas without impacting them.

The height of the bridge deck is 29 m above the normal level of the river. Originally a slightly lower bridge had been proposed. The raised height will allow unimpeded travel for all shipping along the River Paraguay.

For the bridge deck itself the width is approximately 30 m. This allows for two lanes of traffic in each direction. Furthermore the bridge also has a cycle way and a footpath ensuring that it is accessible to all.

This bridge represents only the 3rd bridge across the River Paraguay in Paraguay. The other two are Ramanso Bridge 8 Km further up stream and Nanawa in Concepcion. As such it will represent a mayor increase in connectivity between Eastern and Western Paraguay and the only crossing in Asuncion itself.

Ramanso Bridge has become highly congested and the addition of another bridge across the river will resolve that issue.

The increased connectivity across Paraguay is also projected to improve connections across the region in general and in doing so benefit both Brazil and Argentina.

Linked by it’s 7.4 Km of roadways to the Paraguayan road network the bridge is just a few Km from Asuncion Old Town at the far end of the Costanera. From there it crosses to the town of Chaco’i on the northern bank of the river. Then from there to the growing towns north of the river and beyond.

The bridge will greatly shorten journey times to and from Asuncion and it has been designed with an anticipated capacity of 10,000 vehicles per day.

This new bridge and a number of other infrastructure projects are aimed at ensuring the continued economic growth of Paraguay. This growth will be both in Asuncion and in the towns across the country that will benefit from increased and faster connectivity.

The recent upgrading of the main East – West route across the country is another example of this policy.

For those though who are in Asuncion without any great need to get anywhere quickly the graceful profile of the Heroes of the Chaco bridge will simply be something of beauty to observe and enjoy.

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It is though a country town. As such things like shopping malls, cinemas and international brand name stores are nowhere to be seen. Not such a bad thing as their with their absence the town remains more traditional. What there is though is generally sufficient.

On those occasions when what is available in the town is not enough larger places are easily reached. Caacupe is just a short distance away and the drive into Asuncion takes less than two hours.

For the most part however when just looking for supplies everything can be found in Piribebuy.

The town has a relaxed laid back atmosphere which make shopping or simply spending time there a pleasure. It is the sort of place where no one is rushing to make their purchases and where you could just sit in a cafe for a couple of hours watching the world go by.

There is just a small compact area of the town which functions as it’s commercial centre. Two streets which bisect each other in the centre of town.

An infinitely walk able town there is hardly any need to drive from store to store outside of making trips to stock up at the supermarket.

That supermarket is modern and well stocked. It is by far the largest store in town and privately owned rather than being part of a chain.

It does mean that the bulk of anyone’s shopping can be done in one location, rather than requiring visits to a whole host of smaller stores.

Thankfully the arrival of a supermarket did not kill of the small stores and the great majority of the stores in Piribebuy are still small family owned businesses.

For general shopping the supermarket may be the only store in town you will need to visit. It is also one of the few places in Piribebuy where payments can be made with credit cards.

Heading away from the supermarket you soon reach the commercial streets where the bulk of the businesses in town have their premises.

These include stores which in other places supermarkets have driven out of business such as general stores and green grocers. These continue to attract trade and offer a more personal service than the supermarket. All the general stores in Piribebuy have had refurbishments over the past few years and continue to thrive.

The greengrocers tempt customers with fresh produce displayed out in the street.

Also in town are to be found clothing stores. Some of these sell functional items reflecting the rural nature of the surrounding countryside while others sell more fashionable clothes. The fashions on display are generally those of younger shoppers and of that market mainly aimed at the female portion.

Piribebuy is additionally like most Paraguayan towns well served by building suppliers. Everything needed for building and maintaining a house can be obtained with ease. From bricks to paint, from spades to light bulbs.

For larger purchases home delivery will be available.

Then once the house is built it will need fitting out. To that end there are a couple of national chains plus a number of local businesses selling a wide range of electrical goods and furnishings.

These again offer delivery which is usually the same day and normally free.

The town is not just somewhere to head to buy things before heading back to your house. It is also a good place to relax for a few hours.

It is a quiet town and a very easy place to walk around. There is rarely much traffic on it’s streets and there are plenty of green spaces.

In addition to a couple of large plazas Piribebuy has the Rio Piribebuy running just a couple of blocks from it’s centre. This has been laid out as a smart park where the river runs through the town.

There is a paved boulevard running along the banks of the river with ample benches from which to take in the view.

For much off the year a dam built across the river is closed. This creates a lake which is the town’s swimming pool. Access to the pool is free and unrestricted.

Piribebuy is also a town of culture and history. The town’s principal church contains a number of old carvings and items of church furniture which are all worth seeing.

Furthermore there is a well kept town museum with a helpful and knowledgeable keeper. The museum focuses on the Battle of Piribebuy and the men from Piribebuy who fought in the Chaco War.

After exploring the sights it is good take a seat and watch the world go by.

To do this in Piribebuy you may wish to visit one of the many cafes that are to be found around the town. The majority are simple traditional Paraguayan cafes supplying the local population with snacks such as empanadas and chipa along with cold drinks. Places where both locals and visitors eat.

There are a number of bars around town. They do not generally open until the evening.

In terms of restaurants there are a couple of places that offer restaurant meals, however on the whole as most of the customers are locals on their lunch breaks most places that serve meals offer simple but tasty traditional Paraguayan country dishes. These are well worth a visit to experience for the price of a few dollars real Paraguayan food.

Around Piribebuy can be found other services you may need from time to time. There are hairdressers along almost every street and dressmakers if ever that should be required along with other similar businesses.

In terms of health the town has a small hospital, a private clinic and a several health centres. There are also dentists and opticions to be found in town.

All considered with the stores and services to be found in town and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it Piribebuy is a good place to live and a very pleasant place to visit.

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Unsurprisingly given all that it is a popular resort area. Many people head out from Asuncion on a summer’s weekend to enjoy it’s numerous country parks.

The town is a quiet place but contains everything anyone living in town or visiting would need. In addition to a well stocked supermarket there are bars, cafes and restaurants along with a couple of streets lined with small family owned stores.

All this makes Piribebuy a suitable candidate for somewhere to make one’s home. The Paraguayans came to realise this long ago and there have always been holiday homes belonging to residents of Asuncion and other places in and around the town.

The same factors, the ease of access to Asuncion and the prettiness of the countryside, have also drawn expats to Piribebuy. There is a small established expat community spread lightly around the area.

Enough to give new arrivals people to meet up with but too few to change the character of the town.

Many of the properties out in the countryside are rural in nature, but that is not the only way to live in and enjoy Piribebuy.

One alternative option is a small gated community that is slowly being developed on the edge of town. It currently has just three residents with a fourth house being the property that is up for sale.

The community is behind a gate and fence but those are there to define it’s borders rather than as a security requirement.

It is enclosed by a wire mesh fence not a wall and this allows for unbroken views of the surrounding countryside. The gate ensures there is no through traffic keeping down noise and allowing children to wander and explore where ever they choose.

From the paved road access is via 1 km of good unpaved road and on foot the centre of Piribebuy is just 10 minutes away.

The house that is for sale here is brand new. All is in place for an owner to move in and make it their home. It is the building shown at the top of the article.

It sits on a plot of 912 m2 of which the house occupies 180 m2. This gives ample room for a garden to be planted up and a pool to be installed.

Throughout the building the best quality of materials available have been used. From the roof to the floor tiles, from the doors to the windows. Many of those items were imported and the property is built to European standards.

For example the doors are all heavy wooden ones with solid locks and the windows contain built in sunshades to keep out the strongest of the sun’s rays. Being integral to window units they are than out of sight when not in use.

Furthermore Wi Fi is fitted and there is air conditioning in every room.

Within the house there is to be found, a lounge, a kitchen, an office, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

The lounge is a large spacious area with a high ceiling and a doorway out onto the terrace. As with everywhere in the house there are ample electrical sockets located at convenient points.

Facing the lounge is an open plan kitchen. Between lounge and kitchen there is a long breakfast bar and then the kitchen itself has a long worktop giving ample space for food preparation. A further door leads from the kitchen out onto the terrace.

From the lounge a corridor runs through the centre of the house to the bedrooms.

There are three bedrooms. All are of a good size and the largest, the principal bedroom again has direct access out onto the terrace.

The bathroom is spacious and in line with the rest of the house fitted with top quality fixtures. A good size shower and double wash basins.

One further room is a little smaller. This is designed as an office space but could equally well be used as a store room.

The property is priced at US$130,000 which for the quality of the build and the location is a very fair price.

For someone wishing to enjoy the peaceful and relaxed lifestyle of the Paraguayan countryside from the comfort of good quality home this house is defiantly worth some consideration.

If you are interested in this property please do get in contact with me. I will be able to supply any further details you require and if you are in Piribebuy arrange a viewing.

The post Brand new modern house for sale in Piribebuy appeared first on Simons Paraguay.

The result of which is that potential buyer will have many places to choose between. If they can only track down properties that are for sale.

Some are listed on agents websites, be they national or local, but the vast majority aren’t. Those are instead simply put up for sale by their owners.

At times a sign may be put up on a fence advertising a properties availability, but more often than not there are no visual clues that somewhere is for sale.

Furthermore even if a sign is put up it may remain there slowly fading for years. It is not uncommon for someone to advertise in this way not really wanting to sell but just to test the market to see if there are any takers.

Additionally without a comprehensive system for valuing properties in place it is hard for an owner to gauge the true value of their house. Unsurprisingly this often results in properties being advertised at over valued prices. It is sensible for a home owner to start by quoting a price rather higher than he wishes to receive and then to negotiate downwards.

To seek a price that is realistic to everyone it can be of use for a buyer to look around the local area to obtain an idea of what the average prices are.

In order to do this and also to track down properties that are only advertised through word of mouth it is extremely helpful to have a local contact to help you negotiate the largely unregulated property market.

This is a service I offer in the Cordillera area. Especially around the towns of Piribebuy and Caacupe which I know best and where I have local contacts.

If this is something I could help you with the services I provide in addition to finding properties are viewing them, reporting on them, acting as a point of contact between you and the sellers and giving guidance on the legal matters relating to a property purchase.

Furthermore I would be happy to assist with any other help you required regarding properties or Paraguay in general.

As for the properties themselves many types can be found out in the Paraguayan countryside.

Here are a few of the most common ones.

Firstly there are town houses which can be found in every town or village. These are often built to the same general with most of their internal space given over to bedrooms. They normally also include a lounge or kitchen diner as well as a small garden.

These are mostly built for the local population to Paraguayan designs and styles. A small place may cost as little as $20,000 but larger properties can reach up to levels ten times that.

The larger more luxurious town houses are generally to be found on the edges of towns. They are built either by a rich Paraguayan family or by a property developer aiming for the international market.

Despite the seemingly high price of some of these properties they are far cheaper than their equivalent would be elsewhere.

Next come country houses. These tend to have larger gardens. Sometimes as much as a hectare or two and on occasion with a stretch of river. The majority are built in a style somewhere between a town house and a farm and as such generally require some modernisation.

Other country houses are in effect simply summer houses., These range from spartan up to high fashion but in almost all cases will require a bit of redesigning as however good the quality of the buildings they were built with only short term accommodation a few times of year in mind.

In this category prices range generally between $30,000 and $100,000. With of course a good number of exceptions.

Upwards from these are farm houses. The main focus of these unsurprisingly is their lands. They all are or were working farms. These lands can be many hectares in extent. Depending on the location it may be agricultural, pastoral or for timber.

A farm house may have been on the site for generations and so they are often basic in appearance. This also reflects the working nature of the properties. A rural and rustic life can be found in one of these traditional farm houses.

With the buildings themselves being generally simple and functional it is the extent of the land rather than the house itself which here dictates the price.

Land prices vary widely from area to area and even between zones within the countryside surrounding a town. Hence giving anything like a set figure is impossible. However working from a figure of $10,000 per hectare does give a rough ball park figure when trying to assess values.

There are even numerous plots of land lying unused an undeveloped upon which a country hideaway could be built.

Life in the Paraguayan countryside is a peaceful and relaxed one. Everything is green and spacious away from the crowds and pollution of the cites.

As I mentioned above my area of expertise is the countryside around the towns of Piribebuy and Caacupe. It is well known as a picturesque area, popular with sightseers. Additionally it is within easy reach Asuncion and an area that is well used to welcoming newcomers.

Elsewhere across the countryside there are variations in property prices but the styles of homes available is relatively consistent.

Even if Paraguay is not as yet on your radar as a potential place to live it may be worth giving some consideration to the quality of life it’s countryside offers.

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It is quite possible to find rented accommodation. That may be short term or long term and could be through private rental or via a site such as AirBnB. Even if you are intending to buy rather than rent doing so will give a temporary base whist investigating the Paraguayan real estate market.

There are properties of all shapes and sizes available for purchase all across the country. Everything from apartments and small houses on little plots of land to mansions and hundred hectare farms.

Furthermore there are no restrictions as to who can and who cannot purchase property. It can even be done before Paraguayan residency has been applied for. Although realistically I would suggest that the best time to go house hunting is after the paperwork for your temporary residency has been completed while you are waiting for it to be processed.

I have been here now over 20 years and through the local knowledge and contacts I have built up am in a good position to assist someone in finding their Paraguayan dream home.

When looking for a home in Paraguay your first decision will be as to whether you would like live in the town or countryside.

Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay and by far the biggest settlement. A large proportion of the population of the country lives within Greater Asuncion. As such it is the most modern and vibrant city in the country, the best for shopping and dining. It is though also the most crowded and traffic can be a problem.

Other city options are border cities such as Encarnacion or the pleasant city in the countryside, Villarrica.

A city and especially Asuncion would be the best option for modern apartments.

Then there are country towns with all the facilities needed for a modern life surrounded by green countryside and open spaces. Each has it’s own character and it’s own pros and cons. Places like San Bernardino and Caacupe.

Other option for an even more relaxed and peaceful life are the districts that surround small country towns. The small town of Piribebuy is a good example of this. There districts with names such as Naranjo and Chololo offer a country life often with hills and a crystal clear stream nearby.

One further option is that of buying a larger area of land either for farming, a plantation or possibly eco tourism.

Which ever is your preferred option you will find that the price compares very favourably to those elsewhere.

Although there are many properties available you will probably find that researching your options via the internet will not identify as many as would be expected.

Paraguay is still far from being a place where everything can be done online.

There are a few businesses with national coverage, but their customer service is far from optimal and they can be reluctant to communicate with potential buyers especially if the properties are located outside Asuncion. However the sites are still worth looking at for examples of what is available and the prices you should expect to be paying.

In the countryside properties are priced according to size. The price per hectare varies greatly from place to place but a a figure of $10,000 per hectare is a reasonable average one to start with as a base line. On top of the land the value of the house would then be added.

If you know roughly which area your are interested in then a better option would be to seek out a local real estate agent with just one or two offices.

There the service will be more personalised and will be with you right through to the completion of your purchase, and probably afterwards as a local agent will be able to locate and recommend any builders and workmen you may need.

On agents books however, be they national or local, are only a fraction of the properties that are for sale in Paraguay. Many can can only be located via word of mouth or through signs hung up on fences.

Accessing this pool of properties will produce an almost unending supply of possibilities. However this portion of the market must be approached with extreme care.

With no agent acting for you it may be difficult to tell an honest seller from a dishonest or even criminal one. The only way this private market should be approached is with the assistance of someone who knows the land and whos opinions you can trust.

There are a number of cons to be aware of from hugely inflated prices to not actually selling you the piece of land you thought you were buying.

When looking for a property it always makes sense to inspect several before making any decisions. Take a while to walk around taking photos of everything. Look at the quality of the buildings and check what is next door and nearby, green fields or factories. Also walk around the boundary. There must be a fence clearly marking the boundaries of the property.

Take time to talk with the owner. Are there connection for water and electric, is there an internet signal? What is the neighbourhood like and the local stores and services? Here again if not working with an agent you will need a local guide.

At this stage, and possibly even before you look at anything, some very important questions need to be asked. Are all the title deeds in order and are they all in the name of the person selling the property?

If the answer to either is no then do not attempt to pursue the matter any further. A polite “No thank you”. The owner will understand.

Once you have found your property, the one you plan to buy, then legal paperwork must be completed.

This is done by a public notary. If a seller suggests you use his notary decline the offer unless you can obtain independent recommendations for that person. A dishonest seller and a corrupt notary is a recipe for disaster. Again having local assistance and guidance will be beneficial.

The notary will deal with the legal matters such as the change of ownership. Additionally they will arrange for a surveyor to visit the property to map it out and confirm that the dimensions are those quoted in the deeds.

Although great care must be taken when making a purchase to avoid any potential cons and swindles buying a property in Paraguay need not be complicated if approached with due diligence, and some local assistance.

I have been providing on the ground assistance for some time now. Finding, viewing and reporting on properties and then doing whatever else is required to ensure a purchase can be made with confidence and without worries that anything may be being concealed.

So far as the costs go there will of course be legal fees to be paid by both sides to the public notary. Then from the seller there will be a 5% commission to the agent.

If you are considering moving to Paraguay and feel I could help you in anyway do not hesitate to contact me. Either through the website or directly via my email sjcaway@hotmail,com

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Although commonly known as Villarrica the full name of the city is Villarrica de Espirito Santo and it was originally founded in 1570.

For many years after that the city moved around the countryside as a more suitable location was sought. Those wanderings finally came to a halt in 1682 when it arrived at a location near to the Ybytyruzu Hills.

Unsurprisingly after all the previous relocations it was some while before the authorities back in Spain formally gave matters their approval with that not occurring until 1701.

Since that time however Villarrica has remained and thrived in it’s current location.

The city itself has a population of a little over 50,000 and contains all that would be expected in the way of services and infrastructure from a city. There are a wide range of retail options as well as all the necessary medical and legal services.

In addition to being the service hub for a large area of surrounding countryside Villarrica is also a place of education and culture.

For education there are a number of university campuses across the city and the many students that attend them help give Villarrica a lively, youthful air.

And in the form of culture it is considered after Asuncion to be the second most important cultural centre in Paraguay. A number of Paraguayan cultural artists have come from Villarrica and they have left their legacy upon the city.

It was somewhere that I did not have much personal experience of, so when the opportunity arose to spend a couple of days there I did not let the chance for a little exploring pass me by.

To visit Villarrica meant an early start for me. I knew it would be a two hour journey and did not want to waste time that could be spent learning about the town travelling.

Despite it’s length it was a good journey. First down to Paraguari and then picking up the modern highway that runs directly to Villarrica. That road was a joy to travel, modern and almost empty.

Once in town my first job was a find a hotel. With my aim being to explore the city I chose an old fashioned central hotel rather than one of the more upmarket ones on the outskirts.

There were several similar hotels available but in the end I chose the Hotel Ybytyruzu. Mainly because it had off road parking. A simple but clean and comfortable place and more than adequate for a night or two.

Heading out into the city from the hotel I discovered I was ideally located on the edge of the central commercial district.

Common sense made this the first place to investigate. Here I found several city blocks filled almost entirely with commercial premises.

This would ensure that anyone wishing to purchase items would be able to find everything they needed within walking distance. It also helps keep retail premises from spreading out to far into more residential districts.

The shops in Villarrica were a mixture of family and local businesses alongside the the national Paraguayan chains. A lack of Shopping Malls made the streets a colourful and vibrant place to explore.

Alongside the shops there were also all the bars, cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours anyone could desire. I suspect their numbers were being driven by Villarrica being a university city.

All around the centre there were fine buildings to be seen. The council chambers had the appearance of a colonial mansion. The picture at the top of the article is of it. That faced a large, clean statue filled plaza full of pathways and benches.

Furthermore there are a number of fine old churches to be seen in and around the city centre. The grandest of these being the Cathedral of Villarrica.

Walking beyond the city centre I was soon in residential districts. These spread out in every direction from the centre and all that I walked through appeared well kept and comfortable. At no point did I feel that I had wandered into an unsafe area.

The compactness of the city was demonstrated as I headed away from the centre. It took little more than twenty minutes to reach the northern edge of the city where a statue of the city’s founder stood to welcome all visitors.

One final sight that I found, which was worth the trip to Villarrica alone, was the city park.

Known formally as Manuel Ortiz Guerrero Park, after a famous son of the city, it is a large green space just to the east of the city centre.

The focus of the park is a large circular lake. Around this there runs a pathway past lawns and trees. The park is a relaxing green space in the centre of Villarrica and the picnic benches and children’s playground are testament to how popular it must be on a summer afternoon.

The lake contains some wildlife. In addition to the normal ducks and geese there were also a couple of capybara grazing contently on the grass at the water’s edge.

I finished my hectic day of exploration with a relaxing half hour in the park before heading back to the hotel for a well deserved cold beer.

I would recommend a trip to Villarrica to anyone visiting Paraguay and wishing to see something of the countryside and the settlements that are to be found there.

The post Day trip to Villarrica, Paraguay appeared first on Simons Paraguay.

Here are to be found, within walking distance of each other a number of fine buildings and a collection of museums. It is a natural first stop for any tourists visiting the city.

I crammed a lot into the day I spent taking a tour. Taking things at a more relaxed pace there is no reason why the tour should not be spread over two days. Especially in the heat of summer.

If anyone is heading to Asuncion and would like to hire someone out to show them around I would be more than happy to oblige.

I started my tour at the large tree filled Plaza Uruguaya. This is a good meeting spot and a sensible starting point for a tour of the Old Town.

To one side of the Plaza sits the Old Railway Station. Trains have not run from here for many years and it now houses a railway museum.

The Railway Museum is only attraction with an entrance fee. Thereafter all admissions are free. The fee however is not excessive and does help maintain the museum.

Inside there are a number of exhibits recalling the days of steam with photographs and equipment as well as furniture such as the seats from old carriages on display. The well laid out museum takes the visitor through a number of themed rooms before arriving on the station platform.

Here underneath a fine Victorian station roof there are on display a couple of carriages as well as the little steam train, Sapucai, the first train to arrive in Paraguay.

It is a well kept museum and has much to see for anyone interested in history as well as the railway buffs.

Back outside the railways station I followed the pavements around the Plaza Uruguaya and then set out along Calle Palma and into the heart of the old town.

As Asuncion was built as a compact city focused upon the waters of Asuncion Bay the majority of the most important historic buildings are in the vicinity of Calle Palma.

About half way down Calle Palma I reached the Panteon de los Heroes. This is a fine whitewashed building that is the national shrine and mausoleum. As well as being an architectural master piece it is still very much a working building.

Every day there is a guard outside in full dress uniform who raise the Paraguayan flag in the morning and lower it every evening.

It is somewhere every visitor to Asuncion should see. Inside the is a high and ornate golden altar piece and the remains of a number of Paraguayan leaders as well as that of the Unknown Solider.

When I visited I noticed there was a sign requesting photographs not be taken inside.

On the wide pavements outside the Panteon I saw one of the other sights of Asuncion. Indigenous women selling their handicrafts. These women travel into the city everyday and lay out their wares on blankets for all to see.

The same items are to be found in the various souvenir shops selling for higher prices. The proceeds from handicrafts sold on the street go directly to the communities.

After leaving the Panteon I turned off Calle Palma to walked a couple of blocks downhill towards the river.

That bought me to Independence House. It is a modest single story building but one of the most important in the country as a result of the events that took place there.

It was in this building that plans for the independence of Paraguay were drawn up and from here that in the early hours of a May morning in 1811 the Declaration of Independence was delivered to the colonial governor.

As such the house has been kept as a memorial to the Independence of Paraguay and it’s interiors look much as they would have done in 1811.

The building is now a well maintained museum containing many items relating to the Independence of Paraguay and possessions of the men who bought it about.

The contents are clearly labelled and if so required there are guides available to show visitors around and add further detail.

As short walk from the Independence House I came to another interesting building, one that it is easy to overlook. The Central Post Office.

From the exterior the Central Post Office appears simply a solid and well maintained colonial building. It is it’s interior that must be seen.

Once through the entrance I found myself in a tree filled courtyard. The actual working part of the post office is housed in the range of buildings at the back of the courtyard.

It was though this tree filled space, hidden in plain sight, that I had come to see. All around were columns and carvings and there was even a sweeping stairway leading up to a roof top terrace.

Unfortunately I found the stairway and terrace were currently off limits. Parts of them have become unsafe and the funds needed for the repairs are not available.

I did not have a letter to post, so instead simply enjoyed a few minutes in this pleasant green space before heading on once more.

My next stop overlooked the waters of the Bay of Asuncion. It was the large Plaza de la Independencia. This has since the very first days of Asuncion been the centre of authority.

On side stands the fine Cathedral of Asuncion. It is the central church for the country and so always spotlessly clean. As is nearly always the case I was unable to see it’s fine interior.

For most of the day the large wooden doors of the cathedral a locked shut. To see inside the cathedral it is best to attend one of the regular services.

Then nearby with it’s back to the water is the Cabildo.

This was for many years, until the new modern parliament was built on another side of the plaza, where government met.

The Cabildo is now a museum. Inside as well as the old parliament chamber it houses a cultural museum. Spread over two floors are exhibits ranging from indigenous costumes to the history of Paraguayan cinema. A broad range of clearly displayed items and well worth a visit.

The next building I came to as I continued on my way was the Government Palace. This is still a working government office and so is not open to the public. It’s distinctive form is one that is often shown on Paraguayan tourist literature.

From across it’s manicured lawns it is easy to see why as the Government Palace does make a fine photograph. The armed guards posted around it are to protect the building, not to deter photographs.

After the palace there was just one final group of buildings I wanted to visit.

These are just over the street from the Government Palace and are know collectively as Manzana de la Rivera.

The Manzana de la Rivera consists of the block of old buildings that have been maintained and restored as a result of their cultural value.

They now from a museum and cultural centre with the various buildings enclosing a central patio.

What makes these buildings so important is that each of the nine represents a different era and building style. The various buildings that now form the museum were built between 1750 and the early 20th century. It is unusual to have so many architectural styles together in such a small area.

Once I had explored this one last museum with it’s displays depicting the history of Asuncion my tour drew to a close.

To finish the day off I took the short walk from the Manzana de la Rivera down to the Bay of Asuncion.

Along the bay runs the Costanera. This is a smart boulevard that sweeps along the waters edge. The ideal place to finish the day, looking out over the waters of the bay and to the Rio Paraguay beyond.

I had had a successful and interesting day and as I mentioned at the top would be happy to lead anyone who was visiting Asuncion around it’s sights.

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