A daytrip to Encarnación in Paraguay

WHAT: An escape to the country of Paraguay from Argentina

WHERE: From Posadas, the capital of the Argentinian region of Misiones to the Encarnación, the capital of the southern region of Itapúa in Paraguay

HOW LONG: For me half a day was sufficient enough. But you might want to prolong your trip if you decide to go the the Paraguayan jesuit missions 

HOW MUCH: A one-way ticket with the train across the border will cost you 35 ARS (a bit more than $1,-USD). For some countries a departure/entry tax might be applicable. Check with your embassy beforehand.

Some Dutch signs in the train across the border - always fun to see!

There are three ways to get into Paraguay from Posadas: by bus, by train or by taxi. A taxi would be the most expensive. With the bus it takes a long time to cross the border (and you might have to catch the next one since the buses do not wait for you while you get your stamps – keep your ticket and hop on the next one). Therefore the train was the most convenient way for me by far. And though it costs only a little more than the bus, it’s still only 35 ARS (about a dollar) that you need to pay. Don’t plan to go on a Saturday (in general), since it might be swamped with local day-trippers at the station. 

The station is located over here:

Once you enter you immediately see the border crossing. Since both borders are wrapped in one, they’ve made it very convenient for you over there. Next you buy a ticket and wait for the next train to come (it leaves every 10-15 minutes). 

That’s it. Just sit and relax while you cross the Rio Paraná. 

So now you made it to the Paraguayan side, what is there actually to see? From the train station you easily catch a ride around the corner to the city center (one-way ticket 15 ARS. In many places in Encarnación you can pay with ARS in case you don’t want to withdrawal Paraguayan Guarani).

Here some spots where to start your day:

• The Plaza de Armas

A tranquil spot that becomes all the way more zen due to the Japanese garden that entails a large corner of this square. Just wander around for a bit and observe the people. On the southeastern side (near the Japanese garden) there’s a little cafe in case you’d like to sip a coffee and eat a medialuna (croissant) in between . 

If you want to feel some Paraguayan pride, this is also the place to be as the locals for sure know how to remind you what the flag of the country looks like. 

• Wander around the streets 

Around the Plaza de Armas there are some great streets to upkeep your strolling level of the day. There’s nothing in particular to see, but it’s the leafy pathways just ooze a great vibe 

• The costanera

From the Plaza de Armas it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk down to the coast. At the time of my visit the weather unfortunately was kind of bummering the experience, but I guess when the sun is out and the people are happy, walking along the long boulevard of the city while gazing at the skyline of Posadas in Argentina is a great experience for sure. 

If you want to catch some more vitamine D, the city beach looks tempting too, with a lot of restaurants and fruit shops nearby. 

• Fries and fish

For an upscale food experience go to Hiroshima restaurant, near Plaza de Armas. It’s a popular location in the weekends for group and it’s also seen as the Japanese cultural center for immigrants in this area. Most of all, the sushi comes as a nice change to all the milanesas and pollo con ensaladas.

Not in the mood for fancy? Drown your fries in mayonnaise at A las Papas Belgicas; the fries are selfmade by the owner, so are the burgers and the beers are imported straight from Belgium and Germany and all is served in a lovely garden. What comforting thoughts you need more! 

• IT shopping

It might not necessarily be your thing (it isn’t mine for sure), but if you’re in dire need of any electronica ( a charger, a new camera), this is your moment to shop for it. The people from Encarnación basically throw the chargers and other devices to your head, once you’ve arrived at the station. Big chance you’ll find whatever you need in that section in the big shopping area near the station. Encarnación is famous for it and it’s the reason why many people from Argentina come here to shop on Saturdays. So therefore once again; skip the Saturdays in the area, unless you want to be part of the IT-mania!