Encarnación, Paraguay: travel guide
River city on the Paraná with sandy beaches and a famous Carnival
Capital of Itapúa on the Paraná River opposite Posadas, Argentina. Known as "the Pearl of the South," it is Paraguay's premier summer/beach city with a riverfront Costanera, sandy river beaches and the country's biggest Carnival.
About Encarnación
Encarnación is a city on the banks of the Paraná River in southern Paraguay, facing Posadas in Argentina across the water. It is a lively, modern riverside city, often described as the Pearl of the South, with a long waterfront and sandy river beaches.
The Costanera is the centre of local life, with beaches such as Playa San José and Playa Mbói Ka'e filling up in summer. The Plaza de Armas anchors the old centre, and the Puente San Roque González offers a view of the river. The city's Carnival, held in the Sambódromo, is among the biggest in Paraguay. Nearby, the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue make an excellent day trip.
Encarnación suits families and those exploring the Jesuit mission route. The summer months from December to March are the busiest, with warm weather and river beaches.
- Country
- Paraguay
- Currency
- PYG
- Time zone
- America/Asuncion
- Nearest airport
- ENO
Last updated
Top places to visit in Encarnación
Playa San José
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Encarnación's most popular sandy river beach on the Costanera, packed in summer.
Costanera de Encarnación
Viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverfront boardwalk (opened 2011) along the Paraná, the showpiece of the "Pearl of the South" with beaches and sunset views.
Sambódromo de Encarnación
Nightlife · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Enclosed parade ground hosting the Carnaval Encarnaceno — Paraguay's biggest Carnival — over successive Saturdays in Jan–Feb.
Plaza de Armas
Cultural · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Encarnación's central square with monuments and shade in the heart of the city.
Playa Mbói Ka'e
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Secondary city river beach on the Paraná, quieter than San José.
Puente San Roque González (mirador)
Viewpoint · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
International bridge to Posadas, Argentina, with sweeping Paraná River views.
Things to do
- Carnaval Encarnaceno Experience Cultural · 4 h · from PYG 150,000 per person
- Jesuit Ruins Guided Day Tour (Trinidad & Jesús) Sightseeing · 6 h · from PYG 320,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Jesuit Missions Full-Day Tour 7 h · from PYG 320,000
Where to stay in Encarnación
- Costanera / Zona Baja about PYG 450,000 per night
Encarnación's revitalised riverfront with beaches, bars and the Costanera promenade.
- Centro about PYG 330,000 per night
Central Encarnación, handy for transport and the Jesuit-ruins day trip.
Hotels
- Hotel de la Costa 3-star · PYG 300,000 to PYG 520,000 per night
- Casa Hotel Posada Tierra Guaraní 3-star · PYG 180,000 to PYG 320,000 per night
- Hotel Cristal Encarnación 3-star · PYG 280,000 to PYG 450,000 per night
- Awa Resort Hotel 4-star · PYG 550,000 to PYG 950,000 per night
Where to eat
- Hiroshima Japanese · about PYG 90,000 per person
- La Cucharita Paraguayan, Grill · about PYG 80,000 per person
- Rieder Pub International, Pub · about PYG 75,000 per person
- Café Restobar Costanera Café, International · about PYG 45,000 per person
Getting to Encarnación
Airport: Encarnacion (ENO)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Paraguay
Frequently asked questions about Encarnación
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Encarnación?
- The highest-rated places in our Encarnación guide are Costanera de Encarnación, Playa San José, Sambódromo de Encarnación, Plaza de Armas, Playa Mbói Ka'e.
- Where should I stay in Encarnación?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Encarnación: Costanera / Zona Baja, Centro.
- How do I get around Encarnación?
- Ways to get around Encarnación covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Encarnación?
- The nearest airport to Encarnación has the code ENO.