← Maratón Internacional de Asunción·2 nights

Encarnación and Trinidad: Two Nights on the Paraná

A slow trip south to the Paraná waterfront at Encarnación and the ruined Jesuit mission of Trinidad.

Duration2 nights
TransitIntercity coach from Asunción, several hours
DepartsAsunción

After the Maratón Internacional de Asunción: Encarnación and Trinidad

The Route: Asunción → Encarnación → Trinidad → Encarnación → Asunción Logistics: An intercity coach runs between Asunción and Encarnación, and the operator advertises a daily service. The journey takes several hours, so confirm the timetable, the duration and the last return before you buy a ticket. Marathon Month: August Duration: 2 nights

Asunción ──(intercity coach, several hours)──> Encarnación
                                                    │
                                       Paraná waterfront, hotel night
                                                    │
                                    Trinidad Jesuit mission (day trip)
                                                    │
Asunción ◄──(coach, day three)──────────────────────┘

The coach south is the longest leg of this trip, so plan it as the first day and not as a morning-after dash. Encarnación is a river city with a waterfront on the Paraná, and Trinidad is a ruined Jesuit mission a short way outside it. This is a journey of long sitting and short walking, which is the right balance two days after a marathon.

August in Encarnación: August is the end of winter. Days are mild and sunny, evenings cool, and rain is possible. Pack a light layer and sun protection.

Getting There

Buy your coach ticket at the Asunción terminal or through the operator, and check the timetable, the journey time and the last return coach on the day you want. Take a seat near the front if you can, and carry water and a snack for the road. Do not plan the trip on the Monday morning if you are still stiff.

The First Night

The Encarnación waterfront is a long, level walk beside the river, but you do not need to cover all of it. A short stroll at the end of the day is enough. Eat early and sleep.

Trinidad

The Jesuit mission of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná is a ruin of masonry and open ground, and it asks for more walking than a café does. The tourist board lists a multi-site ticket valid for 72 hours, priced at Gs. 40,000 for a foreign adult, but its page gives conflicting winter closing and evening-show times, so confirm both before you plan a late visit. Use a confirmed local tour or transfer, because a through coach may not stop at the entrance. Leave your main bag at the hotel and take water and a hat.

Where to Stay

  • Carnaval Hotel Casino is rated 4.5 on Tripadvisor from 150 reviews, in the centre of Encarnación.
  • De la Trinidad Hotel is rated 4.5 from 124 reviews and is also central, with a pool.

Bella Vista Hotel, rated 4.5, is a further option. Ask each about breakfast and late checkout.

Where to Eat

Ask your hotel for a restaurant on the waterfront or in the centre, and book at weekends. Paraguayan river fish and grilled meat are the usual choices.

Getting Home

Take the coach back to Asunción on the third day, allowing the journey time you confirmed. If you fly from Silvio Pettirossi airport (ASU) the same day, leave a generous margin, since coaches can run late.