Paraguay

If you really want to get off the beaten track, then it's time to visit Paraguay, right at the heart of South America, surrounded by Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. The lush and fertile east and the barren, sparsely populated Chaco region to the west are two distinct areas, separated by the River Paraguay. The remote Chaco is home to unusual immigrant communities such as the Mennonites, who live along side the Amerindians, the original inhabitants of the region.

Paraguay's famous Jesuit missions were founded in the 17th century, the result of a determined effort by the Jesuit priests to convert the Guarani aborigines to Christianity. A visit to the restored ruins offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The colossal Itaipu is the world's largest hydroelectrical dam, an awe inspiring site supplying electricity to most of Southern Brazil, with the Iguassu Falls within easy reach. The falls link three international borders, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, and it's easy enough to cross over to see their splendour from all sides.

Paraguay can easily be combined with trips to Brazil or Argentina and is an under-exlored region just waiting to be discovered.

Click here for a short history lesson

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008