Experience the Guarani World of Yguazu, Paraguay.
Around 117,150 indigenous people live in Paraguay belonging to a total of 19 towns, and there are 493 indigenous communities in the country, according to the III Censo Nacional de Población y Viviendas para Pueblos Indígenas 2012. There are five linguistic families in Paraguay and the largest number of indigenous communities belongs to the Guaraní family, with 371 communities.
“Paraguay, the country of the ñandutí and the coconut flower, of the orange blossom and the yerba mate, has the base of its history in the fusion of the European, and the Guaraní” describes the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores of Paraguay.
A characteristic of this cultural fusion is the bilingualism that has lasted until today, since more than 80% of Paraguayans speak Spanish and Guaraní, and many have implemented Jopara, which is a mixture of both languages, explains the Ministerio.
In music, literature and everyday life, the Guaraní is present as a fundamental influence of Paraguayan culture. In addition to literary manifestations, the Guaraní culture has also left its mark in other artistic expressions such as theater, music, painting, and sculpture which can be experienced in museums, auditoriums, and art galleries.
Guarani World Circuit of Yguazú
The Circuito Vivencial Mundo Guaraní is located in the Yguazú district of Paraguay. One of its main attractions is a trail inside one of the few remnants of the Bosque Atlántico del Alto Paraná. Visitors to the center can participate in tours of the region and learn about Guarani culture through stories told by indigenous guides.
The Guaraní World Experiential Circuit is nestled inside the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest, within the Protected Wilderness Area of the Yguazú Nature Reserve, which borders the Yguazú Lake.
The Center displays the cultural legacy of the Guaraní through innovative museography that traces Guaraní history from the first records to the present. The site showcases the worldview and biodiversity of the forest, as explained by Visita Paraguay.
Visitors can also enjoy parking, camping, and an 800-meter path with 6 thematic stations distributed within the forest and a floating deck.
The building was designed within sustainable and inclusive guidelines. There is an exhibition area for talks, conferences, educational workshops, a specialized library, a temporary exhibition hall, a souvenir shop and a restaurant with an incomparable view. The Yguazú Tourism Association (Asystur) manages the Guaraní World Circuit.
Paraguay, Leading Nature Destination in South America.
The regional head of the Senatur, Rocío Maldonado, explained to La Nacion, Paraguay, that a relevant aspect of the institution is its emphasis on the natural environment.
La Nacion describes that Paraguay is a recipient of the World Travel Awards, celebrating the country as a leading nature destination in South America.
One of the most exciting aspects of the center is that indigenous guides narrate stories along the trail, which include knowledge of the fauna, flora and the Guaraní culture.
The complex was created within the Yguazú Protected Wilderness Area, owned by Ande, with 18 hectares ceded to Senatur for the creation of the tourist attraction.
Tourism & the Yguazu District
The Yguazu district is included in the regional tourist circuit made up of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. Upon arrival, visitors encounter the Pikypo park, located on the PY02 route, where there is an Information and Reception Center for Visitors operated by guides.
On Yguazu’s 61st anniversary, ABC.com wrote a an article celebrating Yguazu’s history. The Paraguayan press describes that Yguazu was born as a colony of Japanese immigrants and became a prosperous city known for its productive agriculture and tourist destination.
The district was founded as a colony on August 22, 1961 through a Migration Agreement between the Japanese and Paraguayan governments. At first, it was administered by the Japan JICA International Cooperation Agency and was declared a municipality by Law 815/80 on October 20, 1980. Over the years, other communities such as Germans, Swiss, French, Brazilians and Paraguayans added to the local population.
One of the most popular sites in the area is the imposing lake that was formed with the construction of the Yguazu Hydroelectric Power Plant. The Yguazu dam was built in 1977 and is located 32 km from the urban center. The lake promoted the development of tourist establishments such as beaches, cabins and inns. In this context, the Guaraní World Circuit of Yguazú was built; offering a unique experience centered on the culture of the Guaraní and complemented by breathtaking landscapes and ancestral culture.
To learn more, visit: Circuito Vivencial Mundo Guaraní
Soledad Quartucci | Founder
Dr. Soledad Quartucci founded Latina Republic in 2015. The company envisions a world where Latin American countries are seen as partners, and immigrants and refugees don’t have to live in the shadows. Latina Republic is a digital content company that highlights local Latin American perspectives that don’t make it into mainstream news. We feature articles, interviews and reports on conservation efforts, social justice, governance, culture, and tourism. Latina Republic champions equity, diversity, and inclusion, delivering timely communications that prioritize local Latin American voices.
