Places / South America / Paraguay
Encarnación
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At a glance
- Country
- Paraguay
- Region
- Itapúa
- Population
- 130,000
- Best time to go
- December to February, April to May
- Main airport
- None with regular flights — nearest is Posadas, Argentina (PSS)
- Coordinates
- 27.33°S, 55.87°W
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Overview
Encarnación sits on the Paraná River opposite the Argentine city of Posadas. Its long riverside promenade and sandy beaches draw crowds in summer, earning it a reputation as Paraguay's summer capital.
It is also the gateway to two remarkable UNESCO-listed Jesuit missions in the countryside nearby, which make the town well worth a stop on any journey through southern Paraguay.
Things to see
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Photo: Josep M. Gracia, CC BY-SA 4.0 Trinidad Jesuit mission
The grand red-stone ruins of an 18th-century Jesuit settlement, with a carved church and quiet grounds.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Falk2, CC BY-SA 4.0 Jesús de Tavarangue
The unfinished church of another Jesuit mission, with striking Moorish-style arches.
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Photo: Cmasi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Costanera
A long riverside promenade, busy with walkers, cyclists and families at sunset.
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Photo: Cmasi, CC BY-SA 4.0 San José beach
The city's main sandy beach on the river, packed in summer.
Things to do
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Photo: Cmasi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Carnival
Encarnación hosts Paraguay's best-known carnival, with costumed parades in a purpose-built stadium.
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Cross to Posadas
The bridge to Argentina makes a day trip to the neighbouring city easy.
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Photo: Fernando, CC BY-SA 4.0 San Ignacio Miní
Continue into Argentina to see another well-preserved Jesuit mission.
Find tours
Where to stay
Costanera
Hotels near the river and beaches, ideal in summer.
Hotels in CostaneraCentro
Practical and good value, close to shops and restaurants.
Hotels in Centro
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the town; buses run to the Jesuit missions.
Buses from Asunción take around five to six hours, and Posadas airport is a short drive across the border.
When to go
Summer (December to February) is hot, with beach life and carnival. Autumn (April to May) is cooler and better for exploring the missions.
Plan your trip to Encarnación
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.