Encarnación is a city in the department of Itapúa, in southern Paraguay, on the banks of the Paraná River. It is known across the country as the Pearl of the South, a nickname that reflects its position on the water and its lively character.
What a visit offers
- River and beaches. The city's setting on the Paraná gives it sandy shores and waterfront areas, which make it a natural stop for those who want to spend time by the water.
- Carnival. Encarnación is famous for its carnival celebrations, so a visit timed to the festival season offers a very different atmosphere from a quiet weekday.
- A working regional centre. The city is an important agricultural and commercial hub for the surrounding area, and its streets reflect that everyday activity alongside its holiday side.
Planning your stay
Encarnación suits travellers who enjoy a relaxed riverside town with the energy of a major celebration when the carnival comes around. Because its waterfront and beaches sit close to the city centre, it is easy to combine time on the river with time spent exploring the town. Those interested in the region's farming and trade will also find the city a useful base for seeing how it works day to day.
