Encarnación (PAR)

My trip took me from Ciudad del Este to Encarnación in southern Paraguay. The bus ride took about 6 hours again (10€). This time, I didn't choose the hostel based on the Lonely Planet recommendation, but rather through Hostelworld.com. It was definitely worth it! It is only 2 blocks away from the bus station and the beach, so I was able to explore the town in the afternoon and evening of the arrival day.

Contrary to my expectations, there isn't much to see here except for a cathedral, a large square, and the beach on the Rio Paraña. Nevertheless, I find the city much more pleasant than the chaotic Ciudad del Este and the poor Asuncion.

On the recommendation of a Portuguese roommate, I visited the Jesuit Missions of Trinidad the next day (about 30 km before Encarnacion). A brief history lesson: To spread Christianity, Jesuits settled in the current tri-border area of Argentina-Paraguay-Brazil and convinced various indigenous tribes to settle on the site as well, to embrace the Christian faith and its rituals. This started in 1706, and over the following years, the population of Trinidad grew to about 4,000 inhabitants, and on the site, a cathedral, two churches, a bell tower, a school, many houses, and fruit and vegetable gardens were built. However, after about 60 years, the Jesuits were expelled and the buildings fell into decay. The ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is remarkable and actually incredible how a city, including huge buildings, could be built in the middle of the jungle 300 years ago. Therefore, the Jesuit Missions are worth a visit, as long as the ruins are not completely decayed.

I spent the second day at the beach on the Paraña River. Like in the city itself, there was little to nothing going on at the beach (regular Wednesday, few tourists). Only at dusk do the locals come and use the beach for volleyball, and children play in the playground. Actually quite pleasant...

Originally, my plan was to continue the journey from Asuncion directly to Bolivia. But since I was advised against the route (bad roads, bad buses), I will cross the Argentine border again tomorrow and go to Salta. From there (presumably), a detour to the Chilean Atacama Desert and then to the inland of Bolivia via Uyuni.

I will keep you posted!

Saludos,

Kai