Things to see and do in Paraguay

With several Paraguayans playing in the Premiership, such as Manchester City star Roque Santa Cruz, football is an understandable passion in this country. Olimpia and Cerro Porteño are the two biggest teams in Asunción. A live game is a spectacular experience, although a little hairy, so go with a local.

Witness the famous Chaco, a vast, scarcely populated area, consisting mainly of empty plains and forests, that covers 61% of the country's total surface. It is home to major national parks including the Defensores del Chaco, Tifunque, Enciso and Cerro Cora.

Prepare to see the breathtaking waterfalls in Ciudad del Este, 326km (204 miles) east of the capital. It is a good starting point for a visit to the majestic Monday Falls and Iguazú Falls, which are a 15- to 30-minute drive from the city.

Spend a few days travelling the Rio Paraguay, through the Pantanal wetlands, spotting wildlife and learning about the country’s bizarre history. A popular tour travels from Concepción, stopping at towns and national parks along the way.

To the south, walk along the sleepy waterfront area of Encarnación. Nearby is the Roque González de Santa Cruz bridge linking Paraguay with Posadas in Argentina across the river Paraná.

The country’s most visited and established national park, Ybycuí is set in a mountainous area of forests, brooks and waterfalls. There’s a good visitors centre, from where guided treks can be taken to the Guaraní and Mbocaruzú falls.

Meeting on what is called the Triple Frontera, the point where Argentina and Brazil meet Paraguay is Iguazu Falls, one of the most spectacular sights on earth. On the Paraguayan is Ciudad del Este, which is best avoided, however, head down here and cross into the Argentinian or Brazilian sides to see the falls.

One of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Italpú Dam, is the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. The water reservoir provides a unique ecosystem for wildlife and birds and offers activities to tourists including fishing, watersports and walking tours.

Enjoy good views of Asunción from the Parque Carlos Antonio Lopez, high above the city. The Botanical Gardens are situated in a former estate of the Lopez family on the Paraguay River. Among the many religious buildings is the Metropolitan Cathedral.

A holiday resort overlooking the vast Lake Ypacarai 28 kilometres from the capital, San Bernardino is a popular summer holiday destination. Join in the water sports, go fishing, take a bike ride, try scuba diving or all manner of adventure with San Bernardino-based Adventura Xtrema.

Relax in San Bernardino, a holiday resort situated on Lake Ypacarai, 47km (29 miles) from the capital. Owing to its beaches and lake shores, it's very popular during the summer months. It also has a camping ground.