German
Paraguay: Cherry Blossum, Elvio, Wolly and Roof Top Alzza
July 2026
Cherry Blossom in Paraguay
Just under an hour from Encarnación, a little piece of Japan was waiting to be discovered by us. The “Cherry Blossom Nature and Tourism Park” in the La Paz neighborhood welcomes visitors during the two-week blooming season of these trees, which are closely associated with Japanese culture.
Cherry blossoms symbolize the fleeting beauty and fragility of life, as the flowers bloom for only a short time before falling to the ground. The trees were planted as a tribute to the Japanese pioneers and immigrants who settled in this region and helped shape its cultural landscape.
Hotel and Campground Parque Manantial
This park in the “United Colonies of Paraguay” is the perfect place to relax. We’ve been here several times before. This time, we stayed for a few weeks to take a break from traveling. The town of Hohenau and its surroundings were chosen by many Germans—some as far back as generations ago—as a place to emigrate to. As a result, there are many German-speaking businesspeople here, and many have retained the German emphasis on quality.
We benefited from this as well:
Taller Benedix, Elvio, who restored various rusty small parts on our vehicle—even the rusty refrigerator grilles—by removing the rust and repainting them.
Kroon Upholstery, Wolly, who sewed new mosquito nets for us and improved the fastenings.
All of this came with the pleasant bonus that the value for money was unmatched.
Barbecue in Paraguay
In Paraguay, just as in Argentina, it’s a tradition to celebrate a barbecue with friends and family. However, not every cut of meat guarantees the flavor everyone expects. Choosing the perfect cut is key to making every bite an unforgettable experience.
Some of our favorite cuts of meat are:
- The classic costilla (ribs), with an intense flavor and juicy texture when cooked slowly.
- Picaña (rump cap), a tender cut with a delicate aroma.
- A thick, tender cut of Bife de Chorizo (rump steak) offers a fantastic taste experience. Enjoy your meal.
White Cattle in Paraguay
On many pastures, you can see these strikingly white cattle.
The most common breeds of white cattle found in Paraguay are Nelore, with very light, white, or silver-gray coats and the characteristic hump over their shoulders, and Brahman, which also has a pronounced shoulder hump, drooping ears, and loose skin folds. Paraguay’s cattle breeding industry has made the country one of South America’s leading beef exporters.
Paraguay has many faces
Anyone looking to move to Paraguay—whether as an expat, retiree, or digital nomad—will find a country with contrasting conditions. The country offers a low cost of living, straightforward residency requirements, and tax advantages. On the other hand, everyday life can be tough and sobering. Those still of working age must come to terms with the fact that work tends to yield only a modest income. After all, there are usually two sides to every story.
Traveling through the interior of the country, you’ll also encounter a great deal of poverty. This is evident even in the most basic huts, which are still inhabited by many people. The main roads are mostly in good condition; some even expanded to four lanes. However, the roads branching off to the sides are almost exclusively red dirt roads, which become quite slippery when it rains. Truck traffic is massive. You’ll see everything from old Mercedes to modern tractor-trailers with 6-axle semi-trailers.
Alzza Rooftop at the Alula Hotel
The modern, exclusive boutique hotel, the Alula Hotel, is located within the Costanera Shopping Mall in Encarnación. The Alzza Rooftop is an exclusive restaurant on the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Paraná River. We enjoyed the fine dining while taking in the view of the city.
