I went to the dunes in Paraguay and I almost could not come back
After Iguazu waterfalls I was supposed to head to Asunción and discover the country that everyone forgets in South America: Paraguay.
BUT: a friend of mine invited to stay at her mom’s place (not far from Iguazu) and I accepted. I was not very sure about Paraguay anymore and for 3 days I explored Misiones with my argentinian girl. It was great… A lot of laughs, a lot of photos and tons of good food made by her mom. She almost convinced me to forget Paraguay and head directly to Slata in the north of Argentina…
On the next day, I informed my friend I was leaving to Encarnación (a city in Paraguay). I know she did not expected that but how could I miss one country when I was so close to the border? We, travelers, like to take risks and not plan much…
My trip to San Cosme y Damián
Arriving in Posadas I took a bus to Encarnación. When I saw the bus, I almost gave up on Paraguay. Bahhh: Deep breath and I run to have a sit and put my backpack somewhere. The journey took almost 2 hours (and let’s face 30ºC without air conditioning: BAD!!). It was hard! Leaving the bus to get the Argentinian stamp, leaving the bus to the Paraguayan stamp and leaving again the bus and wait for another one to the main bus station. – agrrrrr
Let me remember you, I was supposed to go to Asunción from Encarnación.
I did not know much about the capital but I thought it could be interesting going there and from there get my way to the north of Argentina.
Everything changed when, on the bus, a couple came to me and asked me where I was thinking to change my pesos to guaranis (Argentinian and Paraguayan currencies).
We discussed some minutes about it and soon we started talking about our trips. They talked me about these famous dunes in Paraguay that would disappear soon… Some pictures of the dunes and I was already getting my ticket to San Cosme y Damián (the closest village to the dunes) and forgetting the capital.
Camping
Arriving in the village, we check 3 places to stay. I was expected to find something very cheap… After all, we are talking about Paraguay and a village pretty unknown. But no: everything was very expensive and we finally decided to camp. I was never a fan of camping and I did not even bring a tent with me but well, I had not many options.
That night was such an experience… Cooking in the FIRE, showering in cold water, sleeping on the floor and on the street (we basically camp in a garden in the middle of the village).
I will remember that night for long time! Not because it was bad, just because I did so many things I would never imagine myself doing!
Traveling is all about that: experiences.
The Dunes
On the second day we headed to the dunes. We walked 1km with the backpacks and when we arrived, fortunately, the weather and the river were on our side so we could take the boat to the dunes. Perfect! 60 000 guaranis (around 10€ go and return). Expensive for Paraguay BUT once there I really wanted to visit the dunes!
We stayed in the dunes for 2 hours and it was totally worth it. The sand was amazing, the color of the water was literally transparent and the sky: one the most beautiful I have seen during my trip.
We took the boat around 5pm and after 5 minutes it started raining… The journey that was supposed to be 45 minutes took us almost 3 hours.
The raining was intense; The river was dangerous and The sailor did not know what to do anymore. At some point he stopped the boat hoping the weather would get better… But: the rain would not stop.
The boat was moving and moving! AND: I just wanted to throw away all my food. I have to admited I was afraid…
What a nice story: Girl went to the dunes in Paraguay and did not return. Ahahah
Finally, the sailor could made the way to land and everything ended fine. People were so worry and at the same time, so happy to see us.
A country that did not have much to offer (in the point of view of everyone) has gave me so many memories. Ahaha
Some adventure during a trip is always good.
If you get the chance to go to Paraguay, make sure you taste CHIPA!!! The best Paraguayan cookie ahaha
I hope you enjoyed my adventures in Paraguay.
Beijinho,
Daniela