About Encarnación
Encarnación is a city in the south of Paraguay on the banks of the Paraná River, bordering Argentina. It’s a popular holiday destination among the local population, as the sandy beaches along the river come closest to a typical beach holiday desination in the landlocked country. The city also serves as a gateway to the nearby Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jesús, UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing Paraguay’s colonial history.
From Asunción to Encarnación
Since Encarnación is one of Paraguay’s main destinations, it is well connected to the capital by buses. The ride took about six hours.
The Jesuite missions in southern Paraguay
The Jesuit Missions of southern Paraguay were established in the 17th and 18th centuries by Spanish Jesuit priests to convert and protect the indigenous Guaraní people. These missions, or reducciones, functioned as self-sufficient communities blending European and indigenous traditions, with impressive stone churches, schools, and workshops. The most famous sites, Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue, are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing well-preserved ruins with intricate carvings and grand plazas. The missions were abandoned after the Jesuits were expelled from Spanish territories in 1767. Today, they offer a glimpse into Paraguay’s colonial past and the unique fusion of Guaraní and European culture.
Encarnación and Jesuite missions pictures:
