Encarnacion
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Encarnacion

Encarnacion

Paraná River city facing Argentina, known for summer carnivals and nearby Jesuit mission ruins.

Encarnacion is 372 kms from Asuncion, on the Parana River, facing the city of Posadas in Argentina. The population is a mixture of Polish, Ukranians, Germans, Japanese and Koreans, engaged mainly in agriculture and commerce. Famous for its Summer carnivals, sportfishing, and the nearby Yacyreta Dam. It is the point of departure to visit the ruins of the Jesuit Missions of Paraguay. These extraordinary structures, declared an International Heritage by the United Nations, show a magnificent imported architecture executed by the native people, and evidencing the great technical skill required for the construction of the huge vaults of the main churches.

Guide

Getting There

Encarnación is connected to Asunción by bus — the journey takes around five to six hours on the main Route 1. Several bus companies run the route, with departures throughout the day. From Argentina, the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge connects Encarnación to Posadas, Misiones, with frequent bus crossings.

There is no commercial airport at Encarnación. The nearest international airports are Silvio Pettirossi in Asunción (Paraguay) and Libertador General San Martín in Posadas (Argentina).

Guide

Things to Do

Encarnación's main draw is the carnival and the Jesuit mission ruins nearby. The riverside and the bridge to Argentina are worth a look, and the Caspian promenade is being developed.