Cidade Turismo
Paraguay
Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions

Itapúa · Paraguay

Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions

The city of the Paraná River beaches, opposite Posadas, and the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangüé, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, less than an hour's drive away.

Sul e Missões

In the photo: Jesuit Mission of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Get it on Google Play Send your photos

Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Encarnación is in southern Paraguay, on the right bank of the Paraná River, opposite the Argentine city of Posadas, with which it is linked by the San Roque González de Santa Cruz bridge. It was founded in 1615 by the Jesuit Roque González de Santa Cruz, the first Paraguayan saint, and is the capital of the department of Itapúa. With the Yacyretá dam the river rose, the lower part of the city was rebuilt and it gained a long Costanera avenue with sandy beaches.

Between January and February, the Carnaval Encarnaceno takes over the city's Sambódromo with parades of comparsas and floats.

About 30 km away, along Ruta PY06, are the ruins of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná, the most extensive and best-preserved Jesuit mission in Paraguay, with the stone church, the carved pulpit and the frieze of the musician angels. 12 km from there, Jesús de Tavarangüé preserves the large church the Jesuits left unfinished in 1767, with three-lobed arches. Both missions have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1993, and Trinidad has a night light-and-sound show.

It is about 370 km from Assunção, and many people arrive overland via Argentina.

This destination brings together 1 city: Encarnación.

Share: WhatsApp
Traveler, share your experiences through photos Up to 5 photos of each place you visited.

One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions is
Encarnación

Contornos: Natural Earth (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions

✈ Aeropuerto Teniente Amín Ayub González (ENO), in Capitán Miranda · 12 km to Encarnación

Confirm before purchasing. The city's airport has flights to Assunção. From Posadas, Argentina, you reach it via the San Roque González bridge, with border control: carry your ID. From Assunção it's about 370 km by bus or car.

The local experience

Things to do in Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions

Costanera de Encarnación
Encarnación · Itapúa · Waterfront

Costanera de Encarnación

The avenue along the Paraná River that runs around much of the city, with a promenade, sandy beaches like Playa San José and views of Posadas and the bridge; the center of summer from December to February.

Misión Jesuítica de Santísima Trinidad del Paraná
Encarnación · Itapúa · Archaeological site

Misión Jesuítica de Santísima Trinidad del Paraná

The ruins of the most extensive and best-preserved Jesuit mission in Paraguay, founded in 1706, with the large stone church, the frieze of the musical angels, the carved pulpit and the Guaraní houses around the plaza. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Misión Jesuítica de Jesús de Tavarangüé
Encarnación · Itapúa · Archaeological site

Misión Jesuítica de Jesús de Tavarangüé

The ruins of the mission of Jesús, 12 km from Trinidad, with the large stone church that the Jesuits left unfinished in 1767, portals with three-lobed arches and views over the countryside. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From December to February is beach season, with strong heat and more activity; the Carnaval Encarnaceno usually takes place between January and February. For the missions, March to June and August to November tend to have milder temperatures. Winter, June to August, is mild, with some cold snaps.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days: one for Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangüé, returning for Trinidad's night show, and another for the Costanera and the beaches. In summer, three or four days to enjoy the river and the Carnaval.

Which city to stay in

In Encarnación, the Costanera and beach area, near Playa San José, concentrates hotels, restaurants and the summer activity. The center, near the cathedral, has simpler hotels and is a few minutes from the Costanera. To watch the missions' night show at leisure, there are inns in Trinidad near the ruins.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Encarnación and the Jesuit Missions

How to get from Encarnación to the Jesuit missions?

By car or taxi, via Ruta PY06: Trinidad is about 30 km away and Jesús de Tavarangüé about 12 km from Trinidad. There are regular Ruta PY06 buses that stop at the entrance to Trinidad; for Jesús the last stretch is usually by taxi. Agencies in Encarnación also sell the tour.

Can you see both missions in the same day?

Yes. Trinidad requires about 1.5 to 2 hours and Jesús about 1 hour. With a car or taxi you can see both during the day and return to Trinidad at night for the light-and-sound show.

When is beach season in Encarnación?

From December to February, in summer, when it's very hot and the Costanera beaches fill up. Outside that period the river is more for viewing from the Costanera and for walks.

Can you get to Encarnación via Argentina?

Yes. Posadas is on the other side of the Paraná River, connected by the San Roque González bridge, with border control by both countries. Carry your ID.

Explore other destinations Search by state and city
Back