The Jesuit Missions of the south holidays
The Jesuit Missions of the south holidays at a glance
Paraguay Jesuit Missions sit in the departments of Misiones and Itapuá, established by Jesuit priests in the early 1600s as settlements known as Reductions. Here the Guaraní people were housed, educated and given spiritual guidance, alongside training in co-operative farming, music, architecture and art. The Reductions flourished for over 150 years before their 18th-century decline left most of the original 30 towns across Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil in ruins.
Trinidad Paraguay’s most visited mission site, sits amid rolling, palm-studded countryside alive with parakeets, while hilltop Jesús de Tavarangüe makes an equally striking stop. Both rank among Paraguay UNESCO sites recognised for their historical and cultural weight, and both now form part of the Ruta Jesuita, a route running through totally rural landscape and decent roads.
This is Paraguay history that few visitors ever see, and the lack of crowds means you can take it at your own pace, taking in the full scale of what these communities once were.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to The Jesuit Missions of the south
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The Jesuit Missions offer a different perspective on South American history and remain an underrated heritage experience.
When to visit The Jesuit Missions of the south
The missions can be visited throughout much of the year, which makes them a flexible pick for cultural exploration. Generally the most comfortable conditions for walking the archaeological sites and exploring the surrounding countryside. Rainfall brings lush landscapes and fewer visitors, giving the mission sites a quieter feel. As a heritage destination, the missions reward a visit whatever the season.
From mid-September expect warm days and high humidity. From December to February it is high summer feeling very hot indeed.
Considered to be the best time to visit, it is less humid but still pleasantly warm. Cool fronts can bring chilly days, rain and surprisingly cool nights between June and September.
Top Things to do in The Jesuit Missions of the south
There’s no shortage of things to do in Paraguay’s mission region, from ruins and colonial architecture to a proper look at Guaraní culture and the rural landscape that surrounds it all. Trinidad even runs an illuminated night walk through the ruins after dark, the Paseo Nocturno, with classical music and carefully staged lighting.
An atmospheric illuminated night walk through the ruins of the Jesuit Mission at Trinidad.
Visit the UNESCO-listed, ruined Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jesus in southern Paraguay.
Accommodation in The Jesuit Missions of the south
Accommodation throughout southern Paraguay tends to be intimate and locally run, among them Hotel Papillon near Bellavista and the Santa Maria Hotel, both offering easy access to the main mission sites and the surrounding countryside.
A friendly and efficient hotel providing an excellent base for visits to Paraguay’s Jesuit Missions.
Santa Maria Hotel is a rustic but charming little Paraguayan guesthouse.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to The Jesuit Missions of the south
Group The Jesuit Missions of the south Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Jabiru: Wildlife, wine and Jesuit Missions
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Colonia and Carmelo · Montevideo · Asuncion and the heartland · The Jesuit Missions of the south · Ibera wetlands
14 days from £5,249
Tailor-Made The Jesuit Missions of the south Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Paraguay: The Missions and the Chaco
Places visited: Asuncion and the heartland · The Chaco · The Jesuit Missions of the south · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side
11 days from £3,550
FAQs about visiting The Jesuit Missions of the south
The Jesuit Missions of the south is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The climate of this low-lying country is sub-tropical. Summer is extremely hot and humid, with average temperatures in Feb reaching 35°C. In winter temperatures are variable and it can be very cold at night. Most precipitation falls Oct- Apr but it can rain at any time of the year.
- Language
Spanish, Guaraní.
- Currency
Guaraní. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in Asunción using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many exchange houses in the capital and on the border where you can exchange US dollars and South American currencies cash (take your passport). When planning to visit the Missions region from Asuncion, acquire your local currency in the capital. If entering from Brazil or Argentina, change money on the border.
- Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.
- Combines With
Argentina, entering the country via the border crossing at Encarnación, a 40min drive from Trinidad. You can take a new train service from Encarnación to Posadas. From Encancacíon you can proceed north to Ciudad del Este (3.5-4hrs) and cross into Brazil or Argentina there to visit the nearby Iguazú Falls..
- Getting There
Flight time to Asunción is 17-24 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK. Some routes involve a change of ‘plane in Brazil, Europe or the USA.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.