How do I pay Para La Tierra?

Unfortunately, in recent years, the Paraguayan banking system has become increasingly difficult to make or accept international transfers, so we currently are not able to accept bank transfers in advance.

You must pay in cash, in full, on arrival.

There are several ways to do this:

1. You can bring the full amount from home - we accept US dollars, euros or Paraguayan guaranis. US dollars have to be in pristine condition from a 2017 series or later.

2. You can get Paraguayan guaranies from one of the cash machines in Pilar. This might take multiple days as there is a limit on how much can be taken out per extraction (1.5 million for most cards) and how many extractions can be completed per day. Bank charges will apply but these vary by bank and are beyond the control of Para La Tierra. Check your limits and charges beforehand with your bank.

3. Use Western Union to transfer money from your bank account and pick it up at one of the Western Union offices in Pilar. Western Union will charge a fee for the transfer, check the charges and exchange rates beforehand.

In special cases, we can accept monthly instalments, but please check with us beforehand.

Will I be able to use my debit or credit card in Paraguay?

If you've got a Visa or MasterCard symbol on your card you should be OK. Your card will work at most cash machines and you can withdraw 1.5 million guaranies (approx. $205 at September 2023) a day. Best tell your bank that you'll be using your card abroad in case they think there's anything fraudulent going on.

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?

You will be able to use your mobile phone, please check with your carrier in advance what charges will apply for using it internationally. We recommend getting a Paraguayan SIM card for better reception and cheaper fees.

You’ll get reception in most places using the Tigo network, and Tigo SIM cards are sold all over the country, including in the airport and the bus terminal in Asuncion. You can recharge your Tigo SIM card with the amount of data you need.

If you're not able to arrive with these, please let us know and we'll help you buy one at the first opportunity.

Is there Wi-Fi at your house in Pilar?

Yes, we have a stable Wi-Fi reception that reaches all work spaces and most areas of our house.

Since there’s many people on the same Wi-Fi, we ask our interns and volunteers to not stream any films or download large files during working hours, to ensure people who are working have a stable connection.

What about first aid?

We have first aid kits but you should bring a few items with you to take into the field each day. Please bring:

• pressure bandage

• assorted plasters

• antibacterial hand gel and wipes

• oral rehydration sachets

• sterile dressing

• micropore tape and bandage

• non-drowsy antihistamines

If you arrive without any of these items let us know.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Please ask your GP or local travel clinic for advice on which vaccinations you need before travelling to Paraguay. Yellow Fever and full COVID vaccinations are necessary for entry into Paraguay.

To undertake fieldwork with PLT we ask that you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination. For anyone wishing to work with small mammals we strongly suggest that you have a rabies pre-exposure vaccine (three injections – allow time!). The rabies pre-exposure is compulsory if you plan to work with bats. Bring your vaccination card with you.

Malaria is not present in Paraguay but if you are staying with us as part of a bigger trip around South America we recommend you continue taking your prophylaxis while you are with us.

How do I get from Asunción to Pilar?

The best thing to do is to get a taxi to the bus terminal. Tell the driver you want to go to the terminal de colectivos.

Once you get into the bus station, there are two floors. You buy the tickets on the top floor, and the buses leave from the lower floor at the back of the station. On your ticket, there will be a number which tells you which parking spot your bus will be at and what seat number you have. You can put your cases in the hold under the bus safely and there will be a guy there to help you do that.

There are three buses daily from Asuncion to Pilar:

Most flights arrive in the early morning, so you should be able to make the 14:00 bus. If you arrive later, you’ll need to spend the night in Asunción and travel to Pilar the next day. We recommend Hotel Portal del Sol, who offer online bookings in English and complimentary airport pick-ups. 

We’ll pick you up at the bus terminal in Pilar. You can call us at any time during your journey on +595 981 219957 if you need help. Make sure to download WhatsApp and send us a message before you leave home so that we can stay in contact throughout your journey.

I want to spend a couple of days in Asunción, where should I stay?

If you want a nice hotel in the centre of town for a reasonable price, with English speakers and an airport pick-up try Palmas del Sol. There are also nice, clean and well-priced hostels in the centre, if you’d prefer a more dynamic experience, we recommend El Nomada.

If you’d prefer to experience the more upmarket areas, cinemas and bars, try mid-priced Hotel Boggiani, Maison Suisse or Portal del Sol (also offers airport pick-up).

I want to learn about Paraguay, what books should I read?

Try 'At the Tomb of the Inflatable Pig' by John Gimlette. It's a popular account of a visit to Paraguay. He exaggerates a bit, but it is a decent read. Avoid ‘Serpents in Paradise' which is probably the worst book written about a country ever! It verges on the libellous against a whole nation.

'The News from Paraguay' by Lily Tuck is a historical novel about the country based during the Triple Alliance War which essentially shaped the future of the country. Also look for books about Eliza Lynch who was a pretty important historical character at that time.

The Paraguay Reader is also an informative read, providing much more relevant and up-to-date opinions than those listed above.

Any more questions?