Southern Getaway: the Jesuit Missions and Encarnación in two days

What is included and what is not

The Southern Getaway is the 2-day, 1-night package that goes from Ciudad del Este down to Itapúa to combine the Jesuit Missions with Encarnación. It costs from Gs 1.499.000, and the service is provided on a double-occupancy basis.

• Included: the return transfer from your hotel in Ciudad del Este.
• Included: entrance to Jesús de Tavarangüé and Santísima Trinidad.
• Included: a guided visit to a yerba mate factory.
• Included: 1 night's accommodation with breakfast.
• Included: a tour of the city of Encarnación.
• Included: a bilingual guide throughout the trip.

How much the Southern Getaway costs

LTO's Southern Getaway costs from Gs 1.499.000 on a double-occupancy basis and covers two days, with one night's accommodation and breakfast. The word from matters: it is the base fare, and the final price depends on the date and the make-up of the group, so it is confirmed when you book.

How the departure from Ciudad del Este works

LTO's Southern Getaway leaves from your hotel in Ciudad del Este: the return transfer is included in the fare from Gs 1.499.000 on a double-occupancy basis, so there is no need to make your own way to a meeting point. Departure is arranged when you book, with at least 24 hours' notice.

The whole route is inside Paraguay, from Ciudad del Este to Encarnación, the capital of Itapúa, on the Paraná river: no border is crossed, and the bilingual guide accompanies you throughout. When you book, tell us how many passengers there are and how the rooms are to be shared, because the base fare is for the service on a double-occupancy basis.

What you do

The package combines four things: the two Jesuit missions, a yerba mate factory, Encarnación and the night's accommodation.

The Jesuit Missions

Entrance to Jesús de Tavarangüé and Santísima Trinidad is included. They are the two World Heritage reductions (Jesuit mission towns) that Paraguay preserves: Trinidad, the largest and best preserved, and Jesús, which was left unfinished and so shows its arches in full view. The Jesuit Missions page has the details of each one.

The yerba mate factory

Itapúa is yerba mate country, and the package includes a guided visit to a yerba mate factory. It is the stop that explains where the drink the whole country drinks comes from, from drying to ageing, and it does not appear on any other LTO tour.

Encarnación

The tour of the city of Encarnación is the modern side of the trip: the capital of Itapúa stands on the Paraná river, opposite Posadas, and its waterfront with urban beaches is what has made it well known in recent years. It is about 30 kilometres from the missions.

The night's accommodation

The package includes 1 night's accommodation with breakfast, on a double-occupancy basis. That is what allows the route to be split over two days instead of covering the 300 kilometres there and back in a single day.

Message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the hotel and the itinerary for your date before you book.

What a double-occupancy basis means

It means the Gs 1.499.000 fare is for the service and the accommodation provided on a double-occupancy basis, that is, with the room shared between two passengers. If you are travelling alone, or there are more than two of you, message us on WhatsApp and we will give you the fare for your group before you book.

Southern Getaway or the Jesuit Missions in a day

LTO sells the missions in two ways, and the difference is whether or not you sleep in the south. Here is the comparison:

The difference of about Gs 500.000 buys the hotel night with breakfast, Encarnación, the yerba mate factory and, above all, saves you twelve hours on the road in a single day. If you are short of time, the day trip does the job.

What to bring

• Hand luggage for one night: the package includes a single overnight stay.
• Comfortable, closed shoes for walking around the missions.
• Sunscreen and a cap: the ruins are in the open, with no shade.
• An ID card. No border is crossed: the route is inside Paraguay.
• Cash or a card for meals that are not included and for purchases at the factory.

Other tours from Ciudad del Este

How to book

Book on WhatsApp at +595 983 945945, with 24 hours' notice. We need the departure date, the number of passengers and how the rooms are to be shared, plus the hotel where you are staying in Ciudad del Este, to arrange the departure. You can write to us in English.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Southern Getaway cost?

From Gs 1.499.000, with the service on a double-occupancy basis. It includes the transfer, entrance to both missions, the yerba mate factory, 1 night with breakfast, a tour of Encarnación and a bilingual guide.

How long does it last?

2 days and 1 night, leaving from your hotel in Ciudad del Este.

When does it leave?

Departure is arranged when you book: message us on WhatsApp with the date you have in mind.

Is entrance to the missions included?

Yes, entrance to Jesús de Tavarangüé and to Santísima Trinidad is included in the package.

Which hotel do we stay at?

Message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the accommodation for your date before you book.

How far in advance do I need to book?

24 hours before the departure date, although, as accommodation is included, it is best to let us know earlier.