A 25-Day Exploration of Local Traditions, Nature, and Service in Rural Paraguay

Project Overview

A 25-Day Exploration of Local Traditions, Nature, and Service in Rural Paraguay

Project Focus Areas: Work alongside community members, support environmentally friendly development, create long-lasting friendships with local youth, practice Spanish, and learn Guaraní

Explore Paraguay through two different lenses. Learn about Paraguayan culture and way of life by living with a host family. Then, participate in a week-long camp in a national park or nature reserve with local Paraguayan youth, learning about conservation, participating in trail maintenance, and enjoying nature.

At the end of the program, you will visit two of the most iconic landmarks in South America: Iguazú Falls, located on the Brazilian side of the border and officially recognized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; and the Itaipú Dam, on the Paraguay–Brazil border, named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

View 2026 Dates & Fees

View Program Requirements

Program Model

Our Paraguay: Ruta del Mate project is an AMIGOS EXPLORE program. If you’re a high school student ready for something deeper than a typical trip abroad, AMIGOS Explore programs offer 2- to 3.5-week adventures that blend service, leadership, and cultural exchange. You’ll live with a host family in a small group of volunteers, work side-by-side with local youth, and lead service projects that truly matter. You’ll also grow your Spanish skills, earn college credit (3-week programs only), complete 20 service hours per week, and see the world from a whole new perspective. Explore programs include both group travel activities and more independent experiences, with a project supervisor in the community with volunteers approximately 80% of the time. It’s meaningful, challenging, and unforgettable—designed for young leaders who want more than a vacation.

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"This experience definitely surpassed my expectations, because I didn’t think I would make such deep connections and friendships with so many of the locals. It had a very good impact on me, broadened my view of the world, and made me want to travel much more."


- Narayan V.

Cross-Cultural Connection and Nature

Project Features

  • Initial orientation at a group lodging site.
  • Stay with a host family in a rural community.
  • Share the experience with up to 6 volunteers in the same community and work with local youth.
  • Lead games and activities for kids called “Recreos.”
  • Carry out a service project already planned with the community.
  • End the project with a camp alongside Paraguayan youth.
  • Practice Spanish and learn how Guarani is preserved in Paraguay.
  • Clean rivers and streams and help control invasive species
  • Participate in workshops learning more about Paraguay’s environmental conservation efforts
  • See your AMIGOS peers everyday
  • Visit the Itaipú Dam and Iguazú Falls!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Asunción

Arrival in Paraguay, Asunción. You’ll check in and settle with your group near the airport.

Days 2–5: Briefing site

Participate in activities to prepare for your host community stay, meet fellow volunteers, and take Spanish and Guaraní classes.

Days 6–16: Host community stay

Live with a host family in a rural community and share the experience with a small group of AMIGOS volunteers. You’ll lead fun recreational activities for local kids known as Recreos, and support implementing a community-led project already chosen by the community.

Days 17–21: Campamento site

Join a week-long camp focused on nature and conservation. You’ll share lodging and activities with Paraguayan youth, building friendships and teamwork.

Days 22–24: Itaipú Dam, Iguazú Falls, and Debriefing

Travel to Ciudad del Este and visit the Itaipú Dam and the Yguazú Falls in the Brazilian side. This great excursion will be right before the experience comes to an end. Wrap up your experience with group reflection activities and program debrief.

Days 25: Asunción

You’ll stay in dorm-style lodging and enjoy a final excursion around Asunción before heading to the airport for your late-night flight home.

* Note, itineraries are subject to change

44PM+99 Mariscal Lopez 4ta Linea, Paraguay

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this project good for?

Students who are excited to build strong connections with their peers and experience both community life and nature. Volunteers will live with a host family and share their community placement with up to six other volunteers and local youth. This project is ideal for participants who enjoy teamwork, collaboration, and spending time outdoors. After nearly two weeks in the community, participants will participate in a camp focused on environmental conservation alongside Paraguayan youth and students from a boarding school. This experience best suits students who are open to cultural exchange, interested in environmental topics, and seeking a balance between structure and exploration. Please also view this program’s requirements.

What makes this project unique?

This is the only project that combines a host family stay in a rural community with a week-long camp in a national park or nature reserve with local youth. Volunteers live with host families in rural areas, sharing their community placement with fellow AMIGOS participants and collaborating closely with local youth leaders and community members.  Volunteers gain a unique opportunity to experience the Guaraní language and culture daily. After their time in community, the experience continues with a nearly week-long camp with the local youth leaders, focused on environmental conservation and protection. This combination of rural life and outdoor education fosters teamwork, cultural exchange, and leadership development in a setting specifically for and with teenagers.

What is AMIGOS’ history in the region?

AMIGOS initiated its work in Paraguay in 1972 in partnership with the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health). For many years, the AMIGOS Paraguay project involved a combination of human immunizations and community sanitation efforts. In 1993, AMIGOS expanded its work in Paraguay and began sponsoring these two initiatives as separate projects. One project focused on human immunizations and was based in Asunción, while a separate community sanitation project was based in a nearby region. In 2011, AMIGOS began to direct an increasingly significant portion of their focus towards youth leadership development and extracurricular education with children within communities, and this shift was reflected in our work in Paraguay. AMIGOS ran open-enrollment summer programs in Paraguay through 2017 and returned in 2024! Some say Paraguay is a destination for our bravest volunteers, as it is one of the farthest AMIGOS destinations from home in the US.

Can I receive college credit?

Yes! Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.

How many service hours can I receive?

You can earn 60 service hours on this program.

What are the accommodations like for this project?

We use a combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. Volunteers will be split into groups of up to six volunteers and live in nearby communities with the regular presence of a staff member present in the communities. The whole group will stay together in the beginning, during the camp, and at the end of the project.

What is the food like?

Most food will be home-cooked, typical Paraguayan food, including meat, corn, and rice. Borí Borí are balls of corn flour and cheese. They are added to a fresh vegetable, chicken broth, or stew, like dumplings, to create a satisfying meal. Chipa is a savory, cheesy scone. Sopa Paraguaya is a unique cornmeal-based bread. This project is best for volunteers who eat meat, as host families can not accommodate vegetarian diets.

What about the climate and terrain?

Paraguay’s climate can be variable. During your project, you’ll be there in the winter. Temperatures typically range from 50°F to 77°F, though some days can feel as warm as 86°F. The atmosphere is generally humid, so you should expect some rain.

The communities for this project are situated close to urban areas. These are small communities with flat, red-dirt roads that are easy to walk. This project’s region is more forested near several of Paraguay’s natural reserves.

Can you teach me some slang?

Jopara (Yopará) is the blend of Guarani and Spanish languages, which is mostly spoken in the region. Tranquilopa or Tranquilo nomá is a term that means it’s all good, chill out, relax, don’t worry, or everything is going to work out. Equivalent to “hakuna matata” in The Lion King. Tereré is the cold version of mate, an herbal drink, considered the national beverage. Guapo or guapa is a hard-working person – guapo is for him and guapa is for her. If someone calls you a “guapo” in Paraguay, you’re on their good side!

Have more questions? Join an online info session!

RSVP Here
Length Requirements Dates Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Session A 3.5 Weeks

1 year Spanish or equivalent

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

June 12 – July 6, 2026

15–19 National Chapter: May 15

$4,775 – Local Chapter

$5,775 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included

Session B 3.5 Weeks

1 year Spanish or equivalent

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

July 13 – August 6, 2026

15–19 National Chapter: June 15

$4,775 – Local Chapter

$5,775 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included

  • Session A
  • Length
    3.5 Weeks
  • Requirements

    1 year Spanish or equivalent

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    June 12 – July 6, 2026

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: May 15
  • Price

    $4,775 – Local Chapter

    $5,775 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included

  • Session B
  • Length
    3.5 Weeks
  • Requirements

    1 year Spanish or equivalent

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    July 13 – August 6, 2026

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: June 15
  • Price

    $4,775 – Local Chapter

    $5,775 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included

Apply Now

Click Here

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I loved so many things about AMIGOS. I honestly don’t even know where to begin. I really, really loved all the staff and my group. Something I especially loved was the amazing friends I made here. I felt very connected with my host sister Eliza, Junior, and Dani. I spent a lot of time with these kids, and being with them brought me so much joy.

– Paige C.

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation
  • Receive required immunizations
  • Be age 15–19 on the project start date
  • Have taken 1 year of Spanish or the equivalent
  • Passport valid 6 months after project end date
  • Complete pre-departure training, online or in-person
Apply Now

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.

Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.

Leadership

Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Practice Spanish

AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!

Have an Adventure

Travel to must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!

Travel with Trust

AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

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