Where We Travel

Paraguay

Experience Paraguay

Paraguay is a place where language, tradition, and community are woven into daily life. Spanish and Guaraní are both official languages, and students may hear both throughout their time in the country. They may also encounter tereré, Paraguay’s cold herbal drink, often shared with friends, family, and neighbors as part of everyday community life.

Located in the heart of South America, Paraguay offers AMIGOS participants a different kind of immersion. It is less traveled than many neighboring countries, which makes the experience feel especially personal. Students spend time in rural communities, build relationships with host families and local youth, and learn how tradition, nature, and service come together.

AMIGOS participants in Paraguay support community-led projects, youth activities, and environmental work. Depending on the program, they may lead activities with children, help with conservation efforts, learn about local ecosystems, or participate in a camp alongside Paraguayan youth.

Did you know?

AMIGOS began working in Paraguay in 1972. Our Paraguay programs are the furthest AMIGOS destinations from home in the United States.

AMIGOS Project Sites

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Paraguay: Ruta del Mate

AMIGOS Explore – High School (15-19)

Explore how communities along Paraguay’s Mate Route preserve cultural traditions and local ecosystems through knowledge-sharing, sustainable practices, and collective action.

Community Service Conservation Guaraní Culture

Sessions

June 12 – July 8 25 Days open

July 14 – August 7 25 Days open

Paraguay: Tierra Guarani

AMIGOS Immerse – High School (15-19)

Immerse in Paraguay’s Guaraní culture through community life, Spanish and Guaraní language practice, meaningful service, and lasting connections with host families and local youth.

Community Service Growth and Independence Guaraní Language and Culture

Sessions

June 15 – July 27 6 Weeks open

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The Amigos Difference

Why AMIGOS?

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AMIGOS’ History in Paraguay

AMIGOS’ history in Paraguay stretches back more than 50 years.

1972

AMIGOS Launches Programs

AMIGOS first started working in Paraguay in 1972 in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Volunteers worked with the ministry to run immunization campaigns in rural communities.

2003

Paraguayan students join AMIGOS

AMIGOS partners with Fundación Paraguay and Junior Achievement to recruit and train JA alumni to join AMIGOS as volunteers.

2011

AMIGOS wins the Youth Ambassadors Program

AMIGOS won a grant from the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to run the Youth Ambassadors Program for students from Paraguay, Uruguay, and the United States.

2020

Total Program Suspension

All AMIGOS projects for 2020 were suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2025

Summer and Gap Programs Return

AMIGOS returned to Paraguay with a Gap and Summer program in 2025, marking 59 years of operating programming in the country.

Collaborate with local community members

A Culture of Community Partnership

AMIGOS partners with Paraguayan communities and local leading organizations on projects rooted in youth development, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange. Volunteers join as learners and collaborators, supporting local efforts, sharing daily life with host families, and building friendships through service, language practice, and time with local youth.

Partner Organization Themes

Rural Community Development

Youth Leadership & Education

Environmental Conservation

Guaraní Language & Culture Preservation

Local youth also participate in AMIGOS programs

Opportunities for Latin American Youth

AMIGOS is committed to providing opportunities for Latin American youth to join our programs.

Each year, more than 50+ students from Latin America are trained and serve as AMIGOS Youth Leaders on our programs. New virtual programs provide additional opportunities for Latin American youth to participate in AMIGOS programs. AMIGOS seeks partnerships with organizations and funders to open more pathways for students from the region to join our programs and staff leadership.

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Scenes From Paraguay

From rural host communities to nature preserves, rivers, and wide-open landscapes, Paraguay offers AMIGOS students a close-up look at community life, conservation, and cultural traditions. Each day may bring Spanish and Guaraní practice, activities with local children, hands-on project work, and time spent learning from host families, youth leaders, and community members.

Play volleyball with local youth and kids

Paraguayan landscape with its typical red dirt road

Paraguay is home to about seven million people, with communities spread across cities, rural towns, farms, and river regions. Students often experience a slower pace of daily life and close community connections.

Most international travel begins in or near Asunción. Asunción is Paraguay’s largest city, set along the Paraguay River, where historic plazas, markets, neighborhoods, and busy streets give students an early glimpse of everyday life in the country.

Paraguay is generally warm, with hot summer weather and periods of rain. Students should be prepared for heat, sun, humidity, and outdoor activities.

Paraguay is a landlocked country in the center of South America, shaped by rivers, forests, farms, and rural communities.

Hear from Recent Volunteers

Get a real look at life in Paraguay through stories from AMIGOS students. Read about host family connections, Spanish and Guaraní practice, community projects, time with local youth, and the moments that helped participants see the world from a new perspective.

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Where We Travel

Paraguay