Encarnacion, Paraguay

Capital City

This city of over 100,000 residents may seem like a quaint South American destination, but the reality is a bureaucratic headache and a climate that can be downright frigid. With Encarnación located in the southernmost reaches of Paraguay, the annual average temperature of just 21.4°C means winters are temperate at best. The city has experienced its fair share of natural disasters too, including a devastating tornado in 1926 that killed over 300 people.

Despite these challenges, Encarnación has embraced its role as Paraguay's "tourism capital," drawing over 100,000 visitors each year for its annual carnival celebration. The city's beaches, Jesuit ruins, and commercial ties to Argentina make it an appealing option for those seeking an authentic South American experience. But for those seeking a warm, carefree lifestyle, Encarnación may not be the ideal location.