Safest cities in Paraguay
6 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in ParaguayAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Paraguay, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Demonstrations and protestsThere is often social conflict in Paraguay. Groups may set up blockades as a form of protest along the main roads and in downtown Asunción near government buildings. This disrupts public transport and leads to widespread delays often with little warning.
Crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsBag-snatching and pickpocketing are a problem on public transport. Many foreigners choose to use taxis rather than take buses. Keep your bags within sight at all times when travelling, and be wary of anyone offering to help you.
- Organised crimeCriminal organisations carry out drug trafficking and arms smuggling, often in the border regions. They have also carried out isolated violent attacks in Asunción and elsewhere. These attacks have usually been aimed at the Paraguayan security forces and people associated with rival gangs. Tourists have not been the target of such incidents, but…
- Reporting crimeTo report a crime, go to the nearest police station, or call the tourist police:
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDYou must always carry ID. Carry a copy or printout of the photo page of your passport, and a copy of your entry stamp.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesThere are severe penalties for trafficking and possession of illegal drugs. If you are caught in possession of or trafficking drugs, you may get a prison sentence, without bail. Prison standards are poor.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal and there is a small, active LGBT+ community in Asunción. Same-sex marriages are not recognised in Paraguay. People are likely to disapprove of same-sex couples showing affection in public. Find more information on the websites of LGBT+ organisations like Aireana, Panambi and SOMOSGAY.
- Risks at public venuesSafety regulations at public venues may be non-existent or poorly enforced.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Swimming safetyMany rivers have strong currents which make them dangerous for swimming. The River Paraguay around Asunción is highly polluted and not suitable for swimming.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Paraguay, see information on driving abroad.
- Driving standardsDriving standards are poor and there are often traffic accidents, particularly involving motorbikes. Many motorcyclists drive with no crash helmets.
- Public transportMany taxis and buses do not meet European standards and rarely have functioning seat belts.
- River travelMany vessels do not meet the health and safety standards that would apply in the UK.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- FloodingHeavy rainfall and flooding can affect several areas, including some areas of Asunción and neighbouring cities. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- WildfiresDuring especially hot and dry periods a single spark or flame can start a wildfire. Report fires to the emergency services immediately.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Paraguay, updated 2026-01-21 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 6.88 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 44.22024
- Human development
- HDI 0.7562023
- Income
- $19,390/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 22.0 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 65/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 47/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 24/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 3.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.77GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 15.3 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 64%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 3.9 doctors /1k1.0 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Flood
- 5.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 3.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Paraguay (as of 2025).
How Paraguay compares
| Measure | Paraguay | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 6.9 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +4.5 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 44.2 | 35.2 | +9.0 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.756 | 0.763 | −0.007 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 22.0 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +6.6 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 47/100 | 52/100 | −5/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 24/100 | 39/100 | −15/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 15.3 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −4.4 µg/m³ — better for Paraguay |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.1/10 | 3.8/10 | −0.7/10 — better for Paraguay |
| Measure | Paraguay | South America median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 6.9 /100k | 11 /100k | −4.4 /100k — better for Paraguay |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 44.2 | 43.0 | +1.2 — better for South America median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.756 | 0.786 | −0.030 — better for South America median |
| Road deaths | 22.0 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +6.6 /100k — better for South America median |
| Rule of law | 47/100 | 49/100 | −2/100 — better for South America median |
| Corruption perceptions | 24/100 | 36/100 | −12/100 — better for South America median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 15.3 µg/m³ | 18.4 µg/m³ | −3.1 µg/m³ — better for Paraguay |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.1/10 | 4.7/10 | −1.6/10 — better for Paraguay |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 6 cities, safest first
- Encarnacion59.3 · #4489 worldwide
- Coronel Oviedo59.3 · #4490 worldwide
- Caaguazú59.3 · #4491 worldwide
- Pedro Juan Caballero57.4 · #4667 worldwide
- Asuncion56.7 · #4723 worldwide
- Ciudad del Este55.3 · #4845 worldwide