Encarnacion: The Pearl of the South

• HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DYOHSS]
• YesSí
  [SEE]
• NoNo
  [NOH]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-BOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Disculpe
  [pehr-DOHN/dees-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHS]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [BYEHN. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [AH-blahs een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NOH ehn-TYEHN-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah behr ehl meh-NOO, pohr fah-BOHR]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NOH KOH-moh KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah pah-GAHR, pohr fah-BOHR]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [VEH-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [YAH-mah ah oon MAY-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [eh-STOY pehr-DEE-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [eh-STOY ehn-FEHR-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [SOH-loh ehs-TOY meer-AHN-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [EH-soh ehs moo-ee KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [PWEH-dehs reh-bah-HAHR ehl PREH-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh OR-ah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah OO-nah ehn POON-toh]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee MEH-dee-ah (DEE-ehss)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YEHR]
• TodayHoy
  [HOY]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [DOHS]
• 3Tres
  [TREHS]
• 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [SAYSS]
• 7Siete
  [SYEH-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [NWEH-veh]
• 10Diez
  [DYESS]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [DOHN-deh ehs-TAH]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAHL ehs lah dee-rehk-SYOHN]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [PWEH-dehs mohs-TRAHR-meh (ehn ehl MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [KWAHN-doh ehs ehl PROK-see-moh (ow-toh-BOOS)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-LEH-toh (ah ...)]

Encarnación was founded on March 25, 1615, by Spanish Jesuit missionaries. It was initially known as 'Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación de Itapúa,' serving as one of the many missions established to evangelize the indigenous Guaraní population. The city grew around the Mission of Encarnación, playing a key role in the Jesuit Reduction system, which aimed to integrate the Guaraní into colonial society while protecting them from slave traders.

In 1767, King Charles III of Spain expelled the Jesuits from all Spanish territories, including Paraguay. This expulsion led to the decline of the missions, including Encarnación. The city saw a period of stagnation and decline as it struggled to transition from a mission town to a secular settlement. Many of the indigenous people who had been under Jesuit protection were left vulnerable to exploitation.

The War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870) was a devastating conflict involving Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Encarnación suffered greatly during the war, as it was a strategic location near the Paraná River. The city's infrastructure was heavily damaged, and its population experienced significant hardship. Despite these challenges, Encarnación's strategic position allowed it to eventually recover and rebuild.

The 20th century marked a period of significant growth and modernization for Encarnación. The construction of the international bridge Puente San Roque González de Santa Cruz in 1989 linked Encarnación with the Argentine city of Posadas, fostering economic and cultural exchange. The city's economy diversified, with growth in sectors such as agriculture, commerce, and tourism.

In the early 21st century, Encarnación underwent a dramatic transformation driven by the construction of the Yacyretá Hydroelectric Dam. The project led to the relocation of thousands of residents and the creation of a new waterfront area, known as the Costanera. This development turned Encarnación into a modern, vibrant city with improved infrastructure and enhanced quality of life for its inhabitants. The city is now a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, carnival, and historical sites.

Encarnación is located in the Itapúa Department of Paraguay. The nearest major airport is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, approximately 370 kilometers away. From Asunción, you can take a domestic flight to Encarnación's Teniente Amín Ayub González Airport or travel by bus, which takes around 6 to 7 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a car and drive, enjoying the scenic route through the Paraguayan countryside.

Encarnación has a well-developed public transportation network. Local buses and taxis are readily available and affordable. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance. For exploring nearby areas or more flexibility, consider renting a car. Bicycle rentals are another popular option, especially for tourists wanting to explore the city's waterfront and beaches.

The official currency in Paraguay is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in Encarnación, but ensure you inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Encarnación is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. The neighborhoods around the bus station and certain parts of the city center can be hotspots for petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Encarnación has several hospitals and medical facilities that can provide necessary care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The local police station is also available for any safety concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of religious practices. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain a friendly demeanor. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Encarnación like a local, visit the Costanera de Encarnación, a popular waterfront area where locals gather for leisure activities. Participate in the city's vibrant Carnaval if your visit coincides with the festival season. Engage with locals at the traditional markets and try local foods like 'sopa paraguaya' and 'chipa.' For a unique experience, take a day trip to the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.