Hernandarias: Gateway to Nature and History

• Hello¡Hola!
  [oh-lah]
• Goodbye¡Adiós!
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-cool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• 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-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• 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 meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs d'yehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Hernandarias, officially known as Hernandarias del Paraná, was founded in 1896 by the initiative of Don Juan de la Cruz Estigarribia. Originally called Tacurú Pucú, the town was renamed in honor of Hernando Arias de Saavedra, a notable governor of the Rio de la Plata region during the colonial period.

One of the most significant historical events for Hernandarias was the construction of the Itaipu Dam, which began in 1971 and was completed in 1984. The dam, located on the Paraná River, is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world and has played a crucial role in the economic and social development of the region. The project brought an influx of workers and boosted local infrastructure.

Hernandarias has historically been a melting pot of cultures, influenced by its proximity to Brazil and Argentina. The town is known for its rich tapestry of Paraguayan, Brazilian, and Argentine traditions, which can be seen in its festivals, cuisine, and bilingual population.

The Guaraní people have had a profound influence on the culture and history of Hernandarias. Their traditions, language, and customs are still evident in the daily lives of the town's residents. The preservation of Guaraní heritage is a significant aspect of the cultural identity of Hernandarias.

In recent decades, Hernandarias has undergone significant modernization and growth. The town has developed into an important commercial and industrial hub, thanks in large part to the Itaipu Dam. This growth has attracted businesses and tourists, further enriching the local culture and economy.

Hernandarias is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Itaipu Nature Reserve and the Monday Falls. These attractions have made the town a popular destination for ecotourism, promoting conservation and appreciation of the area's natural beauty.

Hernandarias is located in the Alto Paraná Department of Paraguay, near the Itaipu Dam. The nearest international airport is Guaraní International Airport (AGT) in Ciudad del Este, approximately 35 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Hernandarias. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes by road. Alternatively, you can fly into Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción and then take a domestic flight or long-distance bus to Ciudad del Este, followed by a short trip to Hernandarias.

Hernandarias is a small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the city and connect to Ciudad del Este and other nearby towns. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Paraguay is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Hernandarias, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Hernandarias is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be particularly cautious in areas known for higher crime rates such as certain neighborhoods in Ciudad del Este. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Hernandarias. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious or conservative areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly nod or smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hernandarias like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Paraguayan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Itaipu Dam, the world’s second-largest hydroelectric dam, which offers guided tours. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on Lake Itaipu or enjoy a picnic at one of the many scenic spots around the lake.