Nanawa Travel Guide

City City in Paraguay near the Pilcomayo River

A Chaco-adjacent town, Nanawa sees visitors for flat savannahs, cattle estancias and seasonal fishing on local rivers. Expect dusty tracks, communal markets and regional festivals tied to ranch life.

Costs
$25-$45/day (very cheap)
Low everyday costs; simple guesthouses and local food are cheap.
Safety
Moderate
Typical regional safety; stay aware near busy transit points.
Best Time
May-October
Dry season reduces travel disruptions and heat stress.
Local Time
8:50 PM
GMT-3
Weather
Partly Cloudy 76°F
Partly Cloudy
Population
5,587
Infrastructure & Convenience
Limited public transport; long drives between towns, basic services.
Popularity
Rarely an international draw; mainly visited for history and local business.
Known For
cattle ranching, Chaco War history, flat plains, birdwatching, local markets, rural Paraguayan culture, river transport, ranch estancias
Nanawa (Presidente Hayes) is linked to the 1933 Battle of Nanawa from the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia.

Why Visit Nanawa? #

On Paraguay’s western side, this town appeals to travelers intrigued by Chaco history and riverfront life. Nanawa is linked to the Chaco War’s history, with memorials and museum narratives that attract history enthusiasts. The Paraguay River nearby offers boat excursions and birdwatching, while estancia visits introduce visitors to gaucho traditions and the country’s beef-focused cuisine.

Best Things to Do in Nanawa

All Attractions ›

Nanawa Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Nanawa town centre - Local market and square where daily Paraguayan life and street food meet.
  • Riverside walks along the Paraguay River - Scenic riverbanks for walking, fishing, and observing riverine activity close to town.
  • Community craft stalls - Small vendors selling woven goods, leather items, and locally made souvenirs.
Hidden Gems
  • Small local chapels - Quiet historical chapels illustrating regional religious traditions and modest architecture.
  • Family-run estancia visits - Guest ranch visits offering typical Paraguayan barbecue, horsemanship displays, and rural hospitality.
  • Early-morning market routines - Experience the bustle of morning markets where produce and fresh goods are traded.
Day Trips
  • Asunción day visit - Drive to the capital for museums, historical sites, and large craft markets.
  • Pilcomayo or Chaco wildlife excursions - Organized tours into nearby ecosystems offering birding and wildlife-watching experiences.

Best Time to Visit Nanawa #

Nanawa's Chaco climate is hottest and most humid in summer; visit in winter for cooler, drier conditions ideal for exploring. Shoulder months moderate temperatures but can be changeable.

Summer
December - February · 25 to 36°C (77 to 97°F)
Extremely hot and humid in the Chaco region; vigorous heat by day - early mornings are best for activity.
Autumn
March - May · 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F)
Gradual cooling with sporadic rains; more comfortable daytime temperatures make travel and exploration easier.
Winter
June - August · 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F)
Much cooler and drier, pleasant for long days outside; prepare for chilly nights but very comfortable daytime weather.

Best Time to Visit Nanawa #

Climate

Nanawa's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1352 mm/year), wettest in April.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
22° 33°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.4h daylight

February

February is hot, feeling like 29°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
22° 32°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 31°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (157 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
11.4h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.4h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 23°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.6h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 29°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.6h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
21° 32°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

How to Get to Nanawa

Nanawa (Presidente Hayes) is typically reached overland from Asunción by long-distance bus or private transfer; there are no direct commercial flights into the town. Travel times depend heavily on rural road conditions and exact local destination.

By Air

Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU): Asunción’s Silvio Pettirossi is the principal international airport for reaching Nanawa and other Presidente Hayes communities. From Asunción, road travel to Nanawa typically takes several hours by car or bus depending on the exact location; private transfers and long-distance buses are the usual onward options.

Regional airfields: There are no regular commercial flights into Nanawa itself; small charter flights to regional strips are possible but require advance arrangements.

By Train & Bus

Train: Paraguay’s passenger rail network is very limited and not a practical option for reaching Nanawa.

Bus: Intercity buses and shared vans run from Asunción to towns across Presidente Hayes; travel times vary widely with road conditions - expect multi-hour journeys. Local colectivos and moto-taxis handle short-distance travel within towns once you arrive.

How to Get Around Nanawa #

Nanawa is a small town in Presidente Hayes with basic road links and occasional bus services; public transport can be sparse and travel times are long across the Chaco region. Driving is often the simplest way to reach surrounding areas.

Within town distances are walkable. Taxis are limited-confirm availability ahead of time and carry cash for local fares.

Where to Stay in Nanawa #

Budget
Nanawa town - $10-35/night
Nanawa (Puerto Elsa area) has very few formal hotels - mostly small, basic hospedajes. Budget travelers should be prepared for simple accommodations.
Mid-Range
Regional centers (nearby) - $40-100/night
Mid-range hotels are scarce in Nanawa itself; better mid-range options are located in larger regional towns a drive away.
Luxury
Major cities (travel required) - $120+/night
There are no luxury hotels in Nanawa. For upscale accommodation, plan to stay in a major city and travel to Nanawa for day visits.

Where to Eat in Nanawa #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Nanawa's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Burger
Regional
Chicken
Chinese
Italian
Local
Barbecue
Empanada
Mexican
American
Peruvian
Coffee Shop
International
Italian Pizza
Deli
Fish
China
Crepe
Diner

Nightlife in Nanawa #

Nightlife in Nanawa is minimal-social life tends to focus on family gatherings, local bars and community events rather than commercial nightlife venues.

If you’re seeking bars, live music or clubs, travel to larger towns in the department.

Shopping in Nanawa #

Shopping options are practical and local: small tiendas and periodic market days sell food, household items and local produce. For a greater variety of goods, larger departmental towns will be necessary.

Bring essentials and any specialty items you may need for extended stays.

Nearby Cities #