Is Paraguay Safe?

Paraguay is often the missing puzzle piece for travelers in South America. You hear about the warmth of our people, the vastness of the Chaco, and the tranquility of life here. But naturally, before you book a ticket to Asunción, you ask the big question: Is Paraguay safe?

If you Google this, you’ll get mixed signals. Some old reports warn of danger, while travelers often say it feels like the safest place on the continent.

As a local, I want to give you the realistic, up-to-date picture. Paraguay is generally a peaceful, welcoming country, and in 2025, the world is finally recognizing that.

Before you pack your bags, let’s look at the facts, the official data, and the street-level reality.

How Safe Is Paraguay?

The Official Verdict: A “Level 1” Safe Destination

Let’s start with the most important update. For a long time, Paraguay was unfairly lumped in with riskier destinations. However, in 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially upgraded Paraguay to Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

This is the best safety rating a country can get. It puts Paraguay in the same “safest” category as Argentina, Uruguay, and many European nations. The Paraguayan government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated this as a validation of the country’s stability.

The Vital Nuance: While the country is Level 1, safety here is geographic. The U.S. and UK governments still maintain specific warnings for certain border departments (states) where transnational crime occurs.

So, the rule is simple: Paraguay is Level 1 safe, provided you avoid these specific “Red Zones”:

Amambay (specifically the border city of Pedro Juan Caballero)

Alto Paraná (areas outside the tourist zone of Ciudad del Este)

Canindeyú, Concepción, and San Pedro (due to sporadic activity by smuggling groups).

As a regular tourist visiting Asunción, Encarnación, or the Jesuit Missions, you are hundreds of miles away from these border issues.

Efforts to Improve Security

The Paraguayan government has made concrete investments in public security. In 2024, the Ministry of Interior reported 1,494 strategic police operations, plus the recruitment of 5,000 new agents.
They also expanded the Grupo Lince (a specialized motorized unit), added new bases, motorcycles, and improved communication equipment.
Electronic monitoring is being used more: tobilleras electrónicas (ankle bracelets) for certain offenders were introduced, and there are social campaigns like Plan SUMAR to fight drug abuse.
According to the 2025 Segundo Informe Presidencial, the government reported a drop in crime rates: for example, theft complaints fell by ~16% and vehicle robberies by ~24% in a comparison of July 2023–May 2024 vs July 2024–May 2025.

Public Perception and Challenges

Despite some positive stats, public concern remains high. According to ABC Color, in 2025 there was a significant increase in robbery and violent crime complaints, along with more reports of missing people (especially minors).
In a Gallup survey (2025), Paraguay scored low on the “Law and Order” index. Many Paraguayans expressed distrust in the police, citing inefficiency and corruption.
At the institutional level, crime-organized remains a big challenge: in the 2024 Global Organized Crime Index (GI-TOC), Paraguay was ranked 4th worst among 193 countries.
President Santiago Peña has spoken publicly about this problem, noting that Paraguay needs stronger coordination across its institutions, and highlighting recent successful operations against drug trafficking and micro-trafficking.

Is Asunción, Paraguay Safe?

Asunción, the capital, is where many tourists will spend most of their time and generally, it’s one of the safer places in the country if you’re careful.

Here’s what’s going on:

Petty crime is common: pickpocketing, bag snatching, and opportunistic theft happen in crowded spots like markets, buses, and tourist areas.
Violent crime: There are reports of muggings, sometimes involving armed assailants or motorbikes.
Local advice: On Reddit, one traveler noted: “There are certain places like downtown where you’ll want to exercise more caution, use rideshare apps … Overall Asunción isn’t too dangerous… Avoid places like the Chacarita. A motorbike can sneak up if you are unlucky.”
Another long-term visitor wrote: “In general, Paraguay is very safe… Violent crime is pretty uncommon. I feel perfectly safe walking around by myself. The countryside is very safe.”

In short: Asunción can be quite safe, especially during the day. At night, or in certain neighborhoods, taking precautions is wise.

Is Paraguay Safe for Tourists?

Yes! for most tourists, Paraguay is reasonably safe, especially if you’re traveling smart.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Be vigilant with your belongings: Petty theft is one of the most common dangers.
Avoid risky areas: Particularly the departments flagged by the U.S. (Alto Paraná, Amambay, etc.)
Use trustworthy transportation: Prefer registered taxis or ride-sharing services.
Watch for scams: According to travel advice from multiple sources, crime networks in border areas do exist.
Enroll in travel alert services: For example, the U.S. State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) helps you receive security updates.
Have travel insurance: Especially important in Paraguay, where quality of medical services can vary depending on where you are.

When tourists follow precautions, most safety risks can be significantly reduced.

Paraguay Crime (Updated Trends)

Here are some of the most relevant crime trends in Paraguay right now (2024–2025):

Organized Crime: Paraguay continues to face serious challenges with transnational criminal organizations. The GI-TOC places it high in global crime-organized risk.
Violence & Homicide: While homicide rates have seen reductions in some places (per government data), interpersonal violence, domestic violence, and “delitos violentos” remain a concern in reports.
Drug Trafficking: The government reports strong results: President Peña said recent operations destroyed major drug networks, including large marijuana seizures in Canindeyú and major anti-micro-trafficking operations.
Cyber Risks & Data Security: According to Reddit users, there is worry about Paraguayan personal data being exposed on the dark web.
Corruption: Many Paraguayans on Reddit argue that corruption is deeply rooted, and that criminal groups have connections at high levels.
Public Safety Perception: According to ABC Color, robberies, assault, and disappearances are on the rise in urban areas, and there’s a strong public demand for more effective police prevention.

Top 3 – History of Crime in Paraguay

Here’s a quick look at the top 3 historical crime trends in Paraguay (especially relevant for understanding current safety).

Organized Crime & Border Smuggling
- The northeastern border regions (like Amambay and Canindeyú) are known for smuggling operations – weapons, drugs, and other illicit goods.
- Criminal groups exploit the weak police presence there, creating persistent security challenges.
Violence Linked to Gangs
- According to InSight Crime, gang violence is real: for example, Paraguay’s largest prison was violently taken over by the Rotela Clan, a powerful local gang.
- This kind of turf war has historically fueled homicide rates and instability.
Institutional Corruption & Impunity
- Investigative reporting (e.g., El País) reveals deep infiltration of organized crime into Paraguay’s justice system, including corruption within the Fiscalía (Prosecutor’s Office).
- Such corruption makes it harder to trust that crime will be prosecuted effectively, which can contribute to ongoing criminal power.

Top 5 Most Famous Crimes in Paraguay

1. The Murder of Prosecutor Marcelo Pecci (2022)

One of the most internationally known crimes in Paraguayan history. Marcelo Pecci, an anti-organized crime prosecutor, was assassinated while on his honeymoon in Colombia.

Planned by transnational criminal groups linked to drug trafficking.
Investigated and covered widely by CNN, BBC, El País, and ABC Color.
The case shocked Paraguay because Pecci was a key figure in major cartel investigations.

2. The Rotela Clan Prison Takeover (2023–2024)

The Rotela Clan, one of Paraguay’s most powerful criminal groups, took control of several sectors inside major prisons, including Tacumbú.

Featured in reports from InSight Crime and regional newspapers.
Demonstrated how deeply organized crime infiltrated the penitentiary system.
Led to violent clashes, escapes, and large-scale government interventions.

3. Kidnappings by the EPP (Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo)

For years, the left-wing guerrilla group EPP operated in the northern region.
Their most notorious crimes include:

Kidnapping of Arlan Fick (2014)
Kidnapping and murder of Óscar Denis, former Vice President (2020)
These incidents were covered extensively by CNN en Español, ABC Color, and Última Hora.
The EPP’s operations remain one of the darkest chapters of modern Paraguayan security history.

4. The Murder of Journalist Pablo Medina (2014)

Investigative journalist Pablo Medina, from ABC Color, was murdered in the department of Canindeyú while reporting on narcotrafficking and political corruption.

Considered a political-narco assassination.
Highlighted internationally by Reporters Without Borders and CNN.
Exposed the deep ties between drug traffickers and local politics in the border region.

5. The “Mega-Robbery” in Ciudad del Este (2017)

A massive, Hollywood-style heist carried out by members of the Brazilian gang PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital).

Targeted the Prosegur cash-storage facility.
Included explosives, heavy weapons, and more than 50 armed attackers.
Reported globally by BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and South American media.
It remains the largest and most coordinated robbery in Paraguayan history.

Final Thoughts

The recent “Level 1” safety upgrade confirms what we locals have known for a long time: Paraguay is a hidden sanctuary in a chaotic world.

Of course, Paraguay has its challenges, every country does. We are still fighting corruption and working to improve our streets. The violent international headlines you might see occasionally often paint a much louder picture than our everyday reality. But if there’s something most visitors agree on, it’s that life here feels calmer, friendlier, and more welcoming than they expected.

Understanding the landscape is key to enjoying it. It’s about knowing which border areas to avoid, choosing Uber over walking late at night, and just using street smarts. Asunción, for example, has the typical risks of any Latin American capital, like pickpocketing, but it also offers safe, lively neighborhoods, a growing café scene, and modern malls where you will feel completely at ease.

But the real secret here, and something worth emphasizing over and over, is the warmth of the Paraguayan people. Visitors are constantly surprised by how locals go out of their way to offer directions, advice, or simply a friendly chat over tereré. That human touch is what will stay with you long after your trip is over.

So, is Paraguay safe? With awareness and common sense, absolutely.

Travel prepared, stay informed, and come with an open mind. You’ll likely discover a destination full of character, culture, and simple everyday charm, a country that is quieter, more genuine, and more peaceful than its headlines suggest.

Enjoy the safest adventure in South America. ¡Jajotopáta! (See you soon!)