AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Travel: A major beef recall and new U.S. plans to relax tariffs on imported meat are stoking worries about foodborne illness and what “discount” imports could mean for travelers and expats. Border Tourism & Health Risks: Brazil is seeing a surge in smuggled GLP-1 weight-loss drugs along the Paraguay border, with seizures rising sharply—another reminder to be cautious with unofficial “meds” while traveling. Local Travel Disruption (Asunción): MOPC announced new traffic diversions on Avelino Martínez Avenue starting Monday, 31 August, to keep works moving without fully shutting down a key Asunción access corridor. Air Connectivity: Avianca will launch daily Asunción–Bogotá flights from late October 2026, boosting seat capacity and onward connections. Culture & Events: Expo Yguazú 2026 opens at Plaza de la Amistad (free entry) with 100+ companies and major community anniversaries, running until 30 August. Paraguay on the Map: WRC Rally of Paraguay continues to spotlight Itapúa’s fan energy and scenery as the event pushes for carbon-neutral status. Investment for Travelers: The Asunción Times’ Investing in Paraguay Forum returns 7 September at Holiday Inn Express, focusing on tourism, real estate, and the Paraguay Investor Pass.

Aviation & Connectivity: Avianca will start daily flights between Asunción and Bogotá from late October 2026, boosting seats with Airbus A320 service and strengthening regional links. Border Security & Health: Brazil reports a sharp rise in seizures of unauthorized weight-loss drugs along the Brazil–Paraguay border, warning travelers about risks from informal sellers. Culture & Craft Tourism: CGTN Español spotlights Tobatí’s pottery tradition in “Daughters of Clay,” tracing ñai’ũpo from mother to daughter and linking Paraguayan ceramics with Jingdezhen, China. Travel Events in Paraguay: Expo Yguazú opens in Yguazú with free admission until 30 August, celebrating the district’s 65th anniversary and 90 years of Japanese immigration. Sports Tourism: World Rally Championship drivers posted about Paraguay’s fan energy and scenery ahead of the Rally of Paraguay, as the event targets carbon-neutral status. Local Festivities: Caaguazú’s Suena Caaguazú brings 70+ music delegations together with concerts and workshops, including a mega orchestra performance. Paraguay in the News: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to acquire F-5 and AT-3 aircraft as ties mark 70 years.

Aviation Boost: Avianca will start flying daily between Asunción and Bogotá from late October 2026, upgrading the route from three weekly flights and using Airbus A320s (180 seats) to strengthen regional connectivity. Culture & Community: Expo Yguazú 2026 opened at the Plaza de la Amistad with free entry through 30 August, running alongside the 65th anniversary of Yguazú and the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration, with 100+ companies and a civic-military parade. Festivals: Suena Caaguazú in Caaguazú brings together 70+ Paraguayan music delegations (28–29 August), featuring workshops, concerts, and a Mega Orchestra with over 1,200 young musicians. Tourism Safety Watch: Paraguay’s tourism audience may want to note updated travel advisories for the region—Bolivia’s advisory keeps Level 2 overall and flags Chapare Province as Level 4. Sports Tourism: WRC Rally of Paraguay buzzed online as drivers praised Itapúa’s fan energy and scenery, with the event aiming for carbon-neutral status. Local Travel Disruption: In Guantánamo, fuel shortages paused urban bus service in several neighborhoods during a summer closing event.

Aviation Boost: Avianca will start daily flights between Asunción and Bogotá in late October 2026, adding more seats via the A320 (180 passengers) and strengthening regional connectivity. Expo & Culture: Expo Yguazú 2026 opens in the Plaza de la Amistad with free entry until 30 August, running alongside the 65th anniversary of Yguazú and the 90th year of Japanese immigration in Paraguay. Music & Tourism: Suena Caaguazú returns in Caaguazú on 28–29 August, bringing 70+ delegations, workshops, concerts, and a Mega Orchestra featuring 1,200 young musicians. Sports Travel Spotlight: WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 in Itapúa (27–30 August) is drawing global attention for its fan energy and scenery, with the event aiming to be carbon-neutral in Latin America. Outdoor & Local Interest: A guide to fishing in Paraguay highlights key rivers and reservoirs (Paraguay River, Paraná near Encarnación/Ayolas, Yacyretá and Itaipú) plus practical tips for rainy-season access. Travel Community Note: Areguá hosts its first FIDE-rated chess Grand Prix IRT this weekend (28–30 August), drawing players from Paraguay and nearby regions.

Aviation Boost: Avianca will start daily flights between Asunción and Bogotá in late October 2026, using Airbus A320s (180 seats) to meet rising regional demand and expand connectivity via El Dorado. Culture & Tourism: Expo Yguazú 2026 opens in Yguazú with free entry through 30 August, running alongside the district’s 65th anniversary and 90 years of Japanese immigration, with an estimated 30,000–35,000 visitors and a packed mix of business, gastronomy, entertainment and culture. Sports Tourism: WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 in Itapúa (27–30 August) is drawing major attention online, with drivers praising the fan energy and the scenery as the event targets carbon-neutral status. Local Events: Caaguazú hosts Suena Caaguazú (28–29 August) bringing together 70+ delegations and 1,200 young musicians for concerts, workshops and community projects. Travel Planning: A practical guide to fishing in Paraguay highlights top river spots (Paraguay River, Paraná River, Yacyretá and Itaipú reservoirs) and notes how rainy-season flooding can affect access and fish behavior. International Interest: Paraguay is also in the spotlight for potential jet cooperation with Taiwan, as reports say talks could involve F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers.

FIA World Rally Paraguay Build-Up: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met Chile’s President José Antonio Kast in Santiago, boosting cooperation on road safety and sustainable mobility and signing Chile onto the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse charter—timed as the continent gears up for the FIA World Rally Championship in Paraguay. Paraguay Festival Spotlight: Caaguazú’s Suena Caaguazú festival (Aug 28–29) brings 70+ Paraguayan music delegations, with concerts, workshops and a Mega Orchestra featuring Luis Alberto del Paraná and Quemil Yambay. Itapúa Rally Tourism Buzz: WRC drivers shared posts praising Paraguay’s fan energy and scenery in Itapúa as Rally Paraguay runs Aug 27–30, with the event aiming to be carbon-neutral in Latin America. Travel & Mobility for Paraguay: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to acquire F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers, with a possible 2027 start—an international ties story with knock-on effects for future travel and security planning. Local Culture & Community: Areguá hosts its first FIDE-rated chess Grand Prix (Aug 28–30), while Nueva Germania marks its 139th anniversary with a student parade and community events. Health Services Disruption: Paraguay’s public health professionals begin a 96-hour national strike over stalled talks on working conditions, affecting non-urgent surgeries and ambulatory care. Sports Travel Appeal: Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie says he needs extra funds to attend the 2026 World Skate Games in Paraguay.

Caaguazú Festival: Suena Caaguazú returns Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August, bringing 70+ Paraguayan music delegations together with concerts, workshops, and a Mega Orchestra featuring Leon Burke III, plus tributes to Luis Alberto del Paraná and Quemil Yambay—an event that blends culture, education, tourism, and environmental action. WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026: World Rally Championship drivers are praising Paraguay’s fan energy ahead of the 27–30 August event in Itapúa, with social posts highlighting huge crowds and the push to make the rally carbon-neutral in Latin America. Areguá Chess Grand Prix: Areguá hosts its first FIDE-rated International Rating Tournament Grand Prix from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August, aiming to help players earn official Elo points with about 50 competitors from Paraguay and nearby regions. Paraguay–Taiwan ties: Paraguay is reportedly negotiating with Taiwan to rebuild its jet capability, with F-5 and AT-3 aircraft discussed for possible delivery starting around 2027. Travel & mobility: A new Global Citizen Solutions ranking places Paraguay among the top Latin American investment migration programs, while a Flying Blue status-match update again includes Paraguay among eligible countries.

Paraguay–Taiwan Defense Talks: Paraguay is negotiating with Taiwan to rebuild its jet combat capability, with reports pointing to F-5 fighters and AT-3 trainers, aiming for 10–15 aircraft starting as early as 2027, ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Sports Tourism in Paraguay: Areguá hosts the first FIDE-rated International Rating Tournament (IRT) Grand Prix from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August, drawing about 50 players from Paraguay and nearby cities. Local Culture & Travel: Nueva Germania (San Pedro) marks its 139th anniversary with a student parade, public works inaugurations, and community festivities, highlighting the town’s German roots. Travel Planning Watch: Paraguay’s health professionals begin a 96-hour national strike, affecting clinics and non-urgent surgeries—important for visitors with medical appointments. World Skate Games Funding: Kenyan skater Kelvin Kiarie says he may miss the 2026 World Skate Games in Paraguay due to a funding shortfall, underscoring the travel costs behind international events. Regional Mobility: A new report ranks Paraguay among Latin America’s top investment migration programs, with value-for-money scoring high for residency planning.

Travel & Mobility: Paraguay’s investor-residency “value for money” is highlighted in new research ranking Latin America’s active programs, with Paraguay scoring 80.1 (second overall) behind Panama. Tourism & Events: The WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 is set for 26–30 August in Itapúa, with Encarnación as a key hub and routes passing Jesuit Missions and major beaches—an easy excuse for longer stays. Culture & Local Travel: San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on 24 August with a local holiday, lakeside celebrations, and a DJ set—another boost for Paraguay’s summer tourism in Cordillera. Sports Tourism: Areguá will host its first FIDE-rated chess Grand Prix (28–30 August), drawing players from across Paraguay and nearby cities, turning the town into a weekend destination. Community & Health: Paraguay’s doctors begin a 96-hour national strike over stalled public-health working-condition talks, affecting clinics and non-urgent surgeries. International Spotlight: Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess Akishino visit a long-linked Japanese school in Asunción, underscoring Paraguay’s growing cultural ties.

World Skate Games in Paraguay: Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie says he’s registered for the 2026 World Skate Games in Paraguay but fears he can’t travel unless he raises an extra KSh 340,000 (he already has KSh 250,000), after missing past international events due to funding gaps. Paraguay travel & health impact: Paraguayan health professionals began a 96-hour national strike over stalled talks on public-system working conditions, affecting outpatient care and non-urgent surgeries—an important heads-up for visitors relying on local medical services. Tourism spotlight in Paraguay: Itapúa is gearing up for the WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 (Aug. 26–30), with routes linking Encarnación and nearby districts and a strong push for longer stays. Diplomacy with a travel angle: Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess Akishino visited a long-connected Japanese school in Asunción and met Japanese immigrants and descendants, including a stop in La Colmena. Local holiday for travelers: San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on Aug. 24 with a local holiday and events, reinforcing its status as a top summer destination.

Investment Migration Watch: A new Global Citizen Solutions ranking of 11 Latin America residency programs puts Panama first (84.4), with Paraguay close behind (80.1), a useful signal for travelers considering longer stays. Air Travel Perks: Air France–KLM Flying Blue is expanding its paid status match to include the UK and Greece again, with eligibility listed for Paraguay among other countries (expiry unclear). Regional Tourism Demand: Brazil’s tourism surge is being fueled by North American arrivals, while outbound travel from Paraguay to Argentina’s neighbor is also part of the shifting South American flow picture. Paraguay Travel & Events: Itapúa is gearing up for WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 (Aug 26–30), with Encarnación as a key base and routes linking beaches, museums, and the Jesuit Missions. Local Holiday: San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on Aug 24 with a local holiday and free evening entertainment, reinforcing its summer-tourism draw. Culture & Language for Visitors: A guide to funny Guaraní expressions is making the rounds, a handy add-on for travelers trying to get the local vibe. Health Services Disruption: Paraguay’s physicians begin a 96-hour national strike over stalled talks on public-system working conditions, affecting non-urgent surgeries and ambulatory care. Airline Route Boost: Air France adds a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop starting Dec 11, 2026, opening easier onward connections across Latin America via Panama.

WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 (Itapúa): The department of Itapúa is gearing up for the WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026, running 26–30 August, with action starting 27 August on the region’s red-earth roads and a route that links Encarnación, Cambyretá, Carmen del Paraná, Capitán Miranda, Nueva Alborada, plus stops like Bella Vista, Hohenau, Trinidad and General Artigas—turning the rally into a full tourism push for beaches, museums and the Jesuit Missions. San Bernardino 145th Anniversary (Cordillera): San Bernardino marks 145 years on 24 August with a local holiday, lakeside celebrations and a free evening show featuring DJ Alex Vaché, spotlighting the town’s long-running summer tourism identity. Guarania Week 2026 (Asunción): Asunción launches Guarania Week 2026 from 21–30 August, culminating on 27 August (National Guarania Day) with cultural events tied to José Asunción Flores and a program that blends music, education and tourism. Heritage Update (Ñeembucú): Work has wrapped up on conservation at the San Carlos de Borromeo ruins in Humaitá, clearing vegetation at a key War of the Triple Alliance site and reinforcing its status as a major historical landmark. Passport Boost (Mobility): Paraguay’s passport climbed to 29th in the Henley Passport Index (August 2026), with visa-free access to 145 destinations—another sign of stronger regional travel standing. Cultural Spotlight (Asunción): Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess Akishino visited the Paraguayan Japanese School in Asunción and also paid tribute to early Japanese immigrants in La Colmena, underscoring Paraguay’s growing international cultural ties.

Sports & Tourism Spotlight: The WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 is set for 26–30 August, with stages starting 27 August across Itapúa, including Encarnación and nearby districts—an easy excuse for visitors to plan a longer stay around beaches, museums, and the Jesuit Missions. Cultural Travel: Asunción kicks off Guarania Week 2026 (21–30 August), culminating on 27 August, National Guarania Day, with free and ticketed events aimed at drawing tourists to Paraguay’s signature sound. Heritage Update: Humaitá’s San Carlos de Borromeo ruins have reopened after maintenance and cleaning, restoring access to a key War of the Triple Alliance landmark. Travel Access: Paraguay’s passport climbed to 29th in the Henley Passport Index (August 2026), with visa-free access to 145 destinations—good news for international travelers planning trips. Local Events: San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on 24 August with a local holiday and lakeside celebrations, reinforcing its summer-tourism pull in Cordillera. International Connections: Air France adds a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 December 2026, boosting Central/South America connections for travelers. Community & Identity: Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess visited Japanese-Paraguayan schools and communities in Asunción and La Colmena, highlighting cultural ties that also attract educational travel. Athlete Travel Appeal: Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie says he may miss the World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay due to funding gaps, underscoring how travel costs can derail international participation.

Royal Visit & Culture: Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess Akishino visited a long-linked Japanese school in Asunción, meeting students and highlighting Japanese-Paraguayan ties during a weeklong official visit. Heritage & Tourism: San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on 24 August with a local holiday, lakeside celebrations, and a free DJ night—reinforcing its status as Paraguay’s summer hub. Rally Travel Guide: The WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 runs 26–30 August in Itapúa, with Encarnación as the main base and gravel stages across multiple towns; organizers spotlight service park, fan zone, and spectator experiences. Travel Access Update: Paraguay climbed to 29th in the Henley Passport Index (145 visa-free destinations), its highest ranking since 2013–14. Local History Restoration: Maintenance has finished at the San Carlos de Borromeo ruins in Humaitá, a key War of the Triple Alliance site. Sports & Paraguay Connection: Ronaldinho’s Paraguay episode is revisited as a new Netflix series brings attention back to his 2020 house-arrest release after a documents case.

New Routes & Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Panama City route on Dec 11, 2026, twice weekly, with onward connections via Copa—good news for travelers linking the French Caribbean to Central and South America. Motorsport Tourism: The WRC Rally of Paraguay 2026 hits Itapúa from Aug 27–30, with Encarnación as the main hub and stages across Cambyretá, Hohenau, Trinidad and more—plus fan zones and service-park access. Local Holiday & Summer Travel: San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on Aug 24 with a local holiday, lakeside celebrations, and a free DJ set—another push for Cordillera’s summer crowd. Culture & Music Week: Asunción’s Guarania Week 2026 runs Aug 21–30, centered on National Guarania Day (Aug 27), with free and ticketed events tied to José Asunción Flores’ legacy. Heritage Restoration: Humaitá’s San Carlos de Borromeo ruins in Ñeembucú reopen after maintenance and vegetation clearing, restoring access to a key War of the Triple Alliance landmark. Travel Credentials: Paraguay climbs to 29th in the Henley Passport Index (145 destinations visa-free), its highest ranking since 2013–2014.

WRC Rally Build-Up (Itapúa): The WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay 2026 runs 27–30 August, with Encarnación as the main hub and stages sweeping through Cambyretá, Nueva Alborada, Bella Vista, Hohenau, Trinidad, Artigas and more—plus a Fan Zone and Service Park for visitors. Local Holiday & Tourism (San Bernardino): San Bernardino marks its 145th anniversary on 24 August with a declared local holiday, lakeside celebrations, and a free evening entertainment set for DJ Alex Vaché. Heritage Conservation (Humaitá): Maintenance has wrapped up at the San Carlos de Borromeo ruins in Humaitá, clearing vegetation and protecting a key War of the Triple Alliance landmark. Culture & Music (Asunción): Guarania Week 2026 kicks off 21–30 August, centered on National Guarania Day (27 August) with events designed to boost music, education, and tourism. Travel Access (Henley Index): Paraguay’s passport climbs to 29th globally in August 2026 (145 visa-free destinations), matching its best ranking since 2013–2014. International Spotlight (Japanese Community): Japan’s Crown Prince and Princess visit Paraguay, honoring early Japanese immigrants in La Colmena and engaging with Japanese culture programs in Asunción.