Encarnación, 'La Perla del Sur', is Paraguay´s most attractive city. It's also known as the 'Capital de Carnaval' and, following the completion of the new costanera (riverside promenade) with its fabulous river beach, is referred to rather ambitiously by some locals as the new Rio de Janeiro. It is rather less proud to be the birthplace of dictator Alfredo Stroessner. His former house is now a private university just behind the bus terminal. Encarnacion is also mostly famous for its summer festivals and carnivals as well as for the sport-fishing.
Encarnación gained tourist value also for being the best base for visiting the ruins of two interesting ancient Jesuit Missions dating back to the 17th century, in Trinidad. The village of Trinidad is located 30km from the city of Encarnación along Route 6. The ruins of Jesuit Missions, La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarangue make the UNESCO World Heritage List.