subject: Encarnacion Paraguay [print this page] Encarnacion is a city in southeastern Paraguay. It is situated (365 km) 235 miles south-east of the capital Asuncin on the Paran River, opposite the Argentine city of Posadas. Both cities are linked by the San Roque Gonzlez de Santa Cruz Bridge. Encarnacion is the capital of the department of Itapa and has a population of 69,769 (2002 census).
The town was founded by the Jesuits in 1615. It gained in relevance immediately after the coming of the railway in 1854. In 1957, the town was made the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Encarnacion. Nowadays the city is divided into two main sections - the old city by the river and the newer business district inland. As a result of its mild climate Encarnacion is often called "The Pearl of the South".
Most of the inhabitants are of mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent as in the rest of Paraguay but you can find additionally minorities of Germans, Ukrainians, Japanese, Koreans, Arabs, New Zealanders, Chinese and Poles.
Encarnacion was the birthplace of Alfredo Stroessner, general and head of state of Paraguay from 1954 to 1989.
It is additionally the "Carnival" Capital of Paraguay, a yearly celebration of mostly Brazilian music and dance.
It is a peaceful city with all commodities, an ideal place to chill out and have a good time if you are planning to go somewhere. It's not a top destination, in fact chances are you have never actually heard of this city but it can be quite a different and nice experience particularly if you want to take some holidays on February the moment all the Carnival takes place.
The actual fact that life can be easy and peaceful here is the main reason why a great number of foreigners decide to come and retire here, as life could be quite cheap is an ideal place to come and chill out, as said above there are many groups of foreign individuals who already made a decision to do such thing and day-to-day more are coming.
Comparing to Asuncion the Capital, it's the 3rd most important city of the country, and it is considerably more comfy than the others, because of it is a small city everything is near, and transportation is not a problem.
In closing, Encarnacion Paraguay is a little and lovely town to come and see, it could be the ideal place to relax and enjoy life without having to be concerned about anything.
