Who: Juan Gimenez of Centennial and Don Marcos of General Artigas, Paraguay
Where: The home of Don Marcos, Juan’s uncle, in General Artigas
Out and about: My father-in-law, Steve Keul of Greenwood Village, and I visited my family in the remote village of General Artigas in southeastern Paraguay an area similar to the rolling green hills of Iowa with bright red clay. There are no hotels in this rural area. Travelers are advised to access Paraguay through the picturesque colonial capital of Asuncion, which has American-style hotels. Take a day trip to experience Paraguayan culture, purchase indigenous crafts such as lace products and harps and meet colorful Paraguayans like Don Marcos, gaucho, rancher and flamboyant Renaissance Man.
Travel tip: Fly from Denver to Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Paris of South America, and return from Buenos Aires, with the Paraguayan leg of the journey in the middle. Buenos Aires provides the sophisticated, urban complement to Paraguay. Don’t miss a day of cafes and antiques at Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, restaurants/shopping at Puerto Madero and a soccer match at Argentina’s famed Boca Juniors Stadium in the La Boca district, birthplace of the tango. Visa and immunizations required for Paraguay.
