http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18894
The passenger boat called the Aquidaban seems best avoided because of the crowds but the weekly journey of the Guarani, a freighter is a real treat. I say treat as it is far from comfortable or reliable but if you want an authentic, no frills view of life on the river then this is it.

The majority of the boat is taken up with all kinds of goods for the small towns and villages along the river. Food, furniture, oil, motorcycles and a huge load of gravel we collected en-route were part of the cargo. For a negotiated price of about $20 we secured a rough dark cabin above the engine.

There are no real comforts but food can be taken with the crew and the few locals who take the boat between villages. Sitting up on the tin roof watching the river go by and observing the comings and goings as the boat gets caught on sandbanks, loads and unloads and the crew get on with the tasks of running the boat. Fishing off the back of the boat in their spare time to have the old lady cook up the catch in the evening.

The passage takes roughly 2 to 3 days depending on all of the above. It is a working freighter so as such the passengers are the last concern of the crew but having said that we never felt unwelcome or in the way.

Small towns such as Puerto Pinasco and Puerto Vallemi slowly pass by. There is a huge chest freezer with beers in to help pass the time and a really ancient looking giant tv showing a constant stream of football and Paraguayan soap operas by the kitchen area at the back of the boat. The toilet and the shower are one in the same being just a hole in the floor to stand over and a shower head directly above it. All very basic and in no way designed for tourists expecting comfort or service. Brilliant. Take a good book and let the river slowly pass by.

The weather went from sweltering airless heat to heavy rain and strong wind so be warned. The end of our ride came after three days at Isla Margerita which is at the border with Brazil, we arrived at midnight and with Brasil on the far bank of the river we quickly found some cheap lodging right next to where we had disembarked. The owner of the room also happened to own a boat so for a small fee took us across the river the next day. We had arrived in Brazil.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18894 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11774 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11774 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11494
It is part of a Brazilian chain. They offer ample premises and private rooms and, of course, buffet style BBQ.

The buffet has different kinds of salads, rice, pasta and cuts of meats. Also includes dessert!

Less than £5 or USD$10 per person.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11494 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11493 After hours on Wednesdays and opens every weekend.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11493 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11492
About £4 to get in and that includes all drinks!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11492 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11491 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11491 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11490
Contemporary furniture, paints and objects.

Opening times:
Mondays and Fridays open at 7 AM. to 6:30PM and Saturdays at 8 AM. to 12 AM.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11490 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11489
Combos at £1.50 or USD$3.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11489 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11451 Nowadays, it host a museum with interesting collections of objects, paints and furniture.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11451