Popular Sports to Play in Paraguay

Published on July 31, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located in the heart of South America, Paraguay offers a fascinating array of popular sports that captivate both locals and visitors. This country, where cultural traditions are deeply rooted, features a variety of sports disciplines ranging from soccer, a true national passion, to lesser-known but equally captivating activities like páleta, a local variant of Basque pelota. Paraguay’s vast landscapes, from the plains of the Pantanal to the hills of Amambay, also provide an ideal playground for cycling and hiking, allowing physical activity enthusiasts to connect with the country’s lush nature while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of its people. Dive into this article to discover how each sport becomes an integral part of daily Paraguayan life and its effects on the vibrant social fabric of this fascinating country.

Must-Try Sports in Paraguay

Soccer, a National Passion

Soccer is undoubtedly the king of sports in Paraguay. This discipline holds a central place in the country’s culture and identity. With over 1,600 teams spread across the entire territory, soccer is played at all levels, from improvised fields to professional stadiums. The national team, nicknamed La Albirroja, has participated in eight World Cups and won two Copa América titles, establishing Paraguay as the fourth most successful soccer nation in South America.

The most popular clubs in the country are Olimpia and Cerro Porteño, whose clashes during the Paraguayan Superclásico draw passionate crowds. Olimpia stands out particularly with its eight international titles, including three Copa Libertadores. The enthusiasm for soccer extends into daily life, where it’s common to see fans proudly displaying their favorite team’s colors on personal items, such as tereré thermoses.

Volleyball, a Sport on the Rise

Although less publicized than soccer, volleyball is experiencing growing popularity in Paraguay. This sport is especially appreciated for its simplicity of setup and accessibility. The men’s national team had its glory days in the 1950s and 1970s, notably winning a silver medal at the South American Championship in 1958 and a bronze medal in 1979.

Today, volleyball is developing at both amateur and professional levels. Clubs like Olimpia Asunción, Universidad Autónoma de Asunción, and Cerro Porteño have competitive teams that participate in national championships. Beach volleyball is also gaining popularity, with a women’s national team that competed in the 2018-2020 CSV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

Basketball, a Growing Discipline

Paraguayan basketball has seen promising development in recent years. Despite limited resources, the country strives to promote this sport and improve its performance on the international stage. The national basketball league currently has four professional teams, and the number of registered players has nearly doubled recently, reflecting the growing interest in this discipline.

The Paraguayan national basketball team participated in the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, demonstrating its desire to progress on the international stage. Clubs like Olimpia and Sol de América are among the most successful in the country and contribute to the development of young talent.

Traditional and Indigenous Sports

Beyond modern sports, Paraguay retains a rich heritage of traditional games and sports. Paddling, or canoeing-kayaking, holds an important place in Paraguayan culture, particularly in regions crossed by major rivers. This practice, rooted in the country’s history, serves both as a means of transportation and a popular sporting activity.

Among indigenous games, “piki voley,” a local variant of footvolley, is experiencing a real boom. This sport, blending soccer and volleyball, now has a national championship and genuine stars like Fernando Lugo and Velo Melgarejo. Piki voley has become a social phenomenon, with courts present in almost every village and informal betting generating significant economic activity.

Rally Racing, a Paraguayan Passion

Rally racing holds a special place in the hearts of Paraguayans, right after soccer. The country’s flagship event is the Transchaco Rally, considered one of the toughest races on the continent. Organized since 1971 in the most inhospitable areas of the Chaco, this rally attracts daring drivers and passionate spectators.

The importance of rallying in Paraguayan sports culture was highlighted in 2017 when the country hosted the start of the 39th Dakar Rally, an event that sparked immense national pride. Iconic figures like Francisco “Pancho” Gorostiaga have helped popularize this sport, becoming true national heroes through their exploits on the challenging tracks of the Chaco.

Where to Play Sports in Paraguay: Gyms and Stadiums

Major Sports Facilities in Paraguay

Paraguay has a network of sports facilities that is rapidly developing, offering a variety of options for sports enthusiasts and professional athletes. In the capital city of Asunción and its surroundings, several modern installations showcase the country’s commitment to sports.

Parque Olímpico in Luque, near Asunción, is a major sports complex inaugurated in 2017. It includes an Olympic Training Center, a synthetic athletics track, a multi-purpose sports center, a tennis complex, volleyball and beach soccer courts, and a shooting range. This park hosted the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and the 2022 South American Games, demonstrating its capacity to organize international sporting events.

Popular Gyms in Asunción

In the Paraguayan capital, several modern gyms offer a comprehensive range of equipment and activities:

• Liberty GYM: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., this gym offers cardio training, guided and free weights, as well as functional training and small group training sessions.
• Fitness Park: This international chain offers state-of-the-art equipment for weight training and cardio, as well as a variety of group classes.
• L’Orange Bleue: Known for its competitive rates, this brand offers personalized training programs and dynamic group classes.

These gyms adapt to the busy schedules of city dwellers, offering flexible options for sports practice.

Iconic Stadiums

Estadio Defensores del Chaco is the most iconic sports venue in Paraguay. Located in Asunción, this multi-purpose stadium is primarily used for soccer. Inaugurated in 1917, it has undergone several renovations over the years, the most recent in 2015. Its current capacity is approximately 42,354 seated spectators.

The stadium regularly hosts matches of the Paraguayan national soccer team, as well as important Copa Libertadores fixtures. It is also the venue for local derbies between the major clubs of Asunción. Its Paraguayan soccer museum, opened in 2006, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of soccer in the country.

Other Options for Playing Sports

Paraguay offers many opportunities for outdoor sports. Parque de la Salud in Asunción is a popular green space where locals come to run, bike, or participate in group fitness sessions. Many sports associations organize regular activities there.

For water sports enthusiasts, the National Aquatic Center, located in the Olympic Park, offers state-of-the-art facilities for swimming, water polo, and diving. This center, which benefited from a $12 million investment, will be one of the main venues for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.

Integrating into Local Sports Communities

For foreigners looking to integrate into Paraguayan sports communities, it is recommended to:

• Join local running or cycling groups, which are often very welcoming to new members.
• Participate in community sports events organized in public parks.
• Sign up at a local gym and regularly attend group classes to meet like-minded people.
• Contact the Paraguayan Olympic Committee for information on sports clubs and volunteer opportunities at sporting events.

Sports in Paraguay are growing rapidly, with facilities modernizing quickly to meet international standards. Whether for soccer, the country’s premier sport, or other disciplines, opportunities to practice and integrate into the local sports community are numerous and varied.

What Budget to Live Your Sports Passion in Paraguay?

The Costs of Sports in Paraguay

Playing sports in Paraguay is generally affordable, but costs can vary considerably depending on the discipline, level, and region. Soccer, the country’s premier sport, is particularly accessible, with registration fees in amateur clubs ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 guaraníes (about $12 to $35 USD) per month. Basic equipment (shoes, shorts, jersey) can be obtained for around 500,000 guaraníes ($58 USD).

Volleyball, the second most popular sport, has similar costs. Monthly fees to join a club are generally between 150,000 and 250,000 guaraníes ($17 to $29 USD). A good volleyball costs about 200,000 guaraníes ($23 USD).

Rugby and Swimming: Developing Sports

Rugby, although less widespread, is gaining popularity. Club membership fees can reach 400,000 guaraníes ($46 USD) per month, while full equipment (cleats, shorts, jersey, mouthguard) can cost up to 1,000,000 guaraníes ($116 USD).

For swimming, access to public pools is often free or very affordable (less than 50,000 guaraníes, or $6 USD per month). However, private clubs may charge between 300,000 and 600,000 guaraníes ($35 to $70 USD) monthly for regular training.

Regional Variations and Budget Options

Costs vary significantly between the capital Asunción and rural areas. In large cities, facilities are generally of higher quality but more expensive. Conversely, rural areas often offer more affordable options, although equipment may be more basic.

For those on a tight budget, many municipalities offer free or low-cost sports programs. Public schools also provide sports activities as part of their educational curriculum, at no additional cost to students.

Additional Expenses and Financial Aid

Training camps and competitions can represent significant costs, especially for less popular sports. A one-week rugby camp can cost between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 guaraníes ($116 to $232 USD), while a trip for a national swimming competition can easily exceed 3,000,000 guaraníes ($348 USD).

The Paraguayan government offers some subsidies for promising athletes, but these aids are limited and highly competitive. Some private companies also sponsor clubs or individual athletes, helping to reduce costs for participants.

The Impact of the Cost of Living on Sports Practice

It is important to note that these costs must be put into perspective with the average salary in Paraguay, which is about 2,750,000 guaraníes ($319 USD) per month. Thus, although sports are generally affordable, they can represent a significant portion of the budget for many Paraguayan families.

Fitness clubs offer a versatile alternative, with monthly memberships ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 guaraníes ($23 to $46 USD) in large cities. These facilities often offer a range of activities including weight training, group classes, and sometimes even pools.