“We want European tourists to enjoy the rally and also visit Paraguay,” said the Chief Executive Officer.
The WRC Rally Paraguay, rated by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile as the Best WRC event in 2025, aims to become one of the country’s most important sporting events and an international tourist attraction. This was confirmed by César Marsal, Executive Director of the Rally Paraguay, during an interview on Paraguay TV’s TRIBUNA program, where he revealed key details of the next edition of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Paraguay.
Marsal announced that the 2026 ueno Rally del Paraguay will be the longest in the entire world championship, with more than 360 km of timed stages and a total of 22 stages, representing a significant increase from the 19 stages in 2025. This design makes the country one of the most challenging and comprehensive venues for WRC drivers and teams.
The start will once again take place at the iconic Encarnación Civic Center – Sambódromo, but this edition introduces an unprecedented novelty: the awards ceremony and closing ceremony “on the water,” in a special setting at Molino San José, an emblematic spot in the capital of Itapúa. “We want this edition to be unforgettable, unique. Encarnación deserves a spectacular finale,” said Marsal.
Among the highlighted special stages, the 33-km Yerbatera stage is shaping up to be one of the most demanding. In addition, this year a stage in Trinidad has been added, designed to showcase the Rally’s commitment to the environment and reforestation, without losing the adrenaline rush that characterizes the competition.
Encarnación will once again be the place for the Headquarters, hosting the service park, start, awards ceremony, and various activities. As a new feature, a stage in the Hotel AWA area has been added, designed especially to bring the show closer to the people of Encarnación. “We want to do justice to the city. For those who cannot go out to the stages, we will bring the Rally to their homes,” Marsal emphasized.
As for the Shakedown, this year it will be held in Nueva Alborada, as Trinidad will have a complete stage within the official route.
Marsal also highlighted the coordinated work with SENATUR, MITIC, and the Presidency, with the aim of presenting the Rally del Paraguay in other countries and promoting the arrival of tourists. “We don’t want them to come just for the Rally; we want them to enjoy Paraguay, to do tourism, to get to know our culture and our landscapes. This event boosts the economy, positions the country, and opens doors,” he concluded.
With these innovations, the 2026 Paraguay Rally promises to be not only a high-level sporting competition, but also a true platform for tourism promotion and regional development.
What’s new in the 2026 WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay Rally
- It will be the longest rally in the World Championship, with more than 360 km of timed stages.
- It will have 22 stages, three more than the 19 stages in 2025.
- The start will once again take place at the Encarnaceno Civic Center/Sambódromo, and the awards ceremony and closing ceremony will be held on the water at the Molino San José de Encarnación.
- The iconic Yerbatera stage will cover 33 km.
- A new stage in Trinidad has been included, highlighting the Rally’s commitment to the environment and reforestation.
- Encarnación adds an urban stage in the Hotel AWA area, bringing the Rally closer to those who cannot attend the stages.
- The Shakedown will be in Nueva Alborada, as Trinidad will have a complete stage.
