American Chad Uddstrom arrived in Paraguay by chance, yet the country changed his life. His story begins with hardship, travels across South America, and includes an unexpected invitation that brought him to a place he now calls home. Chad has explored nearly every corner of Paraguay, sharing his travels with over 50,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, and over 150,000 followers on Instagram.
His travels include the Ruins of Jesús de Tavarangue, Cerro Memby, Cerro Guazú, Cerro Hu, Salto Monday, and more. His exploration of the country shaped his belief that Paraguay remains an undiscovered gem.
From Pittsburgh to South America
Chad Uddstrom grew up in Pittsburgh in what he describes as a classic American childhood. “I grew up like a very typical American family, like anything you would see from a 1980s or 90s movie.” He played ice hockey and studied journalism at Penn State University before working briefly in the field.
After a difficult time in his life, he decided to start over. “I was like, you know what, I am going to move home for like six months, save up some money, and just start backpacking.” That choice led him on a nine-month journey across South America through countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
During that trip, he began to build an online audience. “I just kind of started travel blogging, kind of building my Instagram following.” By 2016, he had 10,000 followers, and one of his followers invited him on his first paid travel campaign along the Pan American Highway.
A random invitation that changed everything
While briefly in Miami, Chad received a message from a high school acquaintance. “He said, hey, I am here with my Paraguayan girlfriend and her whole family. Come meet up with me.” Chad accepted, and that meeting led to an unexpected invitation. “They said if you ever come back to South America, you have to come to Paraguay.”
Months later, while in Bolivia, he remembered that invitation. “I should just break away from the group and go to Paraguay by myself.” He crossed through La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz, collected a visa, and boarded a bus to Asunción. He only planned to stay five days. Instead, “I just stayed in Paraguay for probably two years straight.”
Since then, he has spent between three and six months a year in the country.
First impressions of a country like no other
Chad had already travelled through most of Latin America before arriving in Paraguay. The difference surprised him. “I was just kind of blown away at how different the vibe was here.” He recalls how relaxed everything felt. “It is just so chill compared to every other country.” What impressed him most was the warmth of the people. “Insanely welcoming to newcomers.”
He also realised he needed to relearn the language. “I had to basically learn Spanish over again because Paraguayan Spanish is so different.”
How a travelling stranger became a viral creator
Chad began exploring Paraguay by renting a car and driving alone. “I just started driving around the countryside and posting videos and pictures on Instagram.” Locals were fascinated, and his audience grew quickly. “Next thing I know, I am on TV every day on a different show in Paraguay.”
A friend encouraged him to launch his YouTube channel. He created one, went to sleep, and woke up in a state of stunned disbelief. “I woke up with around 50,000 subscribers the next day.” His funny music video about tereré (a Paraguayan drink) went viral across Facebook and WhatsApp. People began recognising him in the street. “They would come up to me and say, hey, you are that guy from the video.”
His growing visibility helped him inspire others to visit Paraguay. “I have gotten a lot of people to come visit Paraguay for the first time.” Many of them extended their stay. “Every time they have come to Paraguay, they have always canceled their flight and stayed longer.”
Life in Paraguay
Chad appreciates how easy life feels compared to the United States. “It almost feels like being back as a kid again.” He loves the spontaneous lifestyle. “Here in Paraguay, you can just call your friend and say, hey, I am outside. Let us go get something to eat.”
He also praises the social nature of locals. “The culture here is so relaxed.” As more newcomers arrive for residency, he sees a growing international community. Many who plan to stay only a short time end up settling. “They just end up falling in love with Paraguay and staying.”
“Authentic, endearing, addictive”
When asked what home means to him today, Chad responded without hesitation. “It is both.” He feels just as connected to Paraguay as to Pittsburgh. “I almost feel just as much at home in Asunción as I do back in Pittsburgh. Maybe even more so here.”
When invited to describe Paraguay in three words, he chose three that reflect his bond with the country. “Authentic, endearing, addictive.”
His story is not only about travel. It is about discovering a place that felt unexpectedly right. As he says, “This country has that effect.”
