Asunción, Paraguay: travel guide
Paraguay's capital on the Paraguay River, with a compact colonial historic centre
Capital and largest city of Paraguay, on the east bank of the Paraguay River — one of South America's oldest cities ("Mother of Cities"), with a compact colonial historic centre, neoclassical government palaces and a riverfront promenade.
About Asunción
Asunción is Paraguay's capital and largest city. It stands on the Paraguay River's eastern bank, just north-northeast of the Pilcomayo's confluence with it, and forms an autonomous capital district that the Central Department encircles. The wider urban area goes by Gran Asunción.
In August 1537 a fort was built here by Juan de Salazar de Espinosa. Expeditions leaving the city founded many others, including the second founding of Buenos Aires, so it is often known as the "Mother of Cities". Independence leaders held secret meetings at the house of Juana María de Lara, now the Casa de la Independencia museum.
All three arms of the national government are based here, and the city is the centre of the country's culture, finance and diplomacy.
- Country
- Paraguay
- Currency
- PYG
- Time zone
- America/Asuncion
- Nearest airport
- ASU
Last updated
Top places to visit in Asunción
Palacio de los López
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Neoclassical 19th-century presidential palace on the riverfront, floodlit at night — the symbolic heart of Paraguayan government.
Casa de la Independencia
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored 1772 colonial house where Paraguay's 1811 independence was plotted; now a history museum.
Manzana de la Rivera
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Cluster of restored colonial houses opposite the Palacio de los López, now a cultural centre with exhibitions and a viewpoint.
Mercado 4
Market · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Sprawling, chaotic central market — the place for street food, herbs, tereré supplies and everyday Paraguay.
Costanera de Asunción
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverfront promenade along the Paraguay River, popular for walks, sunsets and the Bay beach area.
Jardín Botánico y Zoológico
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Large riverside botanical garden and zoo, a green escape with historic mansions on the grounds.
Panteón Nacional de los Héroes
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
National pantheon and mausoleum modelled on Les Invalides, holding the remains of Paraguay's national heroes.
Loma San Jerónimo
Viewpoint · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Colourful hillside neighbourhood reborn as a tourist barrio with painted houses, food stalls and river views.
Museo del Barro
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Renowned museum of Paraguayan popular, indigenous and contemporary art (Centro de Artes Visuales).
El Cabildo (Centro Cultural de la República)
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Former parliament building turned cultural centre and museum on Plaza de la Independencia.
Plaza de los Héroes
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Central downtown square framed by the Panteón Nacional, with craft vendors and shade.
Estación Central del Ferrocarril
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of South America's oldest railway stations (1861), now a railway museum with a historic locomotive.
Things to do
- Asunción Historic Centre Walking Tour Cultural · 3 h · from PYG 120,000 per person
- Paraguay River Wildlife Boat Tour Nature · 3 h · from PYG 200,000 per person
- Mercado 4 Food Tour Food · 3 h · from PYG 150,000 per person
- Loma San Jerónimo Neighbourhood Tour Cultural · 2 h · from PYG 90,000 per person
- Areguá & Lake Ypacaraí Day Trip Sightseeing · 8 h · from PYG 350,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Asunción City Highlights Tour 4 h · from PYG 150,000
Where to stay in Asunción
- Villa Morra about PYG 600,000 per night
Modern, upscale and safe district with malls, restaurants and nightlife — the most popular base for visitors.
- Centro Histórico about PYG 350,000 per night
Walkable historic core close to the main landmarks; lively by day, quieter at night.
- Recoleta / Carmelitas about PYG 650,000 per night
Leafy, residential upscale area with boutique hotels and cafés.
Hotels
- Sheraton Asunción Hotel 5-star · PYG 700,000 to PYG 1,400,000 per night
- Esplendor by Wyndham Asunción 5-star · PYG 550,000 to PYG 1,100,000 per night
- Crowne Plaza Asunción 4-star · PYG 500,000 to PYG 900,000 per night
- Resort Yacht y Golf Club Paraguayo 5-star · PYG 650,000 to PYG 1,300,000 per night
- Dazzler by Wyndham Asunción 4-star · PYG 450,000 to PYG 850,000 per night
- La Misión Hotel Boutique 4-star · PYG 500,000 to PYG 950,000 per night
Where to eat
- Paulista Grill Brazilian, Steakhouse · about PYG 120,000 per person
- Bolsi Paraguayan, International · about PYG 110,000 per person
- Lido Bar Paraguayan · about PYG 60,000 per person
- Talleyrand French, International · about PYG 220,000 per person
- Tierra Colorada Gastró Paraguayan, Contemporary · about PYG 250,000 per person
- Carlitos Paraguayan, International · about PYG 90,000 per person
- La Cabrera Asunción Argentine, Steakhouse · about PYG 230,000 per person
- Bar San Roque Paraguayan · about PYG 95,000 per person
Getting to Asunción
Airport: Asuncion (ASU)
How visitors arrive in Asunción
- Flight into Silvio Pettirossi Airport By air from Madrid, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, regional hubs · common
International flights from Madrid and several South American cities arrive at the airport outside the city. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- International coach By road from Buenos Aires / Santa Cruz de la Sierra · common
Long-distance coaches from Buenos Aires, Formosa and Santa Cruz arrive at the bus terminal. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Coach or drive from other Paraguayan cities By road from Encarnacion / Ciudad del Este · common
Four national highways start in Asuncion, serving Encarnacion, Ciudad del Este and the Chaco. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Car ferry across the river By ferry from Puerto Pilcomayo (Argentina) · possible
A car ferry crosses from Puerto Pilcomayo in Argentina. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Airport taxi to the centre
Taxis at the terminal charge a set rate to the centre that drivers will not negotiate. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- City bus 30-A from the airport unconfirmed
Line 30-A stops on the main road a short walk from the terminal, with no signs; it carries luggage poorly and is a slow ride. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the bus terminal to the centre
- Taxi from the bus terminal
Use the taxi rank in the car park and ignore touts; city buses 8 and 36 also link the terminal with the centre. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- At the bus terminal, make sure the driver uses the meter or agree the fare before setting off; late-night and Sunday surcharges apply. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Bus useful for some trips
Buses cover almost all of Asunción and can usually be flagged down since there are few official stops; ask locals or use a maps app for routes.
- Car With Driver
Car rental companies in Asunción can also supply a driver, which suits day trips or a set itinerary.
- Taxi
Taxis are available around Asunción; use the meter or agree the fare before you set off.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Counterfeit & short-change street money exchange
Downtown Asunción, near markets and bus terminal
Informal "cambistas" offer attractive rates then hand over counterfeit guaraní notes or short-change you in the shuffle.
How to avoid it: Change money only at banks or authorised casas de cambio, and count every note before walking away.
Pickpocketing and distraction theft
Mercado 4, bus terminal and crowded streets
A bump or staged distraction lets an accomplice lift your phone or wallet from a pocket or open bag.
How to avoid it: Carry minimal valuables, wear your bag across the front, and stay alert in crowds.
Corrupt traffic-police "coima"
Roads around Asunción and Ciudad del Este, targeting rental cars
An officer invents a traffic violation and demands immediate cash to let you go.
How to avoid it: Stay calm, ask for an official ticket and the officer's details, and decline to pay roadside cash.
Best time to visit Asunción
- Jan 34°C
- Feb 33°C
- Mar 32°C
- Apr 29°C
- May 25°C
- Jun 24°C
- Jul 22°C
- Aug 26°C
- Sep 28°C
- Oct 30°C
- Nov 31°C
- Dec 33°C
More in Paraguay
Frequently asked questions about Asunción
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Asunción?
- The highest-rated places in our Asunción guide are Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, Museo del Barro, Palacio de los López, Casa de la Independencia, Manzana de la Rivera.
- Where should I stay in Asunción?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Asunción: Villa Morra, Centro Histórico, Recoleta / Carmelitas.
- How do I get around Asunción?
- Ways to get around Asunción covered in our guide: City bus, Car with driver, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Asunción?
- Scams reported to us for Asunción include Counterfeit & short-change street money exchange; Pickpocketing and distraction theft; Corrupt traffic-police "coima". Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Asunción?
- Average daytime highs in Asunción run from 22°C in Jul to 34°C in Jan.
- Which airport is nearest to Asunción?
- The nearest airport to Asunción has the code ASU.