Concepción, Paraguay: travel guide
Northern river port on the Río Paraguay, gateway to the Pantanal
Northern river-port city on the Río Paraguay, "La Perla del Norte," with early-20th-century mansions, a working river port and a lively market. Main southern gateway to the upper Paraguay River and the Pantanal wetlands.
About Concepción
Concepción is a river-port city in northern Paraguay, set on the banks of the Río Paraguay and often called the Pearl of the North. It is a quiet, provincial place, with a working port and early twentieth-century houses that recall the days of river trade.
In the town centre you can see the cathedral and the Museo Municipal del Cuartel, and the Mercado Municipal is the place to try local food and see everyday life. The Costanera and port offer river views and sunsets, and boats continue upstream towards the upper Paraguay River and the edge of the Pantanal wetlands.
Concepción suits travellers going further north and those interested in river life and the Paraguayan interior. It is hot for much of the year, and the drier winter months from May to September are more comfortable.
- Country
- Paraguay
- Currency
- PYG
- Time zone
- America/Asuncion
Last updated
Top places to visit in Concepción
Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
church · 4.8 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Bright yellow-and-white cathedral (1960–68) with interior woodwork attributed to artist Carlos Colombino — the city's landmark.
Mercado Municipal de Concepción
Market · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Daily covered market — river fish, fresh produce, regional crafts and street food; the everyday heart of the city.
Costanera y Puerto de Concepción
Viewpoint · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Río Paraguay waterfront and working port — public river beach and departure point for the Aquidabán boat toward the Pantanal.
Museo Municipal del Cuartel
Museum · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Local history museum in a former barracks documenting the city's trading-era and regional past.
Things to do
- Río Paraguay & Pantanal-bound Boat Excursion Nature · 8 h · from PYG 400,000 per person
- Concepción Historic Centre Walking Tour Cultural · 2 h · from PYG 80,000 per person
Where to stay in Concepción
Hotels
- Concepción Palace Hotel 3-star · PYG 200,000 to PYG 450,000 per night
- Hotel Francés 2-star · PYG 150,000 to PYG 350,000 per night
- Hostal de las Aguas 1-star · PYG 40,000 to PYG 90,000 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurante Francés French, Paraguayan · about PYG 70,000 per person
- Sabor Brasil Brazilian, Grill · about PYG 55,000 per person
- Restaurant Tagatiyá Paraguayan, International · about PYG 80,000 per person
Getting to Concepción
Nearest airport: Asuncion (ASU), about 203 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Boat
- Taxi
- Walking