Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Asuncion
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $19-66 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Asuncion
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$6-18 per day
Street food, local markets, empanadas from vendors, basic comedores and local eateries
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, walking, occasional shared taxis for longer distances
Activities
$3-15 per day
Free walking tours, public parks, some museum entries, self-guided exploration
Currency: ₲ Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) - though many tourist services also quote in USD
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Asuncion
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local comedores and markets instead of tourist areas for typically 60-80% savings on meals
Use public buses for city transport instead of taxis - usually 5-8x cheaper for getting around
Stay in neighborhoods outside the historic center for accommodation savings of 30-50%
Buy groceries and prepare some meals yourself if staying in places with kitchen access
Visit free attractions like public plazas, parks, and some cultural sites before paying for tours
Travel during shoulder seasons for accommodation discounts of 20-40% compared to peak times
Book accommodation directly with properties for potential 10-20% savings over booking platforms
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the bus system - can triple your transport costs unnecessarily
Eating only in the historic tourist center where prices are typically 100-150% higher than local areas
Not carrying cash as many local establishments don't accept cards, forcing you to use expensive tourist-oriented places
Booking accommodation last-minute during peak season when prices can be 200-300% higher than advance bookings