Casa de la Independencia, Paraguay / Paraguái - Things to Do in Casa de la Independencia

Things to Do in Casa de la Independencia

Casa de la Independencia, Paraguay / Paraguái - Complete Travel Guide

Casa de la Independencia is not actually a city, but rather a historic house museum located in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. This significant colonial building, dating from the late 18th century, served as the meeting place where Paraguay's independence from Spain was planned in 1811. The house has been carefully preserved and transformed into a museum that showcases the country's struggle for independence and early republican period. Asunción itself is a charming South American capital that blends colonial architecture with modern urban development along the Paraguay River. The city offers visitors a authentic Paraguayan experience with its vibrant markets, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality. Casa de la Independencia sits in the heart of Asunción's historic center, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the capital's rich cultural heritage, bustling street life, and significant historical landmarks.

Top Things to Do in Casa de la Independencia

Visit Casa de la Independencia Museum

Explore this beautifully preserved colonial house where Paraguay's independence was planned in 1811. The museum features period furniture, historical documents, and exhibits detailing the country's fight for freedom from Spanish rule.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $2 USD and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.

Explore Asunción's Historic Center

Wander through the colonial streets surrounding Casa de la Independencia, visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Pantheon, and Government Palace. The area showcases beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and important national monuments.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, or join organized tours for $15-25 USD. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best weather and lighting conditions.

Experience Mercado 4

Visit one of South America's largest markets, located near the historic center. This bustling marketplace offers everything from traditional crafts and textiles to local foods and everyday goods, providing an authentic glimpse into Paraguayan daily life.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but bring cash for purchases. Visit in the morning for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Take a Paraguay River Cruise

Enjoy scenic boat rides along the Paraguay River, offering unique views of Asunción's skyline and waterfront. These cruises often include sunset viewing and sometimes traditional music performances.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises cost $20-40 USD per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Book through local operators or hotels, and check weather conditions before departing.

Sample Traditional Paraguayan Cuisine

Discover local specialties like sopa paraguaya (corn bread), chipa (cheese bread), and asado (barbecue) at traditional restaurants and street food vendors. Food tours often include visits to local markets and family-run establishments.

Booking Tip: Street food costs $1-3 USD per item, while restaurant meals range $8-15 USD. Look for busy local spots for the freshest options and authentic flavors.

Getting There

Casa de la Independencia is located in central Asunción, easily accessible by flying into Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), about 20 kilometers from the city center. Taxis from the airport cost around $15-20 USD, while buses are available for under $2 USD. Overland travelers can reach Asunción by bus from neighboring countries, with regular services from Buenos Aires (18 hours), São Paulo (20 hours), and other major South American cities. The historic center where Casa de la Independencia is located is walkable from most central accommodations.

Getting Around

The historic center of Asunción where Casa de la Independencia is located is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Local buses are inexpensive (under $1 USD) but can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Taxis are readily available and affordable, with short rides costing $3-8 USD, though few drivers speak English. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Asunción and offer convenient transportation with upfront pricing. For longer distances or day trips, consider hiring a private driver or joining organized tours.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (near Casa de la Independencia)
Villa Morra (upscale neighborhood)
Las Carmelitas (trendy area)
Recoleta (quiet residential)
Carrasco (business district)
Costanera (waterfront area)

Food & Dining

Asunción's dining scene centers around traditional Paraguayan cuisine, with numerous restaurants near Casa de la Independencia serving local specialties like sopa paraguaya, surubí fish, and various grilled meats. The historic center features both upscale restaurants in colonial buildings and casual local eateries where you can sample authentic flavors. Street food vendors around the area offer chipa, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices at very reasonable prices. For international cuisine, head to Villa Morra or Las Carmelitas neighborhoods, though traditional Paraguayan restaurants provide the most authentic and memorable dining experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Asuncion

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Bellini Palma

4.6 /5
(4361 reviews) 2

Bellini Carmelitas

4.6 /5
(1771 reviews) 2

Mozzafiato Trattoria Local

4.6 /5
(1109 reviews) 2

MBURICAO Restaurante

4.6 /5
(889 reviews) 2

LA CABRERA

4.6 /5
(870 reviews)

Grosso Shopping del Sol

4.5 /5
(849 reviews)
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Casa de la Independencia and Asunción is during the dry season from May to September, when temperatures are cooler (15-25°C/59-77°F) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers comfortable weather for walking around the historic center and exploring outdoor attractions. The wet season (October to April) brings hot, humid weather and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though morning visits to indoor attractions like Casa de la Independencia remain pleasant. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months of December and January when temperatures can exceed 35°C/95°F and humidity makes sightseeing uncomfortable.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken, even at tourist attractions
Carry small bills and coins as many vendors and small museums don't accept credit cards or large denominations
Visit Casa de la Independencia early in your stay to better understand Paraguay's history before exploring other historical sites

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