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

Casa de la Independencia in Asunción, Paraguay, stands as one of South America's most significant historical landmarks, marking the birthplace of Paraguayan independence. This beautifully preserved colonial house, dating from the late 18th century, served as the secret meeting place where patriots planned the revolution that led to Paraguay's independence from Spanish rule on May 14, 1811. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing the country's struggle for freedom and the brave individuals who made it possible. Located in the heart of Asunción's historic center, the Casa de la Independencia offers visitors an intimate glimpse into Paraguay's colonial past and revolutionary spirit. The museum houses original documents, period furniture, weapons, and personal belongings of independence heroes like Fulgencio Yegros and José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia. The building itself is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, featuring thick adobe walls, wooden beams, and traditional tile roofs that transport visitors back to the early 19th century.

Top Things to Do in Casa de la Independencia

Explore Casa de la Independencia Museum

Walk through the rooms where Paraguay's independence was planned, viewing original documents, period furniture, and artifacts from the revolutionary period. The museum offers guided tours that bring to life the stories of the patriots who met in secret to plan their uprising against Spanish colonial rule.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 10,000 guaraníes (approximately $1.50 USD). Visit Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Best to arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid school groups and have more intimate access to exhibits.

Historic Center Walking Tour

Explore Asunción's colonial heart, including the nearby Cathedral, Government Palace, and Plaza de Armas. The historic center contains numerous buildings from the colonial and independence periods, offering context to Paraguay's rich history and architectural heritage.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, or join organized walking tours for 50,000-80,000 guaraníes ($7-12 USD). Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Look for tours that include multiple historical sites.

Visit Panteón Nacional de los Héroes

Pay respects at Paraguay's national mausoleum, inspired by Les Invalides in Paris, which houses the remains of national heroes including Marshal Francisco Solano López. The building itself is an architectural marvel and offers insight into Paraguay's complex military history.

Booking Tip: Free admission with opening hours 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Visit during weekday mornings for fewer crowds. The changing of the guard ceremony occurs at specific times - check locally for schedule.

Explore Mercado 4 Traditional Market

Experience one of South America's largest markets, where you can find everything from traditional Paraguayan crafts to local foods and textiles. This bustling market offers an authentic glimpse into daily Paraguayan life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Free to explore but bring cash for purchases. Best visited in morning hours (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) when vendors are most active. Keep valuables secure and consider going with a local guide for first-time visitors.

Paraguay River Sunset Cruise

Take a boat trip along the Paraguay River to see Asunción from the water while enjoying spectacular sunset views. These cruises often include traditional music and provide unique perspectives of the city's skyline and historic waterfront.

Booking Tip: Cruises typically cost 80,000-150,000 guaraníes ($12-22 USD) and last 2-3 hours. Book through hotels or tour operators. Evening departures offer the best sunset views, especially during dry season months.

Getting There

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Asunción and serves as the main gateway to Paraguay. From the airport, taxis cost around 150,000-200,000 guaraníes ($22-30 USD) to reach the historic center, or you can take bus line 30A for a much cheaper option. Overland travelers can reach Asunción by bus from major South American cities, with comfortable services available from Buenos Aires (18 hours), São Paulo (20 hours), and other regional capitals. The main bus terminal, Terminal de Ómnibus, is located about 8 kilometers from the city center.

Getting Around

Asunción's historic center, where Casa de la Independencia is located, is highly walkable with most attractions within a few blocks of each other. Local buses are extensive and inexpensive (around 2,800 guaraníes or $0.40 USD per ride), though they can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for short distances within the city center, typically costing 15,000-30,000 guaraníes ($2-4 USD) for most trips. For exploring areas outside the center, ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Asunción and offer convenient transportation options.

Where to Stay

Historic Center

Villa Morra

Las Carmelitas

Recoleta

Sajonia

Carmelitas

Food & Dining

Asunción's dining scene revolves around traditional Paraguayan cuisine, with must-try dishes including sopa paraguaya (cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), and asado (barbecue). Near Casa de la Independencia, you'll find numerous traditional restaurants serving local specialties at very reasonable prices, typically 40,000-80,000 guaraníes ($6-12 USD) for a full meal. The historic center offers everything from street food vendors selling empanadas and chipa to upscale restaurants featuring modern interpretations of Paraguayan cuisine. Don't miss trying tereré, the traditional cold herbal tea that's central to Paraguayan social culture, available from street vendors throughout the city.

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 the most comfortable conditions for walking around the historic center and exploring outdoor attractions. The shoulder months of April and October can also be pleasant, though with occasional rain. Summer months (December to March) are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms, but this is also when many cultural festivals take place, including Independence Day celebrations on May 15th.

Insider Tips

Visit Casa de la Independencia on May 14th or 15th to experience Independence Day celebrations with special ceremonies and cultural events

Learn a few words in Guaraní, Paraguay's indigenous language, as it's widely spoken alongside Spanish and locals appreciate the effort

Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Cathedral and Cabildo, all within a two-block radius, to maximize your historical exploration time

Things to Do in Casa de la Independencia