Things to Do in Costanera de Asunción
Costanera de Asunción, Paraguay / Paraguái - Complete Travel Guide
The Costanera de Asunción is Paraguay's premier waterfront promenade, stretching along the eastern bank of the Paraguay River in the heart of the capital city. This beautifully landscaped boulevard serves as both a recreational haven for locals and a scenic gateway for visitors to experience Asunción's riverside charm. The area has been transformed into a modern urban park featuring walking and cycling paths, outdoor exercise equipment, playgrounds, and numerous food stalls offering traditional Paraguayan snacks.
Beyond its role as a recreational space, the Costanera offers stunning panoramic views of the Paraguay River and serves as a cultural hub where street performers, artisans, and musicians gather, especially during weekends and holidays. The promenade connects several of Asunción's key attractions and provides easy access to the historic city center, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Paraguay's capital. The area comes alive during sunset hours when families, joggers, and couples stroll along the waterfront, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Paraguayan social life.
Top Things to Do in Costanera de Asunción
River Cruise on Paraguay River
Take a scenic boat ride along the Paraguay River to see Asunción from the water and enjoy views of the city skyline. These cruises often include stops at small islands and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife including caimans and various bird species.
Booking Tip: Cruises typically cost $15-25 USD per person and operate best during dry season (May-September). Book directly at the port or through local tour operators, and choose sunset cruises for the most spectacular views.
Cycling the Costanera Path
Rent a bicycle and ride along the dedicated cycling path that runs the entire length of the Costanera. The flat, well-maintained route offers beautiful river views and passes by parks, sculptures, and local vendors selling traditional snacks.
Booking Tip: Bike rentals are available for $5-8 USD per day from several shops along the Costanera. Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (5-7 PM) offer the best weather conditions and fewer crowds.
Street Food Tasting Tour
Sample authentic Paraguayan street food from the numerous vendors along the Costanera, including chipa (cheese bread), empanadas, and terere (cold herbal tea). The area is famous for its concentration of food stalls offering traditional snacks at affordable prices.
Booking Tip: Most items cost $1-3 USD each. Visit during evening hours (6-9 PM) when most vendors are open. Look for stalls with high local customer turnover for the freshest options.
Historic Center Walking Tour
Explore Asunción's colonial architecture and historic landmarks starting from the Costanera. Visit the Palacio de los López, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Casa de la Independencia while learning about Paraguay's fascinating history and culture.
Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available through local organizations, or hire a private guide for $30-50 USD for a half-day tour. Most historic sites are free to enter, and tours are best in the morning before temperatures rise.
Sunset Photography at Bahía de Asunción
Capture stunning sunset photographs from the bay area of the Costanera, where the Paraguay River creates a perfect backdrop. This spot is particularly popular among photographers and offers unobstructed views of the water and surrounding landscape.
Booking Tip: Best viewing time is 30 minutes before sunset (around 6-7 PM depending on season). Arrive early to secure the best spots, and bring insect repellent during warmer months. No booking required - it's completely free.
Getting There
Asunción is served by Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), located about 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. From the airport, taxis cost approximately $15-20 USD to reach the Costanera area, while ride-sharing apps like Uber offer similar rates. Airport buses are available for budget travelers at around $2 USD per person. For those arriving overland, Asunción is well-connected by bus to major South American cities including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and La Paz, with the main bus terminal (Terminal de Ómnibus) located about 4 kilometers from the Costanera.
Getting Around
The Costanera area is highly walkable, and most attractions within the waterfront district can be reached on foot. For longer distances, local buses (called 'colectivos') are the most economical option at around $0.50 USD per ride, though they can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and affordable, with most trips within the city center costing $3-8 USD. Many visitors enjoy renting bicycles to explore the Costanera's dedicated bike paths, and bike-sharing stations are located at various points along the promenade.
Where to Stay
Centro Histórico
Villa Morra
Las Carmelitas
Recoleta
Carmelitas
Sajonia
Food & Dining
The Costanera area offers an excellent introduction to Paraguayan cuisine through its numerous street food vendors and casual eateries. Traditional dishes to try include sopa paraguaya (cornbread), chipa guasu (corn casserole), and asado (barbecue), often accompanied by tereré, Paraguay's national cold herbal tea drink. For upscale dining, head to the nearby historic center where restaurants serve both international cuisine and refined Paraguayan dishes. The area is particularly famous for its weekend food markets where families gather to enjoy traditional meals while overlooking the river, creating an authentic cultural dining experience.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the Costanera de Asunción is during Paraguay's dry season from May to September, when temperatures are more moderate (15-25°C/59-77°F) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and river cruises. The wet season (October to April) brings higher temperatures and humidity, plus frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though the area remains beautiful and less crowded. Regardless of season, early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times to explore the waterfront, as midday temperatures can be quite intense year-round.
Insider Tips
Visit during weekends to experience the Costanera at its liveliest, when local families gather for picnics and street performers are most active
Bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent near the river in the evening
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken, though locals are generally very friendly and patient with visitors attempting to communicate