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Costanera de Asunción, Paraguay / Paraguái - Things to Do in Costanera de Asunción

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 Paraguay River and offering one of South America's most beautiful urban riverfront experiences. This expansive boardwalk serves as the heart of Asunción's social life, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and panoramic views of the river and Argentina's distant shores. The area seamlessly blends modern recreational facilities with historical significance, as it runs adjacent to some of Paraguay's most important cultural landmarks. Beyond its scenic beauty, the Costanera represents the cultural soul of Asunción, featuring outdoor gyms, food stalls, artisan markets, and regular festivals that showcase Paraguayan traditions. The promenade connects several neighborhoods and provides easy access to the historic city center, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Paraguay's capital. Whether you're seeking morning jogs with river views, romantic evening strolls, or authentic cultural experiences, the Costanera de Asunción offers a perfect introduction to Paraguayan urban life.

Top Things to Do in Costanera de Asunción

Sunset River Walk and Photography

Experience the famous Costanera sunsets by walking the full length of the promenade during golden hour. The western-facing riverfront provides spectacular views as the sun sets over the Paraguay River, creating perfect conditions for photography and romantic moments.

Booking Tip: No booking required - arrive 1-2 hours before sunset for best positioning. Weekends can be crowded, so weekday evenings offer more peaceful experiences. Bring a camera and comfortable walking shoes.

Traditional Food Market Exploration

Explore the numerous food stalls and vendors along the Costanera offering traditional Paraguayan street food like chipa, empanadas, and tereré. This culinary adventure provides authentic flavors while enjoying river breezes and local atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Best visited during late afternoon and evening hours when most vendors are active. Budget $5-15 USD for a variety of foods. Look for stalls with high local customer turnover for freshest options.

Artisan Market and Handicraft Shopping

Browse the regular artisan markets along the Costanera featuring traditional Paraguayan handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Local artisans often demonstrate their crafts, providing insight into Paraguay's rich cultural traditions and offering unique handmade items.

Booking Tip: Markets are most active on weekends and during festivals. Bring cash in local currency (Guaraní) and practice basic bargaining. Prices range from $2-50 USD depending on items.

Historic City Center Walking Tour

Use the Costanera as your starting point to explore Asunción's colonial historic center, including the Palacio de los López, Cathedral, and Casa de la Independencia. The waterfront provides easy access to these significant landmarks within walking distance.

Booking Tip: Plan 3-4 hours for a comprehensive walk. Many sites are free to visit, though some museums charge small entrance fees ($1-3 USD). Best done in morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

River Recreation and Sports Activities

Take advantage of the Costanera's outdoor gym equipment, jogging paths, and recreational facilities while enjoying river views. The area also offers opportunities for fishing, cycling, and various water sports depending on seasonal conditions.

Booking Tip: Facilities are free to use and available year-round. Early morning (6-9 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) are most comfortable. Bike rentals available from local vendors for approximately $5-10 USD per day.

Getting There

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Asunción and serves as the main gateway to Paraguay. From the airport, taxis cost approximately $15-20 USD to reach the Costanera area, while ride-sharing apps like Uber offer similar pricing. For overland travelers, Asunción is well-connected by bus to major South American cities including Buenos Aires (18 hours), São Paulo (20 hours), and Santa Cruz, Bolivia (12 hours). The main bus terminal, Terminal de Ómnibus, is located about 10 minutes from the city center and Costanera area.

Getting Around

The Costanera de Asunción is easily walkable and designed for pedestrians, making walking the best way to explore the waterfront area. For longer distances within Asunción, city buses are frequent and inexpensive (less than $1 USD), though routes can be confusing for visitors. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available and affordable, with most trips within the city costing $3-8 USD. Many visitors find renting a bicycle ideal for exploring the Costanera and nearby areas, as the terrain is relatively flat and bike-friendly paths are available along the riverfront.

Where to Stay

Centro Histórico
Villa Morra
Carmelitas
Recoleta
Las Carmelitas
Sajonia

Food & Dining

The Costanera area offers an excellent introduction to Paraguayan cuisine through its numerous street food vendors and casual restaurants. Traditional dishes to try include chipa (cheese bread), sopa paraguaya (cornbread), asado (barbecue), and the refreshing tereré drink. Higher-end restaurants in nearby neighborhoods like Villa Morra and the historic center offer refined takes on local cuisine as well as international options. The riverfront food scene is particularly vibrant during evenings and weekends, when families gather for picnics and vendors offer everything from fresh fruit to grilled meats at very reasonable prices.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Asuncion

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

View all food guides →

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 the Costanera de Asunción is during Paraguay's dry season from May to September, when temperatures are more comfortable (15-25°C/59-77°F) and rainfall is minimal. The shoulder months of April and October also offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Summer months (December-March) can be extremely hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though this is when the riverfront is most lively with festivals and events. For the best Costanera experience, plan visits during late afternoon and early evening year-round to enjoy cooler temperatures and the famous river sunsets.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent near the river during dawn and dusk hours
Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken, and locals appreciate visitors making an effort to communicate in Spanish
Always carry small bills in Guaraní (local currency) for street food vendors and artisans, as many don't accept credit cards or large denominations

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