Things to Do in Puerto de Asunción, Paraguay / Paraguái

Puerto de Asunción, commonly known as Asunción, is Paraguay's vibrant capital city and largest urban center, situated along the eastern bank of the Paraguay River. Founded in 1537, this historic city serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Paraguay, blending colonial architecture with modern urban development. The city's strategic location has made it a crucial river port and commercial hub for centuries, connecting Paraguay to the broader Río de la Plata basin. Asunción offers visitors a unique South American experience with its mix of Spanish colonial heritage, indigenous Guaraní culture, and contemporary Paraguayan life. The city features beautiful historic buildings, bustling markets, riverside parks, and a growing culinary scene that showcases traditional Paraguayan cuisine. With its affordable prices, friendly locals, and authentic atmosphere largely untouched by mass tourism, Asunción provides an excellent opportunity to experience genuine South American culture away from the typical tourist crowds.

Top Things to Do in Puerto de Asunción

Explore Historic City Center

Wander through Asunción's colonial heart, visiting the impressive Government Palace (Palacio de los López), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the historic Cabildo. The city center showcases beautiful 19th-century architecture and important government buildings that tell the story of Paraguay's complex political history.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available through local operators for $10-15 USD per person. Best visited in the morning (8-11 AM) to avoid afternoon heat. Look for guides who speak multiple languages and have historical knowledge of Paraguay's unique political past.

Visit Mercado Cuatro

Experience one of South America's largest and most authentic markets, where you can find everything from traditional crafts and textiles to exotic foods and medicinal herbs. This sprawling market offers an immersive look into daily Paraguayan life and commerce, with vendors selling handmade ñandutí lace, leather goods, and local produce.

Booking Tip: No booking required, but consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 USD to navigate safely and understand cultural significance. Visit early morning (7-10 AM) for best selection and cooler temperatures. Keep valuables secure and bring cash in small denominations.

Stroll Along Costanera de Asunción

Walk or cycle along this beautiful riverside promenade that stretches along the Paraguay River, offering stunning sunset views and a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The waterfront area features parks, outdoor exercise equipment, and several restaurants with river views, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Booking Tip: Free to access at any time, but most beautiful during sunset (5-7 PM). Bike rentals available for $5-8 USD per hour from local shops. Choose operators near the main entrance who provide helmets and basic maintenance support.

Discover Traditional Paraguayan Cuisine

Sample authentic dishes like sopa paraguaya (cornbread), chipa (cheese bread), and asado (barbecue) at local restaurants and street food stalls. Paraguayan cuisine reflects the country's unique blend of Spanish and Guaraní influences, featuring corn, cassava, and beef as staple ingredients.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $25-40 USD per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include both restaurant stops and street food experiences. Look for operators who can explain cultural significance of dishes and include vegetarian options if needed.

Take Day Trip to Areguá

Visit this charming lakeside town just 30 minutes from Asunción, famous for its pottery workshops, colonial architecture, and beautiful location on Lake Ypacaraí. Areguá offers a peaceful contrast to the capital with its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and scenic lake views perfect for relaxation and photography.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $35-50 USD including transportation and guide. Best visited on weekends when more artisan shops are open. Choose tours that include pottery workshop visits and allow 2-3 hours of free time to explore independently.

Getting There

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is located about 15 kilometers northeast of downtown Asunción and serves as Paraguay's main international gateway, with connections to major South American cities like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Lima. From the airport, taxis cost around $15-20 USD to the city center, while airport shuttles and buses offer more economical options at $3-5 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 regional capitals arriving at the modern Terminal de Ómnibus.

Getting Around

Asunción's city center is compact and walkable, with most major attractions within a few blocks of each other, though the tropical climate makes walking challenging during midday heat. Local buses are extremely affordable (less than $1 USD) but can be crowded and confusing for visitors, while taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber offer convenient transportation for $3-8 USD for most city trips. For longer stays, consider renting a car for around $25-35 USD per day, though traffic can be heavy and parking limited in the historic center.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center

Villa Morra

Las Carmelitas

Recoleta

Carmelitas

Manorá

Food & Dining

Asunción's dining scene ranges from traditional parrillas (steakhouses) serving excellent grilled meats to modern restaurants experimenting with contemporary Paraguayan cuisine, with most meals costing $8-15 USD at mid-range establishments. Street food is abundant and affordable, with chipa bread vendors on every corner and empanada stands offering filling snacks for under $2 USD. The city's markets, particularly Mercado Cuatro, offer authentic local dishes and fresh tropical fruits, while upscale neighborhoods like Villa Morra feature international cuisine and trendy cafes popular with locals and expats.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Asunción is during the dry season from May to September (Paraguay's winter), when temperatures are more comfortable (15-25°C/59-77°F) and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for walking tours and outdoor activities. The wet season from October to April brings high temperatures (often exceeding 35°C/95°F), humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though this period offers lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Avoid visiting during January and February when temperatures and humidity reach their peak, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable for most visitors.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate visitors who make an effort to communicate in Spanish

Always carry cash in Paraguayan guaraníes as many small businesses, markets, and street vendors don't accept credit cards, and ATMs can be scarce in some areas

Respect the afternoon siesta culture (roughly 12-3 PM) when many shops and businesses close, and plan your sightseeing activities for morning and late afternoon hours

Things to Do in Puerto de Asunción