A vibrant and friendly South American city destination with plenty of cheap shopping, festivals, nightlife and restaurants, Asuncion offers also historic and cultural sights and activities from horseback riding to river cruises and fishing. Asunción has been chosen several times as “the cheapest city in the world”, so even though it is not a major tourism destination, Asuncion is surely a place where you get goods and services worth your money!
The capital city of Paraguay, Asunción is situated on the eastern bank of Paraguay River next to the border with Argentina. It is a hillside city with a beautiful colonial and modern center and burgeoning suburbs and poor shanty towns around it, adding the actual population of the metropolitan area of Asuncion into some two million. Asuncion is one of the oldest cities in South America, having a homogenous population of mestizos that has retained many characters of the indigenous Guaraní culture in Paraguay.
Affordable destination. Asunción is rated the cheapest city in the world, so it is no wonder that it offers good value shopping for many types of goods from handicrafts to electronics. There are many places for shopping in Asuncion, including open-air markets and many shopping malls. Nightlife in Asuncion is lively and varied, consisting of bars, cafés, nightclubs and casinos. There are also theaters and live music available. Asunción hosts a popular carnival in late February / early March. There is also an annual trade fair in July. Other activities available include boat tours in Asuncion that are popular for wildlife viewing. Fishing in Paraguay River is also possible, as the river is home to Dorados, popular game fishes. There are many local tour operators that arrange horseback riding around Asuncion as well as hiking in nearby national parks. The city also has a golf club with an 18-hole golf course.
The capital city of Paraguay, Asunción is situated on the eastern bank of Paraguay River next to the border with Argentina. It is a hillside city with a beautiful colonial and modern center and burgeoning suburbs and poor shanty towns around it, adding the actual population of the metropolitan area of Asuncion into some two million. Asuncion is one of the oldest cities in South America, having a homogenous population of mestizos that has retained many characters of the indigenous Guaraní culture in Paraguay.
Sights and activities in Asunción: shopping, nightlife and horse riding
Asuncion does not have any world-famous sights, but it still offers plenty of things to see and do, ranging from historic cathedrals and museums to boating and horse-riding trips and abundant nightlife. Historical attractions in Asuncion are mainly situated in downtown riverfront and include the Metropolitan Cathedral, the old and new National Congress buildings, the Church of La Encarnación and the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, a monument for the soldiers who died in the Chaco War. The main street of Calle Palma in downtown Asunción hosts several historic buildings and plazas, as well as restaurants and cafés. The museums in Asuncion include the Manzana de la Rivera, a group of restored old traditional houses, as well Godoi Museum, The National Art Museum, Municipal Museum, and Visual Arts Museum. The old railway station in Asunción offers train trips for tourists to the nearby towns of Luque and Areguá. There is also a zoo in Asunción to visit.Affordable destination. Asunción is rated the cheapest city in the world, so it is no wonder that it offers good value shopping for many types of goods from handicrafts to electronics. There are many places for shopping in Asuncion, including open-air markets and many shopping malls. Nightlife in Asuncion is lively and varied, consisting of bars, cafés, nightclubs and casinos. There are also theaters and live music available. Asunción hosts a popular carnival in late February / early March. There is also an annual trade fair in July. Other activities available include boat tours in Asuncion that are popular for wildlife viewing. Fishing in Paraguay River is also possible, as the river is home to Dorados, popular game fishes. There are many local tour operators that arrange horseback riding around Asuncion as well as hiking in nearby national parks. The city also has a golf club with an 18-hole golf course.
Asuncion travel information and practical tips
The climate in Asunción is warm and humid throughout the year. There are hot summer months from October to April and cooler and more pleasant winter months from May to September that are the best time to visit Asuncion.
Photo: Aroma De Limón, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
The winter months are somewhat drier than the summers with cool evenings and sunny days. However, refreshing rainfall is received throughout the year, typically during the evening.
Traveling to Asuncion can be done by air, by road or even by boat. The international airport 20 kilometers / 12 miles east of the city receives direct flights to Asuncion from many South American cities, as well as domestic flights from Ciudad del Este. There are ferries to Asuncion across the river from Argentina as well as international bus services from many South American countries. You can also travel to Asunción from elsewhere in Paraguay by bus and by boat. There are several passenger boats going up and down the Paraguay River.
Local public transport in Asuncion is handled by buses that go just about anywhere in the city. Taxis are also plentiful and have meters. Car rental in Asuncion is available, and although not very cheap, car hire is a good way to travel outside the city.
Visitor services. There is a good amount of hotels in Asuncion, ranging from cheap locally owned hotels and guesthouses to centrally located international business hotels. Restaurants in Asuncion are inexpensive and widely available, serving local food as well as some Asian and international cuisine. Nightlife in Asuncion is lively with a large number of nightclubs and a few casinos. While many educated inhabitants in Asunción speak English, it is not common in the city, and some basic knowledge Spanish is required for travelling independently.
Safety. Asuncion is generally a safer city than Buenos Aires or most Brazilian cities. Crime is not prevalent, but does happen especially in form of pick-pocketing in downtown areas and theft, so all usual precautions when traveling in a city apply. Using common sense and avoiding walking around at night should keep you out of trouble. Traffic can be dangerous in Asuncion, but the main recent safety concerns in Paraguay are the current outbreaks of yellow fever and dengue fever. Make sure to protect yourself against mosquito bites and do not travel to Paraguay unless you have been vaccinated.
