About Asuncion
Asunción is the capital and the largest city of Paraguay. The city lies on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River, immediately north northeast of the confluence where it is joined by the Pilcomayo River. The Paraguay River separates Asunción from the Occidental Region of Paraguay to the northwest, and from Argentina to the southwest. The eastern part of the city is surrounded by the Central Department.
Places to visit in Asuncion
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Palacio de los López
LandmarkThe white 19th-century presidential palace overlooking the bay, Paraguay's most recognizable building. Visit at dusk when the facade is lit, and check for occasional open days to see inside.
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National Pantheon of the Heroes
HistoricA domed monument holding the remains of Paraguay's national heroes, guarded by ceremonial soldiers. It is free to enter, and the changing of the guard is worth timing your visit around.
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Asunción Metropolitan Cathedral
ReligiousThe city's main cathedral, rebuilt in the 19th century on the site of a church dating from colonial times. It faces the Plaza de la Independencia, so combine both on a walk through the old center.
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Casa de la Independencia
MuseumA colonial house where the plot for independence from Spain was planned in 1811. The small museum keeps period furniture and documents, and visits take under an hour.
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Mercado 4
MarketThe city's largest and busiest market, selling everything from produce to medicinal herbs. Keep valuables secure, and try a fresh juice or chipa bread from the stalls.
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Costanera de Asunción
NeighborhoodA riverside promenade along the Paraguay River, popular for walking, cycling and watching the sunset. Go in the evening when it is cooler and food trucks set up along the route.
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Areguá
Neighborhood · 14 mi from centreA lakeside town known for ceramics, strawberries and colonial architecture, about 30 km from the capital. Browse the pottery stalls along the main road, and visit during the strawberry season in late winter.
Things to do in Asuncion by type
10 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 3 experiences Asuncion City Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 2 experiences Excursion to Iguazú Falls and Itaipú Dam -
Art & culture 2 experiences Discover Ybycui National Park and La Rosada Museum – Full-Day Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences Discover the City of San Bernardino by the Lake Ypacarai and Many Other Cities – Half-Day Tour
- Over 6 hours 4
- 3-6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 2
- Flexible 1
- Couples 1
- Families 1
- Youth 1
Top experiences in Asuncion
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Golden Circuit - Full-Day Tour
From $139 per adult
Excursion to the Rest of Yhaguy
From $229 per adult
Enjoy the adventure at the Mbatoví Ecological Reserve
From $215 per adult
Discover the Botanical Garden of Asunción - Half-Day Tour
From $90 per adult
Excursion to the South American Football Museum with lunch
From $95 per adult
Excursion to Iguazú Falls and Itaipú Dam
From $382 per adult
Discover Ybycui National Park and La Rosada Museum – Full-Day Tour
From $278 per adult
Asuncion City Tour
From $57 per adult
Discover the City of San Bernardino by the Lake Ypacarai and Many Other Cities – Half-Day Tour
From $95 per adult
Travel Internet eSIM Data Card - Latin America
From $34 per adult
Where to stay in Asuncion
Popular hotels in Asuncion, out of 51 properties you can book.
Five Hotel Asuncion
From $108 per night
Dazzler by Wyndham Asunción
From $94 per night
Paramanta Lifestyle Hotel
From $113 per night
Esplendor by Wyndham Asuncion
From $88 per night
Start Villa Morra
From $71 per night
Factoria
From $156 per night
Hotel Cecilia
From $63 per night
Resort Yacht Y Golf Club Paraguayo
From $146 per night
Palmaroga Hotel Asuncion, Tapestry Collection
From $808 per night
Westfalenhaus
From $107 per night
Premier Hill Suites
From $50 per night
Crowne Plaza Asuncion
From $75 per night
Best time to visit Asuncion
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Asuncion is July, when average daytime highs are around 72°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Asuncion weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 83° 71° 58%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 70° 37%
- Fri 23 Oct 94° 72° 72%
- Sat 24 Oct 85° 73° 91%
- Sun 25 Oct 79° 62° 29%
- Mon 26 Oct 77° 60° 8%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Paraguayan guaraní (PYG)1 US dollar ≈ ₲5,746
- Languages
- Spanish, Guaraní
- Calling code
- +595
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/AsuncionUTC−3
- Capital
- Asunción
Upcoming public holidays in Paraguay
- Virgin of CaacupeVirgen de Caacupé
- Christmas DayDía de Navidad
- New Year's Day
- Heroes' dayDia de los héroes
- Maundy ThursdayJueves Santo
- Good FridayViernes Santo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Asuncion
These are the airports closest to central Asuncion. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ASU Silvio Pettirossi International Airport8 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Asuncion
The historic centre of Asunción is small enough to be explored by foot. However, some of the attractions, such as the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden) are a bit outside. In addition to the city's historical core - which is essentially between the streets Colón and Antequera - the Carmelitas area has become a hub for retail and entertainment, containing several large shopping centres and North American-style bars and restaurants.
By bus
Buses are ubiquitous, cheap and an experience in themselves (be careful while exiting, since many only slow down rather than stop for passengers to get off). They go more or less everywhere in the city: destinations are displayed on boards on the front window, if in doubt just shout your intended destination at the driver when he stops and he'll tell you yes or no. There are sometimes a few different versions of each bus number: 16, 16.1, 16.2 etc.
By taxi
Taxis are also available and reasonably inexpensive. Many of the taxis are old, lumbering diesel Mercedes, which can be a fun throwback. A 30% surcharge is added on late at night (after around 22:00) and on Sundays. Tipping isn't expected. Make sure that drivers use the meter, or arrange a fare beforehand.
From the bus terminal
Walk up the stairs marked "SALIDA", then down the stairs into the car park. Ignore the taxi touts and catch a taxi from the rank. A taxi into the city centre during the day should cost around GS.40,000.
Asuncion travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Asuncion?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Asuncion is July, when average daytime highs are around 72°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Asuncion?
January is usually the warmest month in Asuncion, with average highs of 94°F (35°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 55°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 226 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Asuncion?
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (12 km) from the centre of Asuncion.
What currency is used in Asuncion?
Asuncion uses the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₲5,746.
What time zone is Asuncion in?
Asuncion uses the America/Asuncion time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Asuncion?
The historic centre of Asunción is small enough to be explored by foot. However, some of the attractions, such as the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden) are a bit outside.
What are the best places to visit in Asuncion?
Top sights in Asuncion include Palacio de los López, National Pantheon of the Heroes, Asunción Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa de la Independencia. The white 19th-century presidential palace overlooking the bay, Paraguay's most recognizable building. Visit at dusk when the facade is lit, and check for occasional open days to see inside.
What are the top things to do in Asuncion?
Popular experiences you can book in Asuncion include Golden Circuit - Full-Day Tour, Excursion to the Rest of Yhaguy and Enjoy the adventure at the Mbatoví Ecological Reserve. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Asuncion?
The most popular types of experiences in Asuncion are city tours (3), tickets & attraction passes (2), art & culture (2) and day trips & excursions (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Asuncion?
Popular areas for hotels in Asuncion include Asuncion. Well-reviewed options include Five Hotel Asuncion and Dazzler by Wyndham Asunción.
How many hotels can I book in Asuncion?
Destina Holidays currently lists 51 properties in and around Asuncion, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
