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Last update: 16 Oct 2026
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Asunción Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
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Suited for
Paraguay – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type I
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) £1 ≈ PYG 7,684 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in major cities, though cash is still preferred in many areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Paraguay, but small tips are appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and by hotel staff. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally prohibited in Paraguay. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in licensed venues or private spaces. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but there are restrictions on smoking in public places. |
| Independence Day (14–15 May) |
Celebrating Paraguay’s independence from Spain |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | None |
| Other: | Paraguay offers a rich cultural and historical experience, with many natural landscapes and traditional villages to explore. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Asunción, Paraguay
December to February: heatwaves often above 38°C, plan sightseeing for early morning or evening
Holy Week (late March to April): many shops and restaurants close, city very quiet
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Explore historic Barrio La Encarnación streets
- 🏰 Visit the iconic Palacio de los López
- 🚶♂️ Stroll along Paraguay River promenade
- 🥐 Taste chipa cheese bread at local market
- 🌃 Attend Asunción's vibrant night markets
- 🎶 Experience traditional Paraguayan candombe music
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Asunción?
Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, offers a quiet yet engaging experience for travelers who appreciate history, culture and everyday life in South America. The city’s architecture blends colonial charm with modern influences; walking along Avenida de la Independencia you’ll see historic churches, government buildings and contemporary art installations side by side. A visit to the Casa de la Cultura and the National Museum of Fine Arts provides insight into Paraguay’s artistic heritage and the stories that shaped its people. The city’s culinary scene reflects its diverse roots. Try local specialties such as sopa paraguaya, a corn‑based bread or chipa guazú, a cheese‑filled pastry, at markets like Mercado 4 where vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. For a taste of contemporary Paraguayan cuisine, explore the restaurants in the Barrio Obrero district, which offer modern twists on traditional dishes. Asunción’s riverfront along the Paraguay River is ideal for leisurely strolls or boat tours that reveal the city’s relationship with its waterways. The nearby Parque de los Aliados provides green space and a glimpse of everyday leisure activities, from soccer games to family picnics. Travelers can also use Asunción as a gateway to explore surrounding regions: short trips to the Jesuit ruins in San Ignacio or the scenic Chaco region are easily arranged from the city. The blend of historical depth, cultural authenticity and practical accessibility makes Asunción an inviting destination for those seeking a genuine South American experience.
Knowledge before you go
- Carry a small amount of cash; many vendors accept only local currency.
- Use public transport or shared taxis for budget-friendly travel between neighborhoods, but avoid unmarked cabs at night.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; locals appreciate effort and it eases navigation in markets and restaurants.
- Explore the historic Barrio Cordón early morning to see colonial architecture before crowds and enjoy quieter cafés.
How to travel to Asunción
Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is accessible via air and land routes. The primary entry point is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. Regular international flights connect Asunción to major South American hubs such as Buenos Aires, São Paulo and Santiago, with additional seasonal services from other global cities. Ground access includes buses and taxis operating between the airport and downtown areas like Loma San Jerónimo or Mariscal López. Private transfers are available for direct travel to hotels or residential zones. The city’s road network links Asunción to Paraguay’s interior via Route 2 (Ruta Nacional 2), facilitating regional connectivity. Public transportation, including buses, serves local neighborhoods but requires prior planning due to limited coverage in some areas.
Access summary
- From Silvio Pettirossi (ASU): Taxi to city center, 15–20 min.
- From Buenos Aires (Ezeiza): Bus to Asunción, 12–14 hrs; from Montevideo, 10–11 hrs.
- By river cruise from Ciudad del Este, 4–5 hrs.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Asunción
Asunción offers a mix of budget-friendly hostels and mid-range boutique guesthouses that cater to travelers seeking authentic local experiences. Many accommodations feature traditional Paraguayan décor, with rooms ranging from modest single suites at around PYG 30 (£0) per night to more spacious two-bedroom apartments for roughly PYG 80 – 100 (£0.01 – 0.01). For those desiring higher-end comfort, upscale serviced apartments provide modern amenities such as Wi‑Fi, air conditioning and on-site dining, typically priced between PYG 120 (£0.02) and PYG 180 (£0.02). The city is renowned for its colonial-style inns that preserve historic façades while offering contemporary comforts. Additionally, several eco-friendly lodgings emphasize sustainability, using solar power and locally sourced materials to attract environmentally conscious visitors.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Asunción
Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, offers efficient and affordable transportation options for getting around the city. The most common method is using *colectivos* – shared minibuses that operate on fixed routes throughout the city, connecting neighborhoods with minimal cost. Taxis are also widely available; licensed yellow cabs can be hailed on the street or booked via apps like Uber and Cabify for a more comfortable ride. For short distances, walking is practical in the central districts where many attractions and services cluster together. Bicycles are increasingly popular too, with some areas featuring bike lanes. Public buses (*micros*) provide another budget-friendly alternative but may be less predictable due to traffic congestion. Overall, combining *colectivos*, taxis and walking offers a convenient way to explore Asunción’s urban landscape.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Asunción are around 62% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to PYG) is 19% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably more expensive compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Asunción is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a friendly local population. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; stay vigilant, avoid isolated streets at night and keep valuables secure. Overall, the city offers a welcoming, low-risk environment.
Health & Medical
Asunción offers reliable, affordable healthcare with modern public and private hospitals staffed by qualified professionals. Travelers benefit from routine vaccinations, clean water and low pollution levels. Minor risks include mosquito-borne illnesses; staying hydrated and using insect repellent is advised.
Accessibility
Asunción offers mixed accessibility: many sidewalks and public transport are gradually being adapted, yet uneven pavement and limited wheelchair ramps remain common. Public buildings often lack elevators, so plan ahead for mobility aids and check local guides for accessible routes.
Tap water
Tap water in Asunción is generally safe to drink, supplied by a modern municipal system with regular testing. Public fountains and refill stations are common in parks and plazas, making hydration convenient for locals and visitors alike.
Packing recommendations for Asunción
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
SPF 30+
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
👛
Cash in small denominations
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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