←Paraguay travel guide
Asunción Capital District, Paraguay
Asuncion
A riverfront capital where colonial grandeur meets Guarani heritage
ArchitectureCultureHistory & Heritage
Asuncion, founded in 1537, is one of South America's oldest capitals, its historic centre lined with colonial mansions, neoclassical government buildings, and tree-shaded plazas along the Paraguay River. The Casco Historico is compact enough to explore on foot, taking in the ornate Palacio de los Lopez, the domed National Pantheon of the Heroes, and the lively Costanera promenade.
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Best time to visit
May to September
Region
Asunción Capital District
Main airport
Asunción (ASU)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Asuncion
History
Palacio de los Lopez
The Palacio de los Lopez is Paraguay's presidential palace and seat of government, occupying a commanding position on the bluff above the Paraguay River in central Asuncion. Construction began in 1857 under Francisco Solano Lopez and the building's mix of French Renaissance and Baroque detailing makes it the architectural centrepiece of the capital's historic waterfront.
Culture
National Pantheon of the Heroes
Modelled loosely on Les Invalides in Paris, the National Pantheon of the Heroes stands at the heart of Asuncion's historic centre and honours Paraguay's military and political figures from the colonial period to the modern era. The domed marble interior contains the tombs of prominent national heroes, including Mariscal Francisco Solano Lopez, and the building is guarded by the changing of the honour guard.
City
Costanera de Asuncion
The Costanera de Asuncion is a landscaped riverside promenade that stretches along the eastern bank of the Paraguay River, offering open views across the water towards the Chaco wetlands. Cycle paths, outdoor cafes, and green spaces make it a popular gathering spot, and at sunset the wide sky over the river produces some of the most photographed scenes in the capital.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Asuncion
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
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Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Paraguay
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Paraguay page at Yoogo.
Paraguay uses the guarani (PYG) as its national currency. Card payments are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centres in Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, but cash is essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas.
Paraguay is generally considered safe for tourists who take standard precautions, though petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in urban centres, particularly around markets and bus terminals. The eastern border region near Ciudad del Este and certain rural departments warrant additional awareness of local conditions.
Long-distance buses are the main form of transport between cities and are affordable and reasonably comfortable, with regular services connecting Asuncion, Encarnacion, and Ciudad del Este. Within cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most practical options, while car hire gives flexibility for reaching the Jesuit missions and national parks.
The most comfortable time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from May to September, when temperatures are mild and humidity is lower. Summer (December to February) brings intense heat, heavy rainfall, and flooding in low-lying areas, though Encarnacion's carnival in January and February draws visitors specifically during this period.
Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Guarani is widely spoken in everyday life, particularly outside major cities, and many Paraguayans switch fluidly between the two languages. A basic knowledge of Spanish is very helpful for getting around, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist facilities.
Travellers to Paraguay are generally advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations, and yellow fever vaccination is recommended, particularly if visiting jungle or rural areas. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are also commonly advised for those eating outside of established restaurants; consult a travel health clinic before departure.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Paraguay, and a gratuity of around 10 per cent is appropriate in restaurants where service is not already included in the bill. Taxi drivers do not generally expect tips, though rounding up the fare is a common courtesy.
Paraguay has 4G coverage in urban areas through providers including Tigo and Personal, with coverage becoming patchy in the Chaco and more remote regions. International travellers can pick up a local SIM on arrival at major bus terminals and shopping centres, and eSIM options for Paraguay are available through providers such as Airalo for those with compatible devices.