Explore Asunción: Your Complete Guide
The bustling and culturally diverse capital of Paraguay, Asunción, provides a wide choice of services and amenities to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. We'll look at the key facilities and services that Asuncion has to offer in this extensive guide.
Your trip may involve arranging a residency and this guide will help you with some of the basics you may want to organize, as well as help you enjoy your free time.
Zones (barrios)
In general the whole city of Asuncion is really safe. I have never encountered any problem in any part of the city. I can compare with many other cities in Latin America and Asuncion is really safe. And I want to say that this city is one of the safest cities in Latin America. Anyway I am going to divide the neighborhoods into rich and poor. If you are not familiar with life in Latin America and you are used to living in the US/European environment, then I suggest you stick with the rich neighborhoods and you will feel right at home. But I have to say that you will miss the "charm" of other neighborhoods that in my opinion are more real and in some way better and more authentic.
La Encarnación: A historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture.
Villa Morra: A trendy and upscale area with shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife.
Carmelitas: A lively barrio with many bars, clubs, and entertainment options.
Barrio Obrero: A working-class neighborhood
San Cristóbal: Home to the famous Ñu Guasu Park, offering recreational activities.
Loma Pyta: A quiet residential area in the eastern part of Asuncion.
Villa Aurelia: A residential neighborhood with parks and schools.
Mburucuyá: A centrally located neighborhood with a mix of commercial and residential properties.
Herrera: A neighborhood with cultural centers and sports facilities.
La Catedral: The area surrounding the Asuncion Cathedral and other historic sites, A historic district with colonial-era buildings and museums.
Pettirossi: neighborhood may offer a mix of housing options, services, and parks. Mercado 4 is located in this area.
San Roque: The neighborhood features a mix of residential and commercial areas, and it often hosts community events and celebrations.
Recoleta: It is known for its historic charm and is home to the Recoleta Cemetery. The barrio has a mix of residential and commercial areas.
Ycua Sati: Ycua Sati is a quieter residential neighborhood in Asuncion, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Ytay: Ytay is another residential neighborhood in Asuncion, providing a peaceful and suburban environment.
Mariscal Lopez: Mariscal Lopez is an upscale barrio with a variety of amenities, including high-end restaurants, shopping centers, and luxury residences. It's a sought-after area for those looking for a more exclusive lifestyle.
Las Lomas: High-end residential properties, Exquisite dining and entertainment, Prestigious schools
Selected Expat/international barrios
Villa Morra, Recoleta, Ycua Sati, Mariscal Lopez, Las Lomas (green color in the map)
Poor barrios
Bañado Sur, Santa Ana, Tacumbú, Zeballos Cué, Dr. Ricardo Brugada - Chacarita (red color in the map).
Accommodation
Hotels Tips
It is a good option for short stays as it is expensive compared to apartments. I would suggest this option only if your trip is for a couple of days.
Five Hotel & Residences - cheap (around 60-70EUR/night) and good hotel in Villa Morra
Nino Hotel Boutique - more expensive (around 90EUR/night) in Villa Morra
Cielo Hotel - cheap (around 60EUR/night) and good hotel in Villa Morra
Hub Hotel - not expensive (around 70-80EUR/night) hotel in Recoleta
Hotel Palmaroga - pricier (around 100EUR/night), located in Encarnación.
Apartments
There are plenty of apartments in Asuncion and easy to select from. Generally there is a large supply and less demand, so it will not be difficult to get a good deal. I have been living in apartments in different neighborhoods for different prices.
Couple of things to have in mind:
Apartments closer to the city center such as Encarnacion, La Catedral, San Roque are cheaper areas. In barrios like Villa Morra, Recoleta, Ycua Sati are more expensive apartments.
If you want to be in a quiet area (because in Asuncion there is always a reason to "party" every day) I suggest you look for neighborhoods like Ytay, Las Lomas, some areas of Recoleta.
Prices vary as I mentioned above depending on the neighborhood, but you can find apartments from 300EUR/month (cheapest), 600EUR/month (higher average) and can go even higher. There is also a big difference in amenities because some buildings, especially in the wealthier neighborhoods have rooftop pools, gym, etc...
For short term stays in Airbnb you can count with prices starting around 22-25EUR/night for 1 bedroom apartment. Generally speaking half of the hotel room price.
My experience is that you can get pretty good deal for around 400EUR/month with lots of amenities in the building.
Tip: You can get a short rental through Airbnb and later agree with the owner to extend the stay and pay in cash. The locals are very friendly and will also appreciate it. They don't have to pay a cut to Airbnb and you can get a better deal on your stay.
Pro tip: Access to even better rental deals and long term rentals (6 months minimum) is the best when you have cédula.
Transportation
Airport
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport: Transport from and to the airport is the best with Uber or Bolt. Uber works well and is cheap. Bolt is even more popular and even cheaper compared to Uber.
Public Transportation
Buses: Stupidly cheap. If you are not in a rush, you can take a bus. But generally speaking it makes not much sense as Ubers are everywhere.
Taxis: Uber is the best option how to move around the city. You can pay by cash too. Going across the city can even cost you something like 2 EUR. Depends on the hour and demand, but it is possible. I am not using anything else. Uber or walking.
standard Uber equipment :-) Car Rentals: Not making that much sense as it is easier to use shared economy offers (Uber) and for longer trips outside the city you can use bus coaches.
A tip: Lots of Uber drivers want to become your private driver and you can agree on fixed fee and they can take you anywhere you want. It is easy to go even outside of the city to Aregua, San Bernardino, etc… Drivers are very friendly and helpful.
Dining
Restaurants
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack:
Lunch and dinner:
El Bolsi (Traditional)
Lido Bar (Traditional)
Sú (Japanese y Korean)
San Miguel (Traditional)
Acuarela (all you can eat)
Pizzerias:
Bastardo (bar muy cool)
Mancussi Pizzería (To go)
Hamburgers:
Bars/Nightlife:
Socializing and Nightlife
Going out to a busy bar or nightclub is a great way to meet locals. Paraguayans are sociable, and it's easy to make new friends in these settings. An important tip: the most common way for Paraguayans to stay in touch is through Instagram or Whatsapp. If you'd like to keep in contact with the people you meet or stay updated on local events, having an Instagram account and Whatsapp is essential.
Bar Mirador Ko’ape (Lomas San Jerónimo)
Lomas (European feeling, great food, great tapas)
Koggi (bar and Korean fast food)
Rockero (bar, great food)
La Quesería Shopping del Sol (night drinks and snacks)
Plenty of beers to select from. National or international.
Entertainment and Culture
Asuncion offers a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene, with entertainment options scattered across the city. However, figuring out the atmosphere of a particular venue on a given night can be tricky, as it often changes, and the best information is usually found by asking locals or knowing where to look online.
Live Music Scene
Asuncion has a thriving live music scene, with bars and clubs regularly hosting performances. Popular genres include: Rock music and Reggaeton
Nightlife Schedule
Asuncion's nightlife typically doesn't kick off until 11 PM. Bars and clubs often remain packed from then until 3 AM or later.
Between 6 PM and 10 PM, most people are still at home or in restaurants getting ready for the night out. Don’t be surprised if you visit a bar, like an "Irish Pub," and find it empty at 9 PM, by 11 PM, it’s likely to be full!
Nightlife Districts
A great place to start your night out is the area around Paseo Carmelitas and the Senador Long street. Both are located in Villa Morra, and are packed with a variety of venues. The area is walkable and easy to navigate, making it perfect for hopping between bars and clubs.
Theatres and Performing Arts
Asuncion also boasts a number of theatres, ranging from small to large, offering a variety of performances including:
Shopping
Markets
Mercado 4 - you can get there everything, food, meat, veggies, tools, clothes, everything can be found there from locals...
Avenida Palma - lots of local vendors during the day and many bars and parties during the evening.
Farmer's Market at Mariscal Shopping
For fresh, locally-grown produce, every Tuesday there’s a farmer's market in the basement of Mariscal Shopping (Villa Morra). Here, you’ll find a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and other products grown in different regions of Paraguay. It’s an excellent spot to buy fresh, seasonal produce.
Groceries
Convenience Stores
When you're in Paraguay, especially in cities like Asuncion, one of the best places to experience local culture and find all your essentials is the local convenience stores. Two standout options are Biggie and Biggie Express.
Biggie and Biggie Express
Biggie is renowned for being one of the top convenience store chains in the country, offering a wide array of products and an authentic insight into Paraguayan lifestyle. While not all Biggie stores are the same—some may offer more than others—they generally stock everything you might need, and more.
What You’ll Find:
Bread
Canned goods
Fresh vegetables
Oven-ready frozen foods
Chocolates, candies, and cigarettes
A large refrigerated beer section
A diverse wine selection
Cheeses
A variety of large beef cuts, steaks, and sausages
One of the most convenient aspects of Biggie stores is that they are open 24 hours a day. Whether you're settling into life in Asuncion or just visiting, these stores can quickly become your go-to for any late-night cravings or last-minute supplies.
Supermarkets (Superseis)
Bakery: In many supermarkets, bakery goods are sold by weight, which means you can fill a tray with your favorite items (like croissants or chocolate truffles) and pay a fixed price per kilogram.
Meat: The meat section is a highlight in Paraguayan supermarkets. You'll find some of the best-quality and cheapest meat available, making it a great place to shop for any barbecue or meat-heavy meal.
Cheese and Dairy: Cheese available are delicious and affordably priced.
Pre-Cooked Meals: Most supermarkets also offer a selection of pre-cooked meals, including meats, empanadas, quiches, and more. These are perfect for a quick meal at home without breaking the bank.
Wine: Paraguay offers a great selection of excellent wines, particularly from Argentina and Chile, at very low prices compared to international standards.
Spirits: Locally-produced spirits like rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, and brandy are also available at affordable prices. While the brands may not be globally recognized, they are often of higher quality than the budget brands you're familiar with from other countries.
Butcher
Malls
Shopping Mariscal Lopez: mall features a variety of stores, dining options, a cinema, and entertainment facilities.
Paseo La Galería: upscale shopping center is known for its high-end boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Shopping del Sol: Popular mall in Villa Morra, it offers a mix of retail stores, restaurants, a cinema, and even a children's play area.
Paseo Carmelitas: Mall is famous for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife, making it a popular evening destination.
Villa Morra Shopping: Mall offers various shops, dining options, and services.
Multiplaza: A mall that offers a combination of retail shops and dining choices.
Healthcare
Private Hospitals and Clinics
Centro Medico Bautista, Clinica Vidamed, Sanatorio La Costa, Sanatorio Americano, Sanatorio Español, Sanatorio Italiano
Banking and Finance
Banks
Banco Atlas - you can open bank account with cédula and PY phone number
Ueno - it is a digital bank where you can open an account online with cédula and PY phone number
Itau - biggest bank in PY. Applies same as for the banks above. Easy to open an account with cedula and phone number.
ATMs
If you need cash and do not have a local bank account, it is often cheaper (depending on your card and the benefits it includes) to exchange dollars to guaraníes with Western Union or on the street.
Have in mind that best option is the cash. Cash is accepted everywhere and is mostly preferred form of payment.
Exchanges
Bring dollars (not Euros) with you and exchange them into Guaranis. Cash is king in Paraguay. You can pay with cards but it is always good to have cash with you. Many smaller vendors do not accept cards.
Where to exchange dollars:
banks - banks will offer you exchange rate that is visible. Very safe way. You have to ID yourself.
exchanges - exchanges are very safe way too. They will mostly ID you and often times have better rate compared to traditional banks. Exchanges are everywhere. Very popular are Maxicambios or Cambios Chaco.
on the street p2p - you will get the best rate. No ID. However, if you do not know where to go and you are new in Asuncion I would not recommend this option. Generally speaking it is very safe in Asuncion and there is no problem to do p2p. It depends on your risk apetite and how familiar you are with environment.
Safety and Security
No need for specific and complicated opsec. Try to avoid going in poor barrios after sunset. Even during the day it is not wise to go there especially when you are not looking like a local.
There is no need for specific opsec (compared to Rio de Janeiro for example) in Asuncion but avoiding specific areas is a good idea if you are not familiar with Latin America.
Try to look like a local, it is a great way to blend in. Also, fluent Spanish and termo with terere is a big advantage (you can get the termo and yerba mate everywhere, but great selection is in Mercado 4). You can by big Yerba Mate brands in Superseis grocery store too.
In general, all of Latin America has a different culture and wearing shorts is not the norm. Men wear long pants. Wearing shorts and flip-flops will tell you that you are not a local.
Some offices/governmental buildings/banks might not to let you in wearing shorts or flip flops.
Parks, Recreation and Sports
Sports Facilities
The city is filled with sports amenities, and you’re never far from one.
Here are some gyms that are good and tested:
Zona Fit del Paseo - opened on Sunday’s too
Parks and recreation
Ñu Guasu Park - quite big and great for spending weekend (but there are lot of people during the weekend) or during the day to do some running and disconnecting.
Jardin Botanico - Very cheap entrance to Zoo. You can easily spend half a day in there.
Playa de la Costanera - beach by the Paraguay river. Lots of parties are happening there during the sunset.
La Costanera
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Wifi is available almost everywhere. Speed varies. But it is not a problem to get on wi-fi.
Another cheap option is to have a local mobile data tariff for reasonable price. Without cédula you need to have pre-paid options, with cédula you have an access to post-paid options with better deals.
Claro or Personal are good options. I have a great experience with Claro and you can buy tariff everywhere (small stores or in shopping malls).
Probably the best option for short stay in Paraguay is to have e-sim card with pre-paid data. You buy e-sim in advance and you arrive at Asuncion with already activated data e-sim card. You can check following services:
Bitrefill eSIM for Paraguay (payment with Bitcoin available)
Keepgo (continents options, not country specific)
HolaFly eSIM for Paraguay (no data limit)
Language
Official Language: Spanish, Guarani
Commonly Spoken Languages: Spanish in Asuncion, outside of the capital in the rural areas you can find people who only speak Guarani, but in Asuncion you are going to be good with Spanish.
English is very limited and only a few people speak English. If you have to speak English only, I suggest you stay in more international neighborhoods such as Villa Morra, Recoleta or Mariscal Lopez.
Wrap-up
Asuncion is very safe and friendly city a bit quiet compared to big cities like Rio, Miami, but good for daily life. There’s also no problem at all to live there with family.
Do not expect huge parties like in Miami but don’t worry there are plenty of local “fiestas” almost everyday. People in Asuncion like to celebrate and “tomar el trago”.
I can say that this city is good for family life, no issues with safety, everything works on time in Asuncion (no “mañana” style like in Central America). Apart from Asuncion there are mostly rural less populated areas. Most of the country outside of bigger cities is agriculture and cattle.
Personal rating comparing to Europe lifestyle:
Quality of life: Good
Costs: Very affordable
Temperature: Winter is comfortable, Summer might be hot for someone
Safety: Good
Food safety: Excellent
Country political orientation: right ( plus do not expect any “woke” bs)
Freedom: good ( don’t bother and you will not be bothered)
Friendly to Expats: good
Language: bad (you need to speak Spanish)
Let me know if you have any questions or if you plan to relocate to Asunción. I can help you with tips, hints, paperwork and have “el trago” with you :-)
You can also read articles about where to have a residency or why it is good to have a plan B
Did it help or do you like it? You can send some sats to satoshis@walletofsatoshi.com
Great blog! Hope to catch you for el trago in ASU:)
How much does a private school in ASU cost?