Asunción
Go to Asunción for riverfront walks, historic streets and Paraguayan food.
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Asunción is the capital of Paraguay, a landlocked country in central South America. The city sits on the left bank of the Paraguay River. Spanish settlers founded it in 1537, and it is often called the Mother of Cities because it served as a base for several early Spanish settlements in the region. Spanish and Guaraní are both spoken, so the city feels colonial in parts and Paraguayan in its food, music and daily life.
Most visitors make it a short stop. The main draws are the large Mercado 4, the riverside promenade known as the Costanera, and the historic center around the cathedral. Summers are hot and humid, so May to August, the cooler months, suit walking and sightseeing better. Two to three days covers the city's main sights, and visitors often add day trips into the countryside or pass through on the way to other destinations.
Asunción in five
- Carry guaraníes for small shops and taxisMany small shops, market stalls and some taxi drivers take only cash. Cards work mostly in malls, large hotels and bigger restaurants.
- Set up data before you landA local SIM or eSIM bought before arrival lets you use maps and messaging from the moment you land.Phones and eSIM
- Check visa rules for your passport before you flyEntry rules depend on your nationality, so check the current requirements with the official government source before you book a flight.
- Stay near Plaza de los Héroes for the centerThe historic center around Plaza de los Héroes is compact and walkable, and most of the older sights are within a short walk of it.Where to stay
- Get travel insurance that covers hospital billsPrivate clinics in Asunción may ask for payment before treatment, so keep your policy number and insurer's emergency line on your phone.Travel insurance
Things to do in Asunción
See all attractions in Asunción
Need to know
- Currency
- Guaraní (PYG)
- Entry
- Visa rules depend on passport; check official requirements before you fly
- Emergency
- 911 for police and emergency services
- Tipping
- Not required
- Time
- UTC-3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryHot, humid
- FebruaryHot, humid
- MarchWarm, rainy
- AprilMild, drier
- MayMild, dry
- JuneCool, dry
- JulyCool nights
- AugustCool, drier
- SeptemberWarm, spring
- OctoberWarm, rainy
- NovemberHot, humid
- DecemberHot, humid
Right now in Asunción
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 24°
- Humidity
- 94%
- Wind
- 15 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 94%
Asunción
07:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today28°22°94%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Tue33°22°73%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Wed34°23°94%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 34°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Thu29°21°76%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Fri32°20°27%Friday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Sat26°16°67%Saturday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sun23°13°21%Sunday: Clear. High 23°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 21%.
Updated 07:24 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 5,835 PYG
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Areguáabout 1 hour by roadLakeside town known for its ceramics and views over Lake Ypacaraí.
- San Bernardinoabout 1 hour by roadLakeside resort town on Lake Ypacaraí, popular with weekend visitors from Asunción.
- Caacupéabout 1.5 hours by roadPilgrimage town with a major basilica that draws large crowds of pilgrims.
Before you go to Asunción
Rules for Asunción, checked
- Check your visa requirement on the official foreign ministry site before you book, since rules depend on your passport and can change.
- Check the customs rules for carrying cash and goods across the border before you travel, and declare anything the form asks you to declare.
Plan around Asunción
Cities, border towns, entry and money in one place
Read the guideWhere to stayThe center, Villa Morra and the river promenade
Read the guideMoney and cardsUsing guaraníes and where cards are accepted
Read the guideGetting aroundAirport transfers, city buses and day-trip roads
Read the guideVisas and entryChecking passport rules before you fly
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for maps and messaging from arrival
Read the guideAsunción FAQ
Is Asunción worth visiting?
Yes, for two or three days. The historic center, the Panteón de los Héroes and the Palacio de los López show the city's history, and the riverfront gives a view across the Paraguay River.
How many days do you need in Asunción?
Two days covers the center and the riverfront. Add a day trip to Areguá or San Bernardino on Lake Ypacaraí.
What language do they speak in Asunción?
Spanish and Guaraní are both official, and many people speak both. Hotels and tour desks are the most likely places to find English.
How do I get from the airport to Asunción?
Taxis are the usual option from the airport. Carry guaraníes, since many drivers take only cash.
Do I need a SIM card in Asunción?
Not strictly, but maps and messaging need data. A local SIM or eSIM bought before arrival is the easiest way to get it.