Paraguay
While Asunción is a city, outdoor activity opportunities exist within its green spaces and nearby areas.
Opportunities for serious hiking are limited. Parque Ñu Guasu has paved walking and running trails that are easy for all fitness levels. The Jardín Botánico also has pleasant walking paths.
For more challenging hikes, venture slightly outside the city. Cerro Koi (Luque) is known for its unique geological formations and has short, easy to medium difficulty hikes with rewarding panoramic views.
Costanera de Asunción has dedicated cycling lanes for an easy and flat ride with scenic river views. Parque Ñu Guasu also has paved cycling paths, suitable for casual rides.
Asunción is not a central location for extreme adventure sports. Plan a separate trip to specific regions if activities like paragliding, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting interest you.
Connect with Paraguayan culture through hands-on experiences and traditional events.
Many hotels or restaurants that cater to tourists may feature folklore shows, including traditional dance and music performances (like the graceful botella dance or lively polca paraguaya).
This historic theater hosts various performances, from classical concerts to contemporary plays and traditional shows. Check its schedule for local and international acts.
Centro Cultural Juan de Salazar often hosts exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and other cultural events.
Holy Week features religious processions and traditional foods.
May 14-15: A major national celebration with parades, cultural events, and communal gatherings.
A traditional fire-jumping festival in June, with specific foods, games, and bonfires. A lively and unique cultural event.
Find rest and rejuvenation in Asunción.
The use of "yuyos" (medicinal herbs) in tereré is a common traditional practice for various ailments. You can find herbalists selling yuyos in local markets. This displays traditional remedies.
Many hotels have swimming pools, a refreshing escape from the heat. The artificial beach at the Costanera is for recreation and sunbathing, not river swimming. For a true beach experience, consider a day trip to Lake Ypacaraí.
Various bars and pubs, specifically in the Carmelitas and Villa Morra areas, feature live music. Find genres from rock and pop to traditional folk and Latin rhythms.
The Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane is the city's historic theater, hosting plays, ballets, operas, and concerts. Other smaller theaters also present various performances.
The main areas for nightclubs and dancing are in the Villa Morra and Carmelitas neighborhoods. Many restaurants typically close later than in some Western countries, permitting relaxed late dinners.
Discover unique souvenirs and local products in Asunción's markets and shops.
Shops along Calle Palma and surrounding streets in the city center sell various local crafts.
Ñandutí: Paraguay's famous spiderweb-like lace, often in smaller specialty shops. Ao po'i: Hand-embroidered cotton fabric for traditional clothing items.
A town near Lake Ypacaraí, known for its ceramics and pottery workshops. A day trip there allows direct purchases from artisans.
When shopping in markets, especially Mercado 4, keep your cash and valuables secure in a money belt or a cross-body bag worn in front. Be polite but firm if approached by insistent vendors.
