Practical Tips & Hacks: Asuncion

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel smart and extend your budget in Asunción.

Discount Cards and Passes

Asunción does not feature widely available tourist discount cards.
City passes that bundle attractions are not common.
Focus on individual savings for activities.
Specific discount programs are limited.

Free Activities and Attractions

Walk the Costanera.
Explore Parque Ñu Guasu and Jardín Botánico.
Stroll through the Centro Histórico.
Admire Palacio de los López and Panteón Nacional de los Héroes.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Seek out "menú del día" for lunch.
These provide hearty, inexpensive meals.
Many bars have happy hour deals.
Early evening is ideal for drink specials.

Transportation Savings

Utilize the inexpensive public bus system.
Purchase a "Jaha" or "Más" card.
Walk whenever possible, especially in pedestrian areas.
Negotiate taxi fares or use Uber/Bolt for set pricing.

Accommodation Alternatives

Consider diverse stays for various travel styles and budgets.

Hostels

Hostels offer budget-friendly dormitory beds.
Private rooms are also available.
Social opportunities with other travelers.
A cost-effective option for many.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses balance value and local experience.
Often personal and welcoming.
Experience a more intimate stay.
A popular choice for many visitors.

Airbnb Apartments

Renting an apartment offers more space.
Kitchen facilities reduce food costs significantly.
Ideal for groups or extended stays.
Self-catering can extend your budget.

Hotels

Traditional hotels provide comfort.
Amenities vary across price points.
Options for different budget ranges.
Locations throughout the city.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your exploration time with smart strategies.

Skip-the-Line Options

Generally not necessary in Asunción.
Most attractions do not have long queues.
Entry is typically immediate.
Even during peak season, queues are rare.

Best and Worst Times

Best: Visit early morning to avoid midday heat.
Weekdays are less crowded for buildings and museums.
Worst: Avoid midday heat for outdoor activities in summer.
Public transport is crowded during rush hours.

Express Transportation

Taxis or ride-sharing are faster than buses.
Convenient for direct routes or when short on time.
Useful for attractions not on bus lines.
Saves precious travel time.

Efficient Routing

Group attractions by geographical area.
Historical sites in Centro Histórico are walkable together.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze.
Anticipate traffic with routing apps.

Pre-booking Recommendations

Secure certain travel components for a smooth journey.

Flights and Major Hotels

Book international flights well in advance.
Secure major hotel stays early.
Especially for high season (June-August).
Advance booking secures better prices.

Tours

For organized day trips.
Book a few days ahead for availability.
Especially for specialized tours.
Confirm your spots in advance.

Restaurants

Most restaurants do not require reservations.
Except for fine dining establishments.
Consider reservations on weekends.
Verify restaurant policies.

Language Learning

Begin learning basic Spanish phrases.
Babbel benefits your interactions.
A few words go a long way.
Cultural connection through language.

Currency Access Note

Always carry a small amount of local currency readily accessible for immediate needs, separate from your main wallet or money belt.

Local Insights

Understand local subtleties to navigate Asunción like a seasoned traveler.

Drinking Tap Water

Always drink bottled water. Do not assume tap water is safe.

Displaying Valuables Openly

Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or openly carrying expensive electronics in crowded areas, especially Mercado 4.

Not Carrying Small Bills/Cash

Many smaller vendors and taxis accept cash. Have smaller Guaraní bills on hand.

Local Customs

Cultural Practices

Tereré Culture: Accept if offered, take a sip, and pass back.
Punctuality: Business meetings are punctual, social gatherings more flexible.
Siesta: Smaller businesses close midday; plan errands around this.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

"Jopara": A common mix of Spanish and Guaraní in speech.
"Che": An informal interjection similar to "hey" or "mate."
"Mba'eichapa": Guaraní greeting "how are you?"

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailor your approach to your travel style for a suitable experience.

Practical Tips & Hacks