AsunciónCapital
Paraguay · Country profile
Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay, a leafy, low-rise city on the high bank of the Paraguay river that was the largest and the most important of the South American cities in the early colonial age. The old town holds the cathedral, the pantheon of the heroes and the government palaces of the historic heart, while the modern city spreads the restaurants, the shopping and the friendly, laid-back districts of the everyday. The bay of the city, the waterfront avenues and the great park of the Bernardino Caballero give the capital its green, unhurried rhythm, and the warmth of the Paraguayan welcome is among the most genuine in Latin America. The capital is the natural base for the whole country, from the missions of the east to the great river of the north.
About Asunción
Asunción is the capital of Paraguay. The city's documented population is around 534,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) and Spanish and Guarani are spoken; the dialling code is +595. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport.
The Pantheon, the Cathedral and the Bay of the River
Asuncion is a small, green and deeply friendly capital whose charm is in its everyday life rather than its monumental sights. The historic centre holds the cathedral, the pantheon and the riverside, and the newer districts hold the bars, the restaurants and the market life of the city. The pace is slow, the people are warm and the terere, the cold mate drink, is passed around from the first hours of the day. It is a city that rewards relaxed exploration rather than a rushed checklist, and it is the natural gateway to the quieter treasures of the country.
The Subtropical Seasons, the Guarani and the Terere of the Day
The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters, and the spring and the autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The historic centre and the riverfront are walkable, and the old town is best seen in the morning before the midday heat. The capital is small and easy to get around, with the buses and the ride apps covering the main areas. The currency is the guarani, cash is useful in the markets and the Spanish and the Guarani are spoken side by side. The food of the city, the asado, the chipa and the sopa paraguaya, is the pride of the national table. Learn to share a terere and the whole city will open up to you.
The Parks, the Market and the Slow Life of the Riverfront
The pantheon of the heroes and the cathedral give the historic centre its landmarks, and the riverfront avenues with their views over the bay are the classic walk of the city. The municipal market and the food halls of the centre hold the everyday life, and the great park of the city with its lake and its gardens is the green heart of the weekend. The districts of the city, from the historic centre to the modern south, are connected by the buses and the ride apps, and the evening life concentrates in the restaurants and the bars of the newer areas. The terere culture runs through everything, and the coffee courts and the plazas are made for sitting. The city is safe, friendly and wonderfully low-key.
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- Country
- Paraguay
- Population
- 534,000
- Coordinates
- -25.2400, -57.5192
- Capital
- Asunción
- Region
- South America
- Currency
- Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG)
- Languages
- Spanish, Guarani
- Calling code
- +595
- Country code
- PY
Getting to Asunción
Airports we list for Asunción:
Frequently asked questions
Is Asunción the capital of Paraguay?
Yes — Asunción is the capital of Paraguay.
What currency do I need in Asunción?
The local currency is the Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). Languages spoken in Paraguay include Spanish and Guarani.
What is the dialling code for Paraguay?
The international dialling code for Paraguay is +595.
Which airport should I fly into for Asunción?
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is the airport we list for Asunción.
Flying out of Asunción? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.