As part of my trip to South America, I spent a total of three days in the capital of Paraguay, Asuncion (click here for flight reviews of that trip). In this report, I give you tips on what you could do with a day in Asuncion and what the most important sights are in this unassuming and rather unknown South American city.
General information:
Asuncion is not only the capital, but also the largest city in Paraguay and the second least visited country in South America (only Suriname has less tourists). Founded in 1537, Asuncion is one of South America's oldest cities. It features a mix of colonial and modern architecture, vibrant markets, and green spaces like the Nu Guasu Park. The city is known for its cultural festivals, museums and a rather warm climate.
Top 5 important sights
When I booked the trip to Asuncion, I wasn't really sure at first how to spend my three days in the city. After a bit of research, I was able to get a rough idea of what I wanted to see:
Palacio de López
The Palacio de López is the government palace and official residence of the President of Paraguay and located in the western part of the city. It was built in the neoclassical style with strong influences of Palladianism. The palace was commissioned by President Carlos Antonio López in 1857 as a residence for his son Francisco Solano López in the centre of Asunción overlooking the bay. Unfortunately, access is forbidden to outsiders and the grounds are strictly guarded, which is why the palace can only be viewed from the outside.
Nevertheless, it is a beautiful building that is definitely worth a look. As most of the sights are located in the area around the palace, it is a good starting point for a city tour.
Costanera de Asuncion:
The Costanera de Asuncion is a kind of classic promenade along the Paraguay River and located close to the Palacio de López. The Costanera features walking and cycling paths, green spaces, recreational areas, and spots for social gatherings and events. The avenue is named in honor of José Asunción Flores, a famous Paraguayan musician and composer. Right at the beginning of the Costanera is also one of the city's most famous photo spots with the red and white city sign. A short walk here is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the cool breeze coming off the river.
Loma San Jeronimo:
This small and relatively unknown district in the west of Asuncion has colourful buildings. The best way to explore this district is on foot and the colourful staircase in the centre is definitely worth a visit. Nevertheless, I was the only tourist for miles around, which is why the locals were very happy about my visit and also extremely hospitable.
National Pantheon of heroes:
It is located in the heart of the city and this neoclassical building was completed in 1936. It serves as a mausoleum and memorial to Paraguay's national heroes, including the remains of significant figures such as Francisco Solano López and José Félix Estigarribia. The Pantheon is a symbol of national pride, commemorating the country's struggle for independence and its historical legacy. As it is located directly in the historic centre of Asuncion, there is a lot of hustle and bustle during the day and many traders selling traditional goods on the roadside.
Shopping centres:
This may sound a bit crazy, but the shopping centres in Asuncion are known throughout the country and are rated very highly on Google for a reason. The two largest shopping centres (Paseo La Galeria and delSol Shopping) are located about 300 metres apart in the centre of Asuncion and impress with their modern and open architecture. As a tourist in particular, I find it very exciting to visit local shops and restaurants. Both offer a large selection of international stores (Nike, Adidas etc.) as well as small local shops and restaurants of various types.
Result:
Even if the capital of Paraguay doesn't have too many sights to offer, a day trip to Ascuncion is still a good idea to get to know the South American flair a little better. The western part of the city in particular has a lot to offer with the Palacio de Lopez and the National Pantheon of heros. My special insider tip is the Loma San Jeronimo neighbourhood that is definitely worth a visit. Here are a few more impressions from Asuncion:
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