According to thefreegeography, Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, is a large, diverse city that is bustling with life around the clock and surprises at every turn. The historical center seems to have been transferred straight from Spain in the 17th century: rich colonial mansions lined up on both sides of the wide avenues, fountains murmur in the gardens, and the squares are necessarily decorated with some kind of monument. Fashionable and poor areas coexist: leaving a modern shopping center, you can find yourself a couple of blocks in a slum, and behind it a popular nightclub glows invitingly with lights. Here they lead excursions to the old quarters, government buildings and the picturesque river embankment with an excellent botanical garden. Well, you can embrace the entire heritage of Paraguay at once in the extensive Barro Museum. See rrrjewelry for South America climate.
The main attractions of the city are concentrated in the area between the two bends of the Paraguay River, which is called Manzana de la Riviera (“apple of the coast”).
How to get to Asuncion
Flights of Paraguayan Airlines, Argentina Airlines, Brazilian Airlines, as well as some North American and European carriers land at the capital’s airport. From the cities of Russia to Asuncion you will have to get with a transfer, often more than one, since there is no direct flight.
The airport is located 15 km from the city. You can get there by taxi (convenient and inexpensive) or city bus (longer and very cheap). A taxi ride will cost about 25 USD and take no more than 15-20 minutes. Keep in mind that Asuncion occupies a rather large area, and the path to the desired hotel can be very long depending on traffic jams.
Bus number 30 runs from early morning until about 22:00, the fare is 2500 PYG. The stop is located approximately 600 m to the right of the exit from the airport building, at the roundabout. It is worth making sure with the driver that he plans to go to Asuncion.
Transport in the city
Asuncion’s Intercity Bus Station is 5 km from the city and is best reached by taxi or municipal bus number 38. Asuncion’s historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot. However, some attractions, such as the Botanical Garden, are at a decent distance, and it makes sense to take a taxi or bus to visit them.
Taxi
A taxi ride within the city costs no more than 10 USD, the price should be negotiated before boarding. After 22:00 and on Sundays there is a surcharge.
Buses
The cost of a bus ticket varies from 2700 to 3500 PYG depending on the length of the route. The ticket is bought from the driver; you need to pay in coins or banknotes with a maximum denomination of 5000 or 10,000 PYG.
Buses with fractional numbers (for example, 15.1, 15.2, etc.) follow different routes.
Despite the presence of bus stops, the bus can be stopped by simply waving your hand. If you are in doubt about the route, you need to shout the name of the desired destination to the driver and get “si” or “no”.
Buses, as a rule, do not stop, only slow down, so you will have to hurry when entering and exiting. After 22:00, buses practically do not run.
Asuncion Hotels
Asuncion has a huge number of hotels, from budget to luxury, while even the most expensive options are quite affordable by European standards. The largest selection of hotels is in the center, in the area of Colon and Estados Unidos streets. Budget hotels are concentrated around Plaza Uruguay, in the streets of Mexico City, Paraguari and Antequera.
Budget accommodation will cost between 75,000-90,000 PYG for a single room and 120,000-160,000 PYG for a double room. Mid-range hotels ask for 50-75 USD (breakfast is often, but not always, included in the price), and in high-level establishments you will have to fork out 100-180 USD.
