Overview
Within living memory, Asuncion was best known for only having one traffic light. Of all the capital cities in Latin America, this was perhaps the most side-lined, in spite of having a colourful and eventful history. The city attracted few visitors beyond backpackers making their way to Brazil or Bolivia, but now it has earned the right to be considered a worthy destination in its own right.
Parts of the city are still stuck in a time-warp of poverty, and lack public services. But the once crumbly centre (part of its charm in its day) has been spruced up, with new parks, pergolas and period street lamps illuminating its evocative corners. The always attractive riverside walk has been pedestrianised. Graceful old colonial buildings are still a draw, but political turbulence has spawned a burst of creative activity, especially among the young population, and murals, new bars, hotels and restaurants reflect a renewed optimism and enthusiasm.
Beyond the capital but still within easy reach is sleepy Sapucai, a seemingly forgotten village which was once the centre of Paraguay’s rail industry. The railways were built with the help of British engineers and the enormous train sheds - now a museum - house wagons and old machinery bearing British insignia whilst steam engines lie in their final resting places, some abandoned outside in overgrown fields.
Within 1-2 hours’ drive of Asuncion is a necklace of typically Paraguayan small towns, known as the Golden Circuit. Some have their own tradition of arts and crafts such as intricate filigree jewellery and lacework. Others are interesting for their place in Paraguayan religious or political history: sleepy rural Pirebebuy was briefly the capital of Paraguay. There are small lakeside resorts one of which, Aregua, is popular among artists and weekenders with its cobbled parade of faded mansions and pretty plaza.
Holidays Asuncion and the heartland
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Group - Discovery
Argentina / Uruguay / Paraguay
Jabiru: Wildlife, wine and Jesuit Missions
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Group - Discovery
Peru / Lake Titicaca / Bolivia / Paraguay / Iguazú Falls / Brazil
Jacana: Crossing the continent
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
Paraguay / Argentina / Iguazú Falls
Signature Paraguay: The Missions and the Chaco
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Where to go when - our guide to Asuncion and the heartland
The weather in Asuncion and the heartland is wide and varied
Long neglected by visitors, Asuncion has a colourful and eventful history. After a period of political turbulence it’s city centre has been regenerated and the old colonial buildings spruced up, the murals, bars, hotels and restaurants reflecting a new era of creativity and optimism. Within easy reach of the capital are some typical Paraguayan towns and villages known as the Golden Circuit where you will find arts and crafts, religious and political history and even a forgotten village which was once the centre of the rail industry. You can visit the area year round but December to February can be very hot with temperatures typically reaching 35°C. In February / March Asuncion in particular celebrates carnival with plenty of music, dancing and parades.
View our Asuncion and the heartland weather guidePapagaio
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