Cheap flights to Asunción
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Quick summary
Country
Paraguay
Continent
South America
Airport
ASU
Currency
Paraguayan guaraní (PYG)
Time zone
UTC-3
Deals already spotted to Asunción
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Asunción is the capital of Paraguay, on the eastern bank of a calm bay of the Paraguay River. Wikivoyage (EN) says it was founded on 15 August 1537 by Juan de Salazar y Espinosa and is the longest continually inhabited settlement in the Río de la Plata basin. In early colonial times it was called Madre de Ciudades, mother of cities, because expeditions set out from here to found places such as Corrientes, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The airport, ASU, has a limited route network and flights from Europe usually involve a connection, so watching prices helps you pick the right moment.
Airport and getting into town
An airport in Luque, about 40 minutes from the centre
Asunción - Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is in Luque, 17 km north-east of the city centre according to Wikivoyage (EN). The same page gives 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, or about an hour by city bus 30-A, which does not run between 23:00 and 05:00; Wikipedia (ES) gives about 40 minutes from the centre. Wikivoyage (EN) lists connections to Madrid, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá and Panama City, while Wikivoyage (DE) says the cheapest routes from Europe run via São Paulo. Routes change, so check the stops on your ticket. We give no fares because the pages we consulted disagree.
Distances and times from Wikivoyage (EN, DE) and Wikipedia (ES), approximate and dependent on traffic. We do not give fares.
The settlement began as a fort in 1537 and the first Cabildo (town council) was created in 1541, turning it into a town, according to Wikivoyage (EN) and Wikipedia (FR). We do not publish a population figure, because it varies depending on whether you count the city alone or Greater Asunción, and between sources.
Landmarks
Cathedral, López Palace and colonial houses
The historic centre runs parallel to the bay, between Plaza Uruguaya and the port (Wikipedia ES). Wikivoyage (EN) notes that many landmarks in the old centre were restored for the independence bicentenary celebrations of 2011. The places below are illustrated; dates sometimes differ between sources, so we stay cautious.
The Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral, next to Plaza de la Independencia, was inaugurated in 1845 according to Wikipedia (ES) and Wikivoyage (DE); it is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption. Wikipedia (ES) mentions its main altar covered in silver, and Wikivoyage (DE) an original baroque carved wooden altar. The Juan Sinforiano Bogarín museum next door shows sacred art.
The Palacio de los López
The white palace with a square central tower overlooks the bay. Wikipedia (ES) says its cube-shaped tower is crowned by four turrets, one of which was knocked down by Brazilian bombardment during the War of the Triple Alliance. It was built for Marshal Francisco Solano López and now houses the executive branch. Sources differ on when it was built, around 1860 for Wikipedia (ES) and Wikivoyage (DE), 1857 for Wikivoyage (EN), and on whether the interior can be visited: check before you go.
The Manzana de la Rivera
Opposite the palace, this complex of restored colonial houses fills a whole city block: nine houses according to Wikipedia (ES) and ten according to Wikivoyage (EN). The oldest, Casa Viola, dates from the 18th century according to Wikipedia (ES). Wikivoyage (EN) mentions an outdoor café overlooking the palace.
The centre seen from above
From above, the centre reads like a grid of streets and buildings by the river. Wikivoyage (DE) says Asunción is laid out in blocks, with street signs on almost every corner. Wikivoyage (EN) suggests walking the central streets between 15:00 and 17:00 for beautiful light on the coloured buildings.
The Costanera, a promenade on the bay
Wikivoyage (EN, ES) says the riverside promenade along the Bay of Asunción, the Costanera, opened in 2012 and is used for running, walking and family outings. Wikipedia (ES) mentions bicycle and roller-skate rental and a linear park there. The Ferris wheel in the picture stands in a leisure park in this area.
Other places named by Wikipedia (FR, ES) and Wikivoyage (EN, DE) include the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, modelled on Les Invalides in Paris, begun in 1863 and inaugurated in 1936; the Casa de la Independencia, built in 1772, where the 1811 independence revolution was plotted; the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane; the Santísima Trinidad church; the Iglesia de la Encarnación with the country's only big pipe organ; and the old railway station of 1861. Wikipedia (FR, ES) cites the seven heritage treasures chosen in 2009.
Museums and culture
Museo del Barro, the Cabildo and memory of the dictatorship
Popular and indigenous art
Wikivoyage (EN) calls the Museo del Barro the best museum in town, with pieces from pre-colonial ceramics and textiles to contemporary art. Wikipedia (ES) credits it with more than 4,000 pieces from the 17th century onwards, from wood carving to lace and metalwork.
History and independence
The Centro Cultural El Cabildo is in an old colonial building that was the Congress palace until 2003, according to Wikivoyage (EN), with several exhibition spaces, and is one of the few museums open at weekends. Wikipedia (ES) also names the Casa de la Independencia museum, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, inaugurated in 1909, and the Andrés Barbero ethnographic museum.
Memory and small museums
Wikipedia (ES) mentions the Museo de las Memorias, devoted to the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner and human rights, and notes that the museums of Asunción are generally small. We give no admission fees or opening hours, as they change and sources disagree.
Food and drink
Chipa, sopa paraguaya and grills
Specialities
Wikivoyage (EN) names the empanada, the street-side lomito, a sandwich with egg and cheese, and pastel mandi'o, made of cassava and beef and eaten around May and June. Wikivoyage (ES) adds sopa paraguaya, a savoury cake from the Jesuit and Franciscan missions, chipa, a salty dough of cassava starch and cheese, and mbeyú, a kind of cassava pancake.
Markets and drinks
Wikivoyage (EN) mentions Mercado 4, a chaotic market with good street food; Wikivoyage (FR) adds that it is a place to buy a tereré set and to eat grilled meat. Wikivoyage (EN) also names pulp, a Paraguayan soft drink made with natural fruit juice, and says chipa and cocido are sold at bus stops.
Restaurants and ice cream
Wikivoyage (DE) says churrasquerías serving grilled meat in every variation are widespread, and that ice cream is of excellent quality with flavours unfamiliar to Europeans. Shopping-mall food courts offer buffets paid by weight.
Getting around
A centre you can walk, and buses everywhere
On foot
Wikivoyage (EN) says the historic centre is small enough to explore on foot; some attractions, such as the Botanical Garden, are a little outside. Wikivoyage (DE) agrees that most sights are close together.
Buses
Wikivoyage (EN) calls buses ubiquitous and cheap: you can hail one almost anywhere, there are few official stops, and asking a local is the best way to find the right line. Wikipedia (ES) says electronic ticket cards have been compulsory on city buses since 2020. Be careful when getting off, as many buses only slow down.
Taxis
Yellow taxis have a meter; if it is broken, agree a fare first. Wikivoyage (EN, DE) mention a surcharge of about 30% late at night, after about 22:00, and on Sundays. Wikivoyage (DE) considers car rental of limited use for visitors because of the local driving style.
Budget and precautions
A low price level, and a few precautions
Price level
Wikipedia (FR) cites ECA International's 2022 ranking, in which Asunción is the third least expensive city in Latin America for a foreigner, and Wikivoyage (EN) describes goods and services as very cheap. We give no figures, as prices change and pages disagree.
Currency
Paraguay uses the guaraní (PYG).
Flights, safety and health
SniperAir tracks prices to ASU and compares them with the route's price history, but it does not sell or book tickets. Wikivoyage (EN, DE) describe Asunción as relatively safe compared with other South American capitals, while advising you to avoid parts of the old centre near the port after dark and to be careful when crossing streets. Wikivoyage (EN) mentions a risk of dengue, with no vaccine, so insect repellent is useful. Check your own country's official travel advice for safety, health and entry requirements.
When to go
A humid subtropical climate, hot from November to March
Hot, humid summer (November to March)
Wikivoyage (EN) says temperatures can exceed 38 °C between November and March, with high humidity; rain can be heavy and make the temperature drop quickly. Wikipedia (ES) cites a record of 43 °C on 16 October 2023 and a January average of 28 °C.
Mild winter (June to August)
Wikipedia (FR) gives an average of 17.6 °C in June, and Wikipedia (ES) about 18 °C on average in winter, with very variable days from cool to warm. Light frosts are possible on the outskirts.
Rain and humidity
Wikipedia (ES) counts about 1,400 mm of rain a year and an average humidity of 70%, with rain throughout the year; Wikipedia (FR) cites January as the wettest month and July as the driest.
Lapacho blossom
Wikivoyage (EN) mentions pink and yellow lapacho trees that colour the city from July to September; Wikivoyage (ES) says July to August.
The climate is humid subtropical, Köppen Cfa, according to Wikipedia (FR, ES). We do not give full monthly averages because sources differ depending on the period and the station.
By length of stay
What to do in Asunción depending on your stay
The historic centre
One to two days for the centre on foot: cathedral, López Palace, Manzana de la Rivera, Panteón, Casa de la Independencia, then the Costanera at sunset.
Museums and gardens
Add the Museo del Barro, the Cabildo, the Botanical Garden and zoo, and Mercado 4 for street food.
Greater Asunción towns
Wikivoyage (EN) names Luque, San Lorenzo, Itauguá and Villa Hayes among the Greater Asunción towns most interesting to visit, plus one- or two-day tours to the south of the country.
In pictures
Asunción in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Asunción
Where is Asunción airport and how far is it from the centre?
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is in Luque, about 17 km from the centre according to Wikivoyage (EN): allow 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
Do I need a connecting flight to reach Asunción?
From Europe, usually yes, via São Paulo or another South American hub, although a direct flight to Madrid has existed since 2016. Check the stops on your ticket.
Is Asunción a safe city?
Wikivoyage describes it as relatively safe compared with other capitals in the region, with the usual precautions: avoid parts of the area near the port after dark and check official advice from your country of departure.
When is the best time to visit Asunción?
Summer, from November to March, is hot and humid, sometimes above 38 °C. Winter, from June to August, is milder and more pleasant for walking.
Is Asunción expensive?
Sources describe it as one of the least expensive cities in Latin America for a foreigner, but we give no figures.
How long should I stay in Asunción?
One to two days cover the historic centre; add two days for the museums, gardens and neighbouring towns of Greater Asunción.
How much does a flight to Asunción usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Asunción drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Asunción (ASU) as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected. SniperAir monitors and alerts, it does not sell or book tickets.
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