Is Asuncion expensive to visit?
Asuncion is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Asuncion can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $41 (Gs333,678) per day, mid-range travelers spend $74 (Gs592,919) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $133 (Gs1,075,686) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Asuncion.
Within South America, Asuncion is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Foz do Iguacu or Cafayate.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Asuncion Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Asuncion?
The average Asuncion trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Asuncion travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Asuncion cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Asuncion is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $41 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Asuncion has plenty of hostels such as El Nómada Hostel Asunción, Mediterraneo Hostal, and Hostalito Las Mercedes. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Asuncion will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $74 per person, per day.
Asuncion boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. La Mision Hotel Boutique is an excellent family-friendly option, while Hotel Westfalenhaus is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Asuncion here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $133. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Asuncion
Hotel rates in Asuncion vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $53 to $99. Expect prices to range from $30 for budget hotels to $252 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Asuncion for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $41 (Gs329,118). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $21 (Gs164,559) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Asuncion include:
- La Mision Hotel Boutique starting at $178
- Faro Norte Suites starting at $59
- Hotel Westfalenhaus starting at $63
- Hotel Cecilia starting at $45
- Gran Hotel del Paraguay starting at $62
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Asuncion
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $8.10 (Gs64,826) per person, per day, on local transportation in Asuncion. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Asuncion is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.10
Gs64,826
Asuncion is easily reachable by plane. From Central America, Copa Airlines flies to Asuncion from Panama City and from Europe, Air Europa has a direct flight from Madrid to Asuncion. From South America, there are flights from São Paulo, Lima, Santiago de Chile, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Montevideo and Buenos Aires through carriers like AVIANCA, TAM, LAN, GOL Airlines, Amaszonas, Alas Uruguay and Aerolineas Argentinas. Taxis are available at the airport. A taxi to the city centre is about USD$25 USD. If you walk a block outside the airport, you will find a small bus stop. Two city buses are running until 10pm, one takes you into the city on the main road Mariscal Lopez and the other down Espana. Buses cost USD$0.50.
There are no trains in Paraguay, apart from a tourist train to Areguá which departs on Sunday from Jardín Botánico station. The building near Plaza Uruguaya once used as the main train station is now a museum and cultural events venue. Driving a car yourself is not recommended since many streets are in disrepair and apart from the main roads many are unpaved. The traffic in the city can be quite chaotic for unaccustomed drivers. However, it gets much better once outside of the city. The car rental companies can also provide drivers.
The bus terminal is about about 5 km from the centre, so it is advisable to take a taxi or the bus 38. Some bus companies have offices around Plaza Uruguaya in the centre, but most are now inside the Terminal. There are normally two types of services to the bigger cities: común and rápido. While the first are cheaper, they also stop in every small town or community along the way and hence take longer then the rápidos which run direct or with a few stops only. Rapidos are also less frequent. Buses to São Paulo (21h), Rio de Janeiro (27h), Brasília (21h), Montevideo (26h), Buenos Aires (17h), Encarnacion (7h), Ciudad del Este (6h), Concepcion (6h), Santa Cruz (24h) and Salta (12h) are available. Be aware that some buses going to Bolivia do not have toilets or air conditioning on board and make sure to always bring lots of extra water and food with you. To and from Argentina it is possible to take a local bus to the border, labelled "Falcon" and cross the border on foot, as you may be a lot faster than on a long distance bus since there are separate windows to stamp the passport. Then you will need to take another local bus to Clorinda, or walk 2km.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Silvio Pettirossi Airport to Asuncion Transfers for $30 details
How much does it cost to go to Asuncion? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Asuncion will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Asuncion
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Asuncion can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Asuncion is $27 (Gs219,113) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$27
Gs219,113
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Asuncion is around $27 (Gs219113) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $58. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Asuncion are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
At lunch time there is no shortage of cheap restaurants to dine in or take away. Don Vito is the most famous Paraguayan fast food, which sells Paraguayan empanada for over 30 years. The original spot is just behind the Iglesia de san Jose. Otherwise, the places where you help yourself and pay by weight are usually very cheap and a decent option besides the slightly more expensive restaurants with their daily menu. At dinner time only very few eating places are still open and finding a good deal might be a little harder. Most shopping malls have decent food courts with a variety of restaurants, however, they are located away from the centre. Bigger supermarkets often have a cheap self-service restaurant inside as well. Unlike in most of the rest of Paraguay, tap water in Asuncion is potable. Try one of Paraguay's specialty, a streetside "lomito", a sandwich, with beef or chicken, mayo, veggies, cheese and a fried egg.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Asuncion
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Asuncion typically cost an average of $15 (Gs119,815) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
Gs119,815
One of the oldest settlements in South America, this sprawling metropolis is home to some striking architecture, fascinating museums, colonial gems and a recently upgraded coastal boardwalk. One of the most impressive new buildings in the city is the National Congress and its mirrored facade. It was built in 2002 with $20 million from the Republic of China government, as Paraguay is one of the few countries and also the only country in South America that recognizes the Republic of China (Taiwan) as opposed to mainland China (People's Republic of China). Ask for a tour in English or Spanish and visit the small museum the monument. Then head to La Catedral de Nuestra Senora de Asuncion and watch the locals from the broad and picturesque plaza with fountains across the national cathedral. Visiting the Cabildo is also a must during your trip to Asuncion. This is the city's cultural center found in the old colonial legislative building near the bay area. If you want to see the House of the Paraguayan government, El Palacio de Lopez, head there at night as it is very beautifully lit. Blindingly white and heavily influenced by neoclassical and palladian styles, the presidential palace is perhaps Asuncion's most iconic building. Another highlight of Asuncion is the Panteon de los Heroes, which houses the tomb of the unknown soldier along with other "heroes" from Paraguay's disastrous wars, as well as plaques for the heroes of the Chaco war. Guarded by two solemn sentinels, look out for the ceremonial changing of the guard, which occurs every other day. Finally La Casa de la Independencia is a landmark of the Paraguayan Independence. This is where national heroes gathered to plot against Spanish colonists in 1811. They marched from here to the Cathedral on Independence Day.
The Municipal Museum is rather small but has interesting information about the old tram line from the 1880s and other civic history. Nearby is the Visual Arts Museum with temporary exhibits from national artists. One of the best museums found in Asuncion is perhaps the Museo Guido Boggiani, an archaeological and ethnographic collection 10 miles outside the city. The Museo del Barro is also a must-visit spot on the outskirts of the city. Packed with historic art, including wood carvings, ceramics, masks and religious sculptures, the exhibitions trace more than 400 years of indigenous culture and colonial invasion. Head to the upbeat, colourful neighbourhood of Loma San Jeronimo for a glimpse of authentic Paraguay. It's a little tricky to find but the locals, always found with their cold-brewed yerba mate in hand, are especially welcoming here, even more so if you can show off some Spanish. The Mercado Cuatro is the most bustling market in the capital. It's about a 30-minute walk away from the centre and has street food stalls mingle with stands selling indigenous crafts, pets and Chinese electronics. Wander alongside the Río Paraguay, on La Costanera, a broad promenade frequented by strolling locals. Redeveloped in 2013, it is now one of the most pleasant spots in the city to spend an afternoon or to catch the setting sun. You can even rent a bike or rollerblades from one of the many riverside vendors. Finally, football is one of Paraguay's most passionate pastimes, s head to the Estadio Defensores del Chaco to catch a game between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno, the city's greatest rivals.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Asuncion. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour for $230 details
- Asuncion Birding Tour for $70 details
- Asuncion : Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour) for $36 details
Nightlife Budget in Asuncion
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $9.51 (Gs76,082) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Asuncion per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.51
Gs76,082
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Asuncion, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Asuncion, Paraguay
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.