Asunción
Asunción manages to balance the rough-edged character of a frontier town with the hushed calm of a city of small, self-contained neighborhoods. The city follows a grid plan centered around Plaza de los Héroes. Names of east-west streets change at Independencia Nacional. Government and financial offices are concentrated near Plaza de los Héroes and Plaza Constitución. Metered taxis are the best way to get around.
how
To Get There
Silvio Petirossi Airport is located nine miles east of Asunción and the cab ride into town should cost around $20. Visitors need a visa for stays longer than 90 days and must pay an $18 departure tax.
where
To Stay
The Hotel Resort and Casino Yacht and Golf Club Paraguay (Avenida del Yacht # 11, Lambare, tel: 595-21-906-1210) is a five-star resort located on the Paraguay River about 15-20 minutes from Asunción’s business district. The resort has 14 tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. Room rates range between $168-$790 plus 10% tax. Visit www.hotelyacht.com.py or e-mail: hotelyacht@hotelyacht.com.py.
Hotel Excelsior (980 Chile at the corner of Manduvira, tel: 595-21-495-632) is a pleasant hotel with traditional European-style décor that is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from downtown. Room rates range from $90-$190 plus 10% tax. Visit www.excelsior.com.py or
send e-mail to: excelsior@excelsior.com.py.
Another popular hotel is Sabe Center Hotel (25 de Mayo at the corner of Mexico; tel: 595-21- 450-093/8), that is also close to the business district. Room rates range from $90- $200 plus 10% tax. Visit www.sabecenterhotel.com.py or write to: reservas@sabecenterhotel.com.py.
To Eat
The floor-to-ceiling mirrors, black lacquer furniture, live music and French cuisine at Pérgola Jardín (Perú 240 and José Berges tel: 214-014) make this one of Asunción’s most sophisticated restaurants. Reservations are essential.
Stenger’s Restaurant (Avenida Perón and Primero de Marzo, tel: 334-771), is famous for its cuisine that combines local and German influences. Mburicao (Profesor Antonio Riobó 737, Tel: 660-048) offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The airy dining room overlooks a lush patio through floor-to-ceiling windows.
To Drink
We like Café Bohemia (at España and San Rafael). The bar is usually quiet during the day but quickly fills in the evenings. Another local favorite for drinks is Faces (Brasilia 786, tel: 205-901) with a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere.
To Unwind
Museo Etnográfico Andrés Barbero (Avenida España 217, tel: 595-21-441-696) houses archaeological and ethnographic collections on Paraguay’s Indian tribes.
what
To Buy
Typical Paraguayan gifts include Ñanduti lace made by Guaraní Indians, musical instruments such as harps and guitars, and cuero repujado, a distinctive form of carved leather.
2004 National Holidays
May 1 – May Day
May 15 – Independence Day
12 June – Paz del Chaco Day
August 15 – Foundation of Asunción
September 29 – Battle of Boquerón
December 8 – Virgin of Caacupe
December 25 – Christmas Day