Asunción is the capital of Paraguay, set on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River, and it is the country's political, cultural and economic centre. The city is known as the "Mother of Cities" for its role in Spanish colonial expeditions, and it is one of the cheapest cities in the world for foreign visitors.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the historic city centre holds the traditional hotels and the hostels, while the newer business district along Avenida Aviadores del Chaco and Avenida Santa Teresa holds many of the modern and luxury properties. There are also cheap places near the bus terminal, though the city centre generally offers better value. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Asunción
1. City Centre (Centro Histórico)
The centro histórico is where the traditional hotels are found, some of them occupying buildings from the 1960s and even the 19th century. This is also where the hostels are, so backpackers and budget travellers are normally found in this area.
It suits first-time visitors who want to be close to the main sights and within walking distance of the historic core. The highest concentration of hotels from budget to splurge can be found here, and it is the area with the widest choice of accommodation overall.
2. New business district (Avenida Aviadores del Chaco and Avenida Santa Teresa)
Many new modern hotels, including some luxury properties of international brands, have opened in this district. It is the other main concentration of accommodation, alongside the historic centre.
It suits travellers who prefer newer properties and a business-district setting, and those who want the widest range of mid-range and splurge options. Note that it is separate from the historic centre, so you will need to travel between the two if you want to spend time at the traditional sights.
3. Las Mercedes and around
This area lies east of downtown and includes the residential barrios of Las Mercedes, Virgen del Huerto and Jara. Accommodation here is mid-range, with residential-style properties in quieter neighbourhoods.
It suits travellers who want a calm base away from the centre while still being within reach of it. One property here sits about midway between the city centre and the Carmelitas business district, near Avenida Brasilia.
4. Villa Morra and Carmelitas
This is another area with mid-range accommodation, in the barrio of Villa Morra. It sits alongside the business district and shares its modern character.
It suits travellers who want to be near the business district and its newer hotels without staying directly on the main business avenues.
5. Near the bus terminal
There are quite a number of cheap places near the bus terminal. This area suits travellers arriving or departing by bus who want to stay close to their connection.
Be aware that you normally get better value in the city centre, so it is worth comparing before you commit to staying here.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels, often in old houses of the historic city centre, with dorm beds and private rooms; basic hotels with private bathrooms, some in buildings of the 19th century; cheap places near the bus terminal.
- Mid-range: established hotels and apart-hotels, several in historic buildings, with singles, doubles, triples and quads; residential-style properties in quieter neighbourhoods such as Las Mercedes and Villa Morra.
- Splurge: modern hotels, including luxury properties of international brands, concentrated in the new business district and also present in the city centre; suites and executive rooms are available at this level.
Best area for a first visit
The city centre is the best base for a first visit. It holds the traditional hotels and the hostels, and it has the highest concentration of accommodation from budget to splurge. Staying here puts you in the historic core, within walking distance of the main square and cathedral.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the hostels in Asunción?
The hostels are in the historic city centre, especially in old houses, and this is where backpackers and budget travellers are normally found.
Where are the modern and luxury hotels?
Many new modern hotels, including luxury properties of international brands, have opened in the new business district of Avenida Aviadores del Chaco and Avenida Santa Teresa.
Is it cheaper to stay near the bus terminal?
There are quite a number of cheap places near the bus terminal, but you normally get better value in the city centre.
Which areas have the widest choice of accommodation?
The highest concentration of hotels from budget to splurge can be found in the historic city centre and the new business district.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.