6 tips for a visit to Asunción, Paraguay

6 tips for a visit to Asunción, Paraguay

We explore Asunción, Paraguay and share six useful tips

"Paraguay - the heart of South America," is how the inland state presents itself. We assume that they are meant geographically because it could just as well be described as "the one by nowhere from South America". In fact, it is often the case.

Embedded between Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil (and "embedded" by "Shaved"), Paraguay does not have a single majestic attraction such as Bolivia's saltes, Argentina's Perito Moreno or Brazil's Iguassu waterfalls. Paraguay is not only one of the poorest countries in the continent with more than a third of the population below the poverty border, but also one of the most corrupt.

The author Rory Maclean wrote: "Like tea for China and cuckoo watches for Switzerland, according to Waffen for Paraguay". The author Robert Carver describes his escape from Asunción with a similar feeling: "amusement, pure bliss, a feeling of absolute freedom. I could certainly go anywhere."

And so you could ask yourself, what was our judgment? Apart from the exaggeration, we found that Asunción is a colorful, characterful city, which is more authentic than some of its more famous counterparts (Santiago, Lima) and far more prettier than others (La Paz). It offered the opportunity to leave the leaked path of the backpackers and to breathe in front of Brazil. That means it wasn't all smooth. Here are six things you should know before you go.

1. Be confident at the restaurant service

Our first experience with the Paraguayan restaurant culture was amazing. We entered Bolsi and were welcomed with a horseshoe -shaped community seat area. Every place was occupied, so we politely stayed at the door and hoped for one direction. When nobody came, we approached a counter, but the staff was clearly busy using a full house. After a while we decided to try it elsewhere.

The second place we visited-a generic pizza/pasta shop called Bellini-was full of empty tables, but had a 30-deep snake at the counter. Did you make table service or not? We had no idea. After a few minutes we decided to try it elsewhere.

Finally we landed at Na Eustaquia, an all -rounder, master of all kitchens. We took our places and were ignored without further ado. After 10 minutes we asked at the counter if we could have a menu. "Of course," came the great answer. The ordering of our dishes was a two-menu matter with a lot of folding down and hand singing.

The moral of history is: If you are confused, how things work, be confident and ask for clarity. Paraguayers are super friendly and like to help, but you have to ask first.

A little tip: For a more traditional service, try Taberna Española, a beautiful Spanish restaurant with great service, refreshing Sangria and the best fresh bread we ate in South America.

2. Look at the city on foot

Asunción is packed with free (or very cheap) historical sites that almost all can be visited on foot.

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We enjoyed the Museum and Bahnhof Estación Ferrocarril, where you can get into and explore two old trains and learn something about the story behind South America's first railway line (of course with the kind permission of the British). Other sights are the Palast Palacio López (enter the site only if you are happy to be warned by armed awake ...), the Perteón de los Héroes and the Teatro Municipal, where you can, with a little luck, see a last minute show.

There is also an abundance of museums for cultural lovers, including the Casa de la Independencia for Paraguayan history, the Museo Memoria de la Ciudad for a historic leader of Asunción and the Museo Naval Humaitá, a marin museum on board a battle cruiser.

3. Ask more than once for the way

I am usually more than ready to take responsibility for misunderstood instructions because my Spanish is very advanced, but this willingness has certainly been tested in Asunción.

At the Terminal de Omnibus, a station guard sent us up, a ticket seller down and the tourist office outside - all looking for a single downhill place. This was a recurring phenomenon. Try to research your journey and your goal in advance and check all directions.

4. Get a picture of your sense of humor

What Asunción is missing in WoW factor, makes up for his personality again. Try to get in touch with paraguayers who have a cheeky sense of humor. Don't be surprised if you are joking or annoyed you; It's just your kind.

I found that the locals were very friendly with my knowledge of Spanish and were really interested in how life in London is (they seemed particularly fascinated by our skyscrapers). Although English is generally not spoken, those who speak will be excited to try out their skills, so do it.

5. Out of the city

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We only had a few days in the city, so we only planned a day trip from Asunción (into the rather disappointing AREGUA).

If you can, take the time for a little further away. The top options include the UNESCO Jesuit missions La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, the pretty beaches of the Laguna Blanca, the Atlantic rainforest in the San Rafael nature reserve, a visit to the colonial city of Concepción and a tour of the Chaco in South America largest dry forest.

A visit to the impressive ITAIPU dam, which can be seen from Paraguay or Brazil. The employees of the Hotel Palmas del Sol will be happy to advise you on the organization.

6. Check (and check again) important deviations

"It is almost always expected that flights and buses are not planned," we read about Paraguay when researching. When our bus from Asunción to Ciudad del Este (the transition point to the Iguassu waterfalls in Brazil) was delayed, we were far from panic. When the minutes passed, I asked a station guard and the tourist office. Both assured me that it was okay.

Finally I left Peter on the platform and ran up to the ticket counter. The agent there told me that the bus changed the platform, changed the company and changed the departure time and would descend ... Oh, now.

I ran down, grabbed Peter and ran to the new platform. Please excuse us, we dragged our backpacks into the storage area and found our places left with seconds. If your bus is delayed, you will find your ticket switch and check your descent.

Asunción, Paraguay: The essentials

What: a stay in Asunción, Paraguay.

Where: We stayed at the Hotel Palmas del Sol, 10 minutes walk from the city center. Palmas was clean and comfortable with friendly, helpful staff. The rooms are equipped with WLAN, reliable hot water, a television and a refrigerator. If possible, ask for a room in the courtyard, as these offer better view than the interiors.

A breakfast buffet offers a variety of dishes and a diving pool on site offers a great way to cool off after a day in the Asunción sun. The employees at the reception are available around the clock and will be happy to advise you on a number of day trips and organize taxis and a shuttle to the Silvio Pettirossi Airport.

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When: The best travel time for Asunción is between May and September, when the temperatures are not as hot, humid and stuffy as in the summer months.

Like: You can fly from most large South American cities to Asunción, Paraguay (booking via skyscanner.net). Buses are also an option. Try Crucero del Norte or Omnilineas for international trips. For domestic trips, inquire at the Terminal de Omnibus or get advice from your hotel staff.

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Lonely Planet South America contains a comprehensive travel guide for Asunción, Paraguay, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and choose fewer roads.

Mission statement: Dreamstime

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