Hostels in ASUNCION, PARAGUAY

Asuncion – World’s Cheapest Capital with Colonial Buildings

Asuncion is the capital city of Paraguay and it is also the largest of the cities in the country. Located at the Bay of Asuncion on the eastern bank of Rio Paraguay, the city has full name as La Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Asuncion and is popular for offering cheap travel and charm of colonial buildings. 

History:
Known as the Mother of the Cities, Asuncion is among the oldest cities in South America. Juan de Ayolas of Spain is considered to be the first person to reach this place, but he never returned to his native country. A number of people were sent to search for him, out of whom Juan de Salazar y Espinosa was able to locate the place and establish a fort on August 15, 1537. As a result, a city started developing at this place.

It was in 1541 that Spaniards started settling at this place and hence, they became the colonial power in the region. Long after that in 1731, the first revolution against the Spanish rule surfaced under the leadership of José de Antequera y Castro. After this attempt failed, the spark for independence turned into fire and finally in 1811, the Spanish governor was enforced to surrender. After a number of political developments and the War of the Triple Alliance, the city was occupied by Brazilian troops up to 1876, but was soon recovered. Prosperity for the city and the whole country was brought after this.  

Popular Places:
National Cathedral and National Congress are among the popular tourist destinations in the city. Among a number of museums, once can think of visiting the Visual Arts Museum, the Municipal Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.

Panteón del los Heroes is famous for housing the tomb constructed in the honour of various soldiers. Church of La Encarnación is another admirable place for the tourists. Casa de la Independencia is well-known for its colonial architecture. Manzana de la Rivera consists of a series of traditional homes that can be witnessed for their colonial architecture as well.

Getting Around:
Buses are not only cheap but highly efficient means of transport in the city. One can consider hiring a taxi, along with a guide, to conveniently visit the tourist spots in the city.

Places of Entertainment:
Defensores del Chaco is the stadium hosting various sports events. A number of orchestras and ballet and opera groups are famous in the city. Some of the important venues to watch these performances include the Municipal Theatre, the Paraguayan-Japanese Centre, the Central Bank's Great Lyric Theatre, the Juan de Salazar Cultural Centre and the Americas Theatre. Palma is the shopping street with a lot of cheap stuff to buy.  One can also visit various shopping malls in the city. Pasta, hamburger and variety of other foods are available at cheap prices at various eating places and drinks like mate and cocido can also be enjoyed.

Accommodation Options and Languages Spoken:
Budget hotels and Youth hostels are indeed cheap in offering accommodations. Spanish is the official language and people can also understand English. 

Currency:
Paraguayan guarani (PYG) is the official currency of Asuncion and one can easily find the news related to it on internet.

Group accommodation in Asuncion | Cheap hotels & Hostels