Holiday in Asunción

About Asunción

Asunción is the capital of Paraguay and one of the oldest cities in South America — founded in 1537 and once called the 'Mother of Cities' because from here Buenos Aires, Santa Cruz, and other metropolises were established. The 1.5 million city on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River is the continent's best-kept secret: hardly any tourists, authentic Latin American city life, and a mix of colonial past, tropical nature, and Guaraní culture that is unique. The old town (Centro Histórico) preserves colonial splendor: The Palacio de los López, an elegant neoclassical presidential palace on the riverbank, and the Panteón Nacional de los Hérös, a miniature version of the Invalides in Paris, are the architectural highlights. Calle Palma, the historic promenade, connects both with cafes, bookstores, and colonial facades. What makes Asunción special is the Guaraní culture: Paraguay is the only country in South America where an indigenous language (Guaraní) is spoken by the majority of the population — even by non-indigenous Paraguayans. This cultural dual identity (Spanish and Guaraní) permeates the music, food, and humor of the city. The Mercado 4, one of the largest markets in South America, is a labyrinth of stalls with Ñandutí lace (Paraguay's most famous handicraft), Yerba Mate, leather, and electronics — chaotic, loud, and fascinating.