Silvio Pettirossi International Airport lies about 20 km east of Asunción's city center. The route follows Avenida Aviadores del Chaco through suburban Luque into Paraguay's capital, a sprawling, laid-back city on the banks of the Paraguay River.

About Asunción City Center

Asunción is one of South America\'s oldest cities, founded in 1537, and serves as the unassuming capital of Paraguay. The city center around Plaza de los Héroes and the Palacio de López (the presidential palace overlooking the river) retains a faded grandeur with colonial and neoclassical buildings, though much of the architecture reflects utilitarian 20th-century development.

The city\'s character is shaped by its subtropical setting along the Paraguay River, with lush vegetation, warm weather year-round, and a pace of life markedly slower than neighboring Buenos Aires or São Paulo. The Mercado 4, a sprawling market, is the beating heart of local commerce — chaotic, colorful, and authentic. The Loma San Jerónimo neighborhood, one of the oldest, features cobblestone streets and river views.

Asunción is increasingly known for its food scene, blending Guaraní indigenous traditions with Spanish and Italian immigrant influences. Sopa paraguaya (cornbread with cheese and onion), chipa (cheese bread), and tereré (cold yerba mate, the national drink) are cultural touchstones. The city serves as a base for day trips to the Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús, and the Chaco wilderness to the west.

Nearby Landmarks

Palacio de López Plaza de los Héroes Panteón Nacional Mercado 4

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Silvio Pettirossi Airport arrivals and proceed to the taxi/transport area.
2. Option A: Take an airport taxi to the city center (PYG 80,000-120,000, 25-40 min).
3. Option B: Book an Uber or Bolt from the pickup area outside arrivals.
4. Option C: Public buses run along Aviadores del Chaco but are slow and infrequent for this route.
5. The route follows Aviadores del Chaco through Luque into central Asunción.
6. For the historic center, specify Plaza de los Héroes or Palacio de López as your destination.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, airport taxis are available (PYG 80,000-120,000 to city center, roughly USD 10-15). Uber and Bolt operate in Asunción around the clock. The city is generally safe for taxi travel at night in central areas. There is no airport bus service after dark. Hotels can arrange private airport transfers.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis and Uber vehicles handle standard luggage without issue. Asunción streets can be potholed — fragile items should be secured. If heading to the historic center, some streets are narrow and one-way. Have your exact address ready as GPS navigation can be unreliable in older neighborhoods.

Accessibility

Asunción Airport has basic wheelchair assistance on request. The city's sidewalks are generally in poor condition with uneven surfaces, missing tiles, and high curbs. Wheelchair accessibility is limited across the city. Major hotels offer accessible rooms. Pre-arrange accessible transport through your hotel as standard taxis are not adapted.