Paraguay, the heart of South America, offers a unique blend of Guaraní indigenous culture and Spanish colonial heritage. From the vibrant capital of Asunción along the Paraguay River to the historic Jesuit Missions and the stunning natural beauty of the Chaco region, this landlocked nation provides an authentic South American experience away from typical tourist crowds.
Local currency: Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Paraguay.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $8-15 dorm
- Budget
- $20-40 private
- Midrange
- $60-100 hotel
- Luxury
- $140-350+ hotel
Food
- Street
- $0.50-3 (chipa, empanadas, mandioca frita)
- Local
- $5-10 (Mercado 4 plate or local parrilla)
- Midrange
- $12-25 (sit-down restaurant)
- Fine
- $50-100+ (Tierra Colorada, Mburicao, Il Capo)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.30 (city bus in Asunción)
- Taxi
- $3-8 (city ride in Asunción)
- Airport
- $12-20 (rideshare) or $15-17 (taxi)
- Daytrip
- $8-15 (intercity bus to Encarnación or San Bernardino)
Activities
- Museum
- $1-5 (most Asunción museums)
- Sites
- $5 (Jesuit missions)
- Tour
- $30-60 (guided city tour)
- Excursion
- $80-150 (Chaco day safari or Jesuit missions full day)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Paraguay costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350-490/week (hostel, street food, buses, free sites)
Midrange traveller
$640-900/week (hotel, mix of dining, some tours)
Luxury traveller
$1400-2800+/week (5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat lunch at Mercado 4 food section for full traditional meals at $2-4 — the best value in all of Asunción
Use city buses (PYG 2,400 = $0.30) instead of taxis for exploring Asunción — routes cover all main neighborhoods
Book intercity buses (NSA, Rysa companies) for day trips rather than organized tours — much cheaper for independent travelers
Visit Jesuit missions independently by long-distance bus to Encarnación ($10) rather than organized tours ($80+)
Stay in hostels in Villa Morra for safety, social atmosphere, and helpful staff tips on free activities
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Costanera de Asunción
Scenic riverside promenade along the Paraguay River perfect for sunset walks, jogging, and watching Asunción life from the waterfront parks and exercise areas.
Palacio de los López Exterior
Paraguay's iconic neoclassical Presidential Palace is freely viewable from the riverside, especially stunning when illuminated at night.
National Pantheon of the Heroes
Paraguay's most revered national monument with free entry to witness the changing of the guard ceremony at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM.
Loma San Jerónimo
Hilltop park with free panoramic views over Asunción and the Paraguay River, topped by a historic church — best at sunset.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The 1845 neoclassical cathedral is free to enter and features beautiful altars and stained glass in the heart of historic Asunción.
Mercado 4 Exploration
Latin America's largest informal market offers free entry with authentic Paraguayan commerce, street food, and cultural immersion in one sprawling experience.