In this guide
Almost all shopping in Mariano Roque Alonso sits on Route PY03 (the old Transchaco), the city's main avenue (opens in a new tab): that is where Shopping Mariano, La Rural Shopping and Paseo Alameda are. For fresh fish, head to Remanso on the Paraguay River. Check Transchaco traffic before you leave, and skip the two weeks of the July Expo if all you need is a regular shop.
Where are the shops?
- Shopping Mariano. On the old Transchaco at the corner of Manuel Irala Fernández, about 150 m from the Expo's main gate. Stores open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays and holidays 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; the food court runs Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (Shopping Mariano (opens in a new tab)). It has 14+ food outlets, 1,000+ seats in the food court (opens in a new tab) and four cinema screens (opens in a new tab). Best for several errands in one air-conditioned stop.
- La Rural Shopping and Paseo Alameda. La Rural was the city's first mall (opens in a new tab) and, with Shopping Mariano, one of the two centres that drove the city's growth (opens in a new tab). Behind Paseo Alameda is an open-air food park for 200+ people, with vendors open until 1 a.m. at weekends (opens in a new tab).
- The rest of PY03. Between the malls, the route carries the city's larger stores. The city is also a logistics hub with large warehouse parks, as it sits between the Remanso bridge and the airport (opens in a new tab), so expect lorries. When driving, use side streets to get in and out of car parks where you can.
Where to buy fresh fish
In the San Rafael neighbourhood, known as Remanso, next to the bridge, fishmongers and small eateries line the Paraguay River. The eateries open every day, holidays included, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (opens in a new tab), and in November 2024 dishes cost between G. 20,000 and G. 40,000 (opens in a new tab); the same report shows locals stocking up on fish before the ban.
- Watch for the fishing ban: it starts in early November (on 2 November in 2025 (opens in a new tab)). During the ban the eateries stop serving river fish and come back once it lifts (La Nación (opens in a new tab)).
- Tip: go in the morning or at lunchtime: they close at 5 p.m.
When is it busiest?
- The July Expo. Held every year at the Asociación Rural del Paraguay grounds during the winter school holidays (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In 2026 it ran 11–26 July, with general entry at G. 25,000 (opens in a new tab), plus concerts (Hoy (opens in a new tab)). PY03 traffic soars: do your normal mall shopping before or after.
- City anniversary, 30 August. Plaza Libertad hosts a serenade with a food walk (opens in a new tab); in 2024 there was also a music festival and a Karu Guasu community barbecue. A good time to eat at local stalls, not to run errands downtown.
Getting there without losing the afternoon
The city is about 18 km from central Asunción (opens in a new tab). At rush hour, bus waits on the Transchaco can reach half an hour, and many people give up and order a Bolt (opens in a new tab). By car, heavy rain or a crash jams PY03 towards Asunción (opens in a new tab).
- Do big shops on weekday mornings.
- Check your map app before heading back.
- Keep the list short: with heat and traffic, mall-hopping takes longer than you think.
How to pay
- QR codes: the most common electronic payment; in April 2026, 68.1% of electronic payments on the Bancard network were QR (opens in a new tab).
- Cash: carry some guaraníes for Remanso, the food park and fair stalls.
- Pix: Bancard merchants can accept Pix from Brazilian accounts (opens in a new tab); ask first, as not all have it.
- Invoices and sales: consumer agency Sedeco says every sale needs an invoice (opens in a new tab), and a sale sign must show the old price, the discount percentage and the current cash price. Keep the invoice: any complaint starts with it.
FAQ
What are Shopping Mariano's opening hours?
According to its website, stores open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays and holidays 10 a.m.–9 p.m. The food court stays open until 11 p.m., and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where can I buy fish in Mariano Roque Alonso?
In Remanso (San Rafael neighbourhood), next to the bridge, where fishmongers and eateries face the river. During the fishing ban, from early November, there is no river fish.
Which malls are in Mariano Roque Alonso?
The two big ones are Shopping Mariano and La Rural Shopping, both on Route PY03. Paseo Alameda, with an open-air food park, is next to La Rural.
Is it a good idea to shop during the Expo?
Only if you are going to the Expo. In July, traffic on the Transchaco soars; for ordinary shopping, go before or after.
