In this guide
For a day trip to the Bay of Asunción, walk from the old railway station down to the water. It is the same line the Environment Ministry uses for its "Interpreting the Historic Heart of Asunción" trail, which runs from the station to the bay via Plaza Uruguaya and the Casa de la Independencia (MADES, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Do the old town in the morning, have lunch behind the Palacio de los López and finish with a sunset boat ride.
The route at a glance
Time · Stop · What to do
8:00 · Railway station · Steam locomotives
9:00 · Plaza Uruguaya · Shady break
9:30 · Casa de la Independencia · Free colonial museum
10:00 · Panteón and Calle Palma · Changing of the guard
12:00 · Manzana de la Rivera · Lunch by the Palace
16:30 · Costanera · Bay-side walk
17:30 · Costanera beach · Sunset boat ride
It is all walkable, a few blocks between stops.
Morning: from the station to the Casa de la Independencia
- Central Railway Station: its museum shows steam locomotives; entry was G. 10,000 in 2024 (The New York Times via Infobae, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Plaza Uruguaya: steps from the station. The ministry's trail stops here to show how trees cool the city centre (MADES, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
- Casa de la Independencia (Presidente Franco and 14 de Mayo): a 1772 colonial house where the independence leaders met in secret before 14 May 1811, with period furniture, the Salón Capitular and the alley they slipped out through that night (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Entry is free and guided visits run in groups (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Check hours before you go.
Late morning: Panteón, Calle Palma and the Palace
- Panteón Nacional de los Héroes: changing of the guard at 10:00 (NYT via Infobae, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Calle Palma: walk down past neoclassical mansions and art deco houses (NYT via Infobae, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Palacio de los López: the seat of government, facing the bay; the same report says guided tours are free (NYT via Infobae, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Ask about days and times.
Midday: lunch with a view, then shade
Casa Clari, in the Manzana de la Rivera (Ayolas 129), has a terrace behind the Palacio de los López and opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 (Última Hora (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Stay indoors in the hottest hours: in summer the Health Ministry advises exercising before 10:00 or after 17:00 (MSPBS (opens in a new tab)).
Afternoon: Costanera and a sunset boat
- Costanera José Asunción Flores: the stretch along the bay from Calle Colón to Avenida General Santos, with the Cabildo, Congress and Cathedral in view. On Sundays and holidays the water-side lane is car-free (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), with bike, skate and pedal-car rental (Última Hora, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Boat ride: boats leave from the Costanera beach opposite the Turista Róga lookout until sunset. The short 15-minute loop started at G. 15,000 per person in 2024, life jackets included (La Nación, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Don't swim: the water is polluted (NYT via Infobae, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
Variation for birdwatchers
Between September and November, flip the day: start at 7:00 on the Costanera scanning the Banco San Miguel with binoculars, when northern migrants arrive (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). The reserve hosts around 32 migratory species between August and February (MADES (opens in a new tab)). Then head up to the old town and keep the boat for last.
FAQ
How should I plan a day at the Bay of Asunción?
Walk from the railway station to the Casa de la Independencia and the Panteón in the morning, lunch at the Manzana de la Rivera, then head to the Costanera for a sunset boat ride.
Is the Casa de la Independencia free?
Yes, entry is free and guided visits run in groups. Check opening hours before you go.
When is the best time for the Costanera?
After 17:00 in summer, ideally on a Sunday or holiday when the bay-side lane is car-free.
How much is a boat ride on the bay?
In 2024 the short 15-minute loop started at G. 15,000 per person, from the Costanera beach opposite Turista Róga.
