In this guide
You can do the Costanera de Asunción in one day if you split it into three parts: a morning in the Historic Centre, which sits right on the avenue, an afternoon on the beach and the bay, and sunset over the Río Paraguay. Sundays and public holidays are best, because the bay-side lane is closed to cars and becomes a walkway (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Here is the route, what to do at each stop and what to watch for.
How the Costanera is laid out
It runs about 15 km along the Río Paraguay in three sections (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)):
- First section (Costanera José Asunción Flores): from Calle Colón to Avenida General Santos. This is the bay stretch, with the Cabildo, Congress, the Cathedral and the Palacio de los López in view.
- Costanera Norte: from General Santos to Avenida Primer Presidente, where it joins the Ñu Guasú motorway.
- Costanera Sur: opened in July 2024 from Colón and Montevideo heading south. It runs 8.1 km to Cerro Lambaré, with pavements, a bike lane and a linear park of about 1,000 m with playgrounds, volleyball courts and an amphitheatre (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)).
For one day, stick to the first section and add one of the others depending on what you want: green space (north) or a viewpoint (south).
Morning: the Historic Centre, steps from the bay
- Panteón Nacional de los Héroes. The changing of the guard is at 10:00 (The New York Times via Infobae, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
- Palacio de los López. The pink seat of government on the bay. The same report says the guided tour is free; check days and times before you go.
- Calle Palma. Walk it from the Panteón: neoclassical palaces and art deco mansions (NYT via Infobae (opens in a new tab)).
- Central Railway Station. Its museum has steam locomotives; in 2024 entry was G. 10,000 (NYT via Infobae (opens in a new tab)).
- Breakfast or lunch: El Bolsi, at Estrella and Alberdi, has been open since 1960 and is on TasteAtlas's list of legendary restaurants (La Nación (opens in a new tab), ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). 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 (opens in a new tab)).
Afternoon: beach, bikes and a boat on the bay
Head down to the Costanera opposite the centre. On an autumn Sunday, Última Hora (April 2024) (opens in a new tab) counted hundreds of people walking and jogging, families with folding chairs and tereré, kids in the sand, free shows for children, and bikes, skates and pedal cars for hire on site.
- Boat ride: speedboats leave from the small beach; in 2024 a ride cost G. 15,000 (NYT via Infobae (opens in a new tab)). Sunset is the busiest time.
- Stay out of the water: swimming isn't advised because the river is polluted (NYT via Infobae (opens in a new tab)).
- Cycle carefully: the bike lane opened in January 2023, and in March 2025 ABC Color counted about twenty potholes and cracks on the Costanera Norte between General Santos and Primer Presidente (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Slow down on that stretch.
Option A: Costanera Norte to the Botanical Garden
Carry on north to the end at Avenida Primer Presidente. The Botanical Garden and Zoo is there, with trees over 150 years old and a museum in Carlos Antonio López's former house (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In 2024 entry was free and the NYT described the zoo as run-down (NYT via Infobae (opens in a new tab)). It works well with kids if you bring shade and water.
Option B: Costanera Sur to Cerro Lambaré
From Colón, take the Costanera Sur: the linear park has playgrounds and an amphitheatre (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)), and at the far end is Cerro Lambaré, with the Monumento a la Paz Victoriosa and river views; visits have grown since the Costanera Sur opened (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In 2022 ABC Color (opens in a new tab) described the hill as neglected and unsafe, so go up in daylight and in company.
Tips for a good day
- Timing: in summer, the Health Ministry advises outdoor exercise before 10:00 or after 17:00, with shade and water (MSPBS (opens in a new tab)). Spend the hottest hours eating indoors.
- Sunday or holiday: the closed bay-side lane makes walking and cycling much easier.
- Food and water: carry water and something for shade; for a sit-down meal, eat in the centre before heading to the beach.
- Getting around: the centre is walkable; for the Botanical Garden or Cerro Lambaré, use a car, taxi or ride-hailing app.
FAQ
What is the best day to visit the Costanera de Asunción?
Sunday or a public holiday: the bay-side lane is closed to traffic and left for walking, running and cycling.
Can you swim at the Costanera de Asunción?
It isn't advised, because the river is polluted. The beach is for sitting in the sand, sharing tereré or catching a boat ride.
How much is a boat ride on the bay?
In 2024 a ride cost G. 15,000 from the small beach opposite the centre. Ask for the current price on site.
How long is the Costanera?
About 15 km in total. The Costanera Sur, opened in 2024, adds 8.1 km from Avenida Colón to Cerro Lambaré.
