Asunción, Paraguay

Spring in Asunción, Paraguay
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ASUNCION_PARAGUAY_PRIMAVERA.jpg
Author: Felipe Antonio


Asunción is the capital and largest city in Paraguay. It covers 117 sq km and has a population of 522,000 people (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of 2 million people. It is located on the left bank of the Paraguay River, near the confluence with the Pilcomayo River.

Asunción experiences a tropical savanna climate bordering on the humid subtropical climate. It has a short dry season which lasts just one month, June, while the rest of the year is hot, humit and wet. January is the hottest month, when the average high temperature rises to 34°C (93°F). June and July are the coldest month, with average low temperature of 12°C (54°F).

Asunción was founded by Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinosa in 1537, making it one of the oldest cities in South America. A few years later, the city received an influxed of Spanish immigrants who fled Buenos Aires, which was attacked by natives.

Catedral Metropolitana de Asunción
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedral_de_Asunci%C3%B3n_Paraguay.jpg
Author: FF MM (Felipe Méndez)


In 1731, the locals in Asunción under José de Antequera y Castro staged an uprising against Spanish rule. Although it was unsuccessful, it ignited nationalism among the locals, who comprised mostly the criollos, mestizos and natives.

Independence eventually came to Paraguay in 1811 when the Spanish Governor was ambushed and forced to surrender. The plot was planned at the home of Juana María de Lara. That house in Asunción is today known as Casa de la Independencia.

Visiting Asunción

Foreign visitors arrive at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), the hub for TAM Airlines. It receives regular flights from Buenos Aires, Lima, Ciudad del Este, Montevideo, Panama City, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santiago de Chile and Saõ Paulo, among others.

Downtown Asunción
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Centro_Hist%C3%B3rico_de_Asunci%C3%B3n.jpg
Author: FF MM (Felipe Méndez)

Places of Interest in Asunción

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