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Budget Guide

Paraguay Travel Budget 2025

Plan your Paraguay trip budget with our comprehensive cost breakdown.

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.

Daily Budget Overview

Average daily costs for travelers in Paraguay.

Budget Traveler
$49
per day
  • Basic guesthouse or hostel
  • Street food and local eateries
  • Public transportation
  • Free attractions
Mid-Range Traveler
$92
per day
  • 3-star hotel with amenities
  • Mix of local and international restaurants
  • Taxis and some tours
  • Major attractions
Luxury Traveler
$162
per day
  • 4-5 star hotels
  • Fine dining experiences
  • Private transport and guides
  • Premium experiences

Cost Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of typical travel expenses.

🏨 Accommodation

Hostel/Dorm $8-15 dorm
Budget Hotel $20-40 private
Mid-Range Hotel $60-100 hotel
Luxury Hotel $140-350+ hotel

🍽️ Food

Street Food $0.50-3 (chipa, empanadas, mandioca frita)
Local Restaurant $5-10 (Mercado 4 plate or local parrilla)
Mid-Range Restaurant $12-25 (sit-down restaurant)
Fine Dining $50-100+ (Tierra Colorada, Mburicao, Il Capo)

🚗 Transportation

Local Bus $0.30 (city bus in Asunción)
Taxi (in city) $3-8 (city ride in Asunción)
Airport Transfer $12-20 (rideshare) or $15-17 (taxi)
Day Trip Transport $8-15 (intercity bus to Encarnación or San Bernardino)

🎫 Activities

Museum Entry $1-5 (most Asunción museums)
Historical Sites $5 (Jesuit missions)
Guided Tour $30-60 (guided city tour)
Day Excursion $80-150 (Chaco day safari or Jesuit missions full day)
💰

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Sample Trip Budgets

What to expect at different budget levels for a 7-day trip.

Budget Trip (7 days)

$350-490/week (hostel, street food, buses, free sites)
  • Hostels/basic guesthouses
  • Street food and local eateries
  • Public transport only
  • Free attractions and walking tours
  • Limited souvenirs
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Mid-Range Trip (7 days)

$640-900/week (hotel, mix of dining, some tours)
  • 3-star hotels with breakfast
  • Mix of dining options
  • Taxis and some tours
  • Major paid attractions
  • Some shopping and souvenirs

Luxury Trip (7 days)

$1400-2800+/week (5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours)
  • 4-5 star hotels
  • Fine dining experiences
  • Private drivers and guides
  • Premium tours and access
  • Shopping without limits

Money-Saving Tips

Stretch your budget further with these insider tips.

💡

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 & Cheap Activities

Experience Paraguay without spending a fortune.

Free

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.

Free

Palacio de los López Exterior

Paraguay's iconic neoclassical Presidential Palace is freely viewable from the riverside, especially stunning when illuminated at night.

Free

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.

Free

Loma San Jerónimo

Hilltop park with free panoramic views over Asunción and the Paraguay River, topped by a historic church — best at sunset.

Free

Metropolitan Cathedral

The 1845 neoclassical cathedral is free to enter and features beautiful altars and stained glass in the heart of historic Asunción.

Free

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.

Currency & Payment Tips

Essential information about money matters.

Currency

Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG)

Exchange USD or EUR at exchange houses (casas de cambio) in Asunción city center for the best rates; avoid airport exchange counters

ATMs

ATMs widely available in Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Encarnación; outside major cities ATM availability is limited — carry cash

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants; cash essential at markets, buses, and smaller establishments

Tipping

10% at sit-down restaurants customary; round up taxi fare; $1-2/day for hotel housekeeping

Hidden Costs to Watch For

  • Tourist entry fee PYG 50,000 ($7) at some national parks
  • Airport departure tax sometimes not included in ticket price — confirm when booking
  • SIM card registration requires passport — budget $10-15 for a data-loaded SIM
  • City bus cash only — no card payment accepted on Asunción buses
  • Luggage storage at Terminal Asunción bus station charged per hour

Plan Your Paraguay Budget

Get our complete budget guide with detailed cost breakdown, budget calculator, and 50+ money-saving tips.

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