La Cascada, Asuncion

Advantages: Friendly, bizarre
Disadvantages:

...Asuncion, Paraguay isn't on most travellers list of top ten destinations, but I can give you a few good reasons why it is on mine! I spent 6 months in Paraguay a few years ago working as a volunteer in Asuncion. My work was with the local people and gave me a fascinating insight into the local people. For a start Asuncion is usually hot, humid and slow moving in every aspect! I found that the people were on-the-whole very friendly and generally interested in people from the West. Paraguayans are a very proud people speaking not only Spanish but the native indian language of Guarani. You will find the Spanish spoken here quite different to that spoken in Spain, almost spanish without the lisp! The public transport in Asuncion was pretty good. We tended to rely on the buses and they did come regularly if a little overcrowded... Read review

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Advantages: Bargains Galore
Disadvantages: A little dull

...OK, Asuncion, and Paraguay in general aren't that exciting, but who else has ever been there? You can impress all your mates by saying "oh yes, in Paraguay this or in Paraguay that" Asuncion is located about half way up Paraguay, but on the western border of the country with Argentina. You can see Argentina across the Rio Paraguay from the main squares. Like much of South America, expect refuse on street, poverty in your face and scammers left right and centre. In fact, in Asuncion the slums are more evident than in many cities - they are along the banks of the river and you can overlook them from one of the main squares in the city. I wouldn't advise this though - we did and nearly got chased away. Besides, it's rather rude to pry into people's lives in this way. The town centre is somewhat removed from the town itself. As I... Read review

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Advantages: Probably the most pleasant city in South America ?
Disadvantages: Road from north is very poor

...and was intended to be the largest in South America. However, a slight miscalculation meant that two main towers at the front of the building could not support the envisaged domes. Even without these domes, it remains a large building and behind the front towers lie a series of sky-blue cupolas that give it a striking appearance when viewed from many different directions. The original cathedral, El Sagrario (or Old Cathedral), is on the opposite corner of this square and dates from 1557 when the present Cuenca was founded (it has recently been closed for renovation). The church of El Carmen de la Asuncion lies across Calle Mariscal Sucre from the New Cathedral. A brightly coloured flower market is held here every day and is best visited early in the morning. There is no shortage for anyone wishing to see more churches. If interested, visit the Church... Read review

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