Finished in 1845, Asuncion’s main cathedral is quite beautiful with a simple exterior and bright airy interior. The church’s gold-leafed altar and pulpit are over 200 years old. The center of the altar features the Virgen de la Asuncion, the country’s patron saint. The cathedral also houses the Museo del Tesoro de la Catedral. Tel: 021 449 512, Independencia Nacional and Mariscal Lopez, 9am-11:30am, 6pm-8pm (museum hours 8am-11am) Canonera Humaita Barco-Museo
This Italian battleship patrolled Paraguay’s waters during the Chaco War and has now been converted into a naval museum. Behind the Palacio de los Lopez presidential palace at the end of Ayolas, Mon-Fri 8am-11:30am, 2pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm Cementerio de la Recoleta
This necropolis, located in the residential neighborhood of Recoleta, is home to mausoleums of Paraguay’s elite as well as several historical figures including Eliza Lynch. The church dates from 1842. The Recoleta is actually made up of several separate cemeteries including the International Cemetery, for foreigners and their descendents, as well as the Italian Cemetery and Military Cemetery all of which have separate entrances. Mariscal Lopez between Choferes del Chaco and L.
Fragnaud, daily 7:30am-5pm Tren del Lago
The Tren del Lago is the only fully functional remnant of Paraguay’s once extensive steam train network and one of the most unique experiences to be had in Asuncion. This train makes two monthly trips on Sundays to and from Asuncion and the charming lakeside town of Aregua. The mood is set by actors playing historic characters that help relive the glory days of the steam train. As the train makes its way through the countryside, you can see families gathered in houses along the tracks drinking terere and chatting away in the shade enjoying their tranquilo Sunday afternoons. The train departs at 10am every other Sunday from the Estacion Botanico arriving in Aregua around noon and begins the return trip at 4:30pm. Tel: 021 447848 / 443273. Tickets can be purchased at the Estacion Central in Asuncion across from Plaza Uruguaya. Tickets are US$20 for foreigners (which can be paid in US dollars or Guaranies) and Gs.30,000 for anyone with a Paraguayan ID. As of the middle of 2010, train service has been suspended due to a collapsed bridge along the tracks. Service was scheduled to start in 2012 but as of yet funds have not been allocated to make the necessary repairs.
