Ñu Guazú Park in Asunción – The Ultimate Guide to Asunción’s Green Escape
Asunción, Paraguay’s bustling capital, is known for its history, culture, and growing urban landscape. But amidst the city’s hustle and bustle lies a peaceful oasis—Ñu Guazú Park, one of the largest and most popular green spaces in Asunción.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic jogging route, a family-friendly picnic spot, or simply a quiet place to relax, Ñu Guazú Park offers something for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this urban retreat during your time in Asunción.
Ñu Guazú Park
Located just outside the city center, Ñu Guazú Park in Asunción is a 25-hectare space that serves as the city’s ultimate outdoor haven. The park is a favorite particularly among locals, with a mix of recreational facilities such as various football fields, lush green landscapes, and tranquil walking paths.
I had a lovely walk throughout the park, however as I was halfway around the park, I noticed a bridge leading across the river to another area of the park.
Crossing the bridge, I found another, almost a second loop track, which had many more people than the previous walking track I had been on. In this area there was a serene, small lake, with lily pads, a pagoda, and walking a bit further down the track, I saw a small canteen for ice cream and drinks.
The photo is below to illustrate both walking tracks in the park, and both are not connected to each other – you can only cross over the bridge to get between each track. Each track also has its own parking lots, as you can see from the photos below, with the black X on each parking lot.
Location
Ñu Guazú Park is located along the main road that connects Asunción to Luque, making it easily accessible from different parts of the city.
You can find it by searching “Ñu Guazú Park Asunción” on Google Maps, and it’s situated near key landmarks like the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport.
Size and Features
The park has an extensive network of walking and cycling trails, spanning several kilometers. When visiting, you can enjoy a range of park amenities, including:
- Well-maintained jogging and cycling paths
- Sports fields for soccer, basketball, and volleyball
- Shaded picnic areas perfect for families and gatherings
- Water fountains and small canteens for snacks and drinks
- Serene lakes and green landscapes, ideal for photography and birdwatching
Opening Hours
Ñu Guazú Park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving visitors enough time to enjoy the space throughout the day.
I visited at around 3PM, and it was still quite hot. Depending on the season you visit in, be sure to visit as or near sunset, as the summers in Paraguay are quite hot.
It didn’t start to get busy in the park until around 5PM, which was when it finally getting cooler and the parking lot was starting to fill up (this was in January, peak summer heat season).
Entrance Fee
One of the best things about Ñu Guazú Park is that entrance is completely free, making it an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors in Asunción. However, some facilities, such as bike rentals or organized sports events do have fees.
You can rent a bike while visiting the park. At the entrance of the park near the parking area, there is a bike rental station. It is slightly hidden away on the walking path, so be sure to ask if you can’t find it.
Best Time of Day to Visit
From my experience, the best time to visit Ñu Guazú Park is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Mornings from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM are ideal for a refreshing jog or peaceful walk before the Paraguayan sun reaches its peak.
Facilities and Amenities at Ñu Guazú Park Asunción
Having just visited Ñu Guazú Park Asunción, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of facilities available to visitors. Whether you’re coming for a quick jog, a family picnic, or a full day of outdoor activities, the park has everything you need to stay comfortable and make the most of your visit.
Sports and Fitness Areas
One of the standout features of the park is its well-maintained sports facilities. As I walked around, I noticed several soccer fields, basketball courts, and outdoor gym stations where locals were engaged in games and workouts.
The running and cycling track that loops around the park is perfect for getting in some exercise, and I even saw a few people practicing yoga under the trees. The pathways are wide and well-paved, making them great for both serious athletes and casual strollers alike.
Rest Areas and Green Spaces
If you are looking to relax and take a load off, Ñu Guazú offers plenty of benches and shaded spots under large trees. I saw families spread out on picnic blankets, enjoying traditional Paraguayan snacks like sopa paraguaya and cold tereré, the beloved local drink of Paraguay.
As there are two different areas to the park, I found a beautiful bridge, a Japanese pagoda, and a nice, calm lake filled with lily pads. There are a few sitting areas nearby this serene view, which I highly recommend checking out during your visit.
Cleanliness
One of the things that stood out to me was how clean and well-maintained the park is. There are waste bins conveniently placed throughout, and I even saw park staff making their rounds to ensure the environment stays pleasant for everyone. Security personnel were also visible, adding an extra layer of comfort for visitors, especially in the evenings.
I will note that there is a river which separates the two walking ‘tracks’ on either side of the park, and the river water was quite smelly.
Conclusion
Ñu Guazú Park in Asunción is truly a hidden gem within the city, offering a peaceful escape where you can exercise, relax, and enjoy Paraguay’s natural beauty. I left the park feeling refreshed and recharged, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a blend of fitness and relaxation in the heart of the city.
I did find the layout of the park somewhat confusing, as I didn’t expect there two be two separate areas of the park, however you can easily access both areas from the bridge that connects them both.
If you want to check out another beautiful green walking street in Paraguay, be sure to read this post.
FAQs About Ñu Guazú Park in Asunción
No, the park is completely free to enter and enjoy, making it a great budget-friendly option for locals and tourists alike. There are two parking lots in different areas for cars.
The park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it accessible for both early risers and those who prefer an evening visit.
While there aren’t many food vendors inside the park itself, you’ll find plenty of street food stands and small kiosks just outside the entrances selling drinks and snacks like chipa and fresh fruit.
Yes, pets are welcome at Ñu Guazú Park Asunción, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Yes, the park has several well-maintained public restrooms located near the main entrance and throughout the park.
Yes, the park is generally safe, with security personnel present. However, it’s always best to visit with friends or during busier hours if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
No, the park doesn’t currently offer equipment rentals, so be sure to bring your own if you plan to play soccer, basketball, or other sports. You can however, use the bike rental stand if you are looking to rent a bike to ride throughout the park, which could take anywhere from 1-2 hours to ride the entire park.
The park is easily accessible via Avenida Madame Lynch, and you can take a bus, taxi, or rideshare service such as Bolt, Uber, or MUV.
