Exploring Mercado 4 in Paraguay

When I first moved to Asunción, I kept hearing about Mercado 4 in Paraguay. Everyone I met—locals, fellow expats, and even taxi drivers—told me that it was the place to go for fresh produce, cheap clothing, electronics, and just about anything else you could ever want. But they also warned me: “It’s big, it’s crowded, and it’s a bit chaotic.”

Now, after visiting Mercado 4 in Paraguay dozens of times, I’ve come to appreciate the organized chaos that makes this place so unique, and a must-see experience if you are a first-timer to Asuncion.

It’s more than just a market—it’s a cultural experience, a living, breathing piece of Paraguay where locals gather, shop, and socialize. If you’re looking to experience the true heart of Asunción, there’s no better place to start than here.

Brief History of Mercado 4

Mercado 4 (pronounced Mercado Cuatro) has been a staple of Asunción for decades, evolving from a small collection of street vendors into one of the largest and busiest markets in Paraguay. What started as a handful of stalls has steadily grown into a commercial hub covering multiple city blocks.

I was quite interested to learn that Mercado 4 didn’t actually begin as an official marketplace—it grew out of necessity. Street vendors started by setting up stalls to serve the growing population, and over time, the market expanded.

One thing I love about Mercado 4 in Paraguay is that it feels like a microcosm of the country itself. You’ll find products from all over Paraguay—handmade crafts from the Chaco, indigenous herbs used in natural medicine, and meats and cheeses from the countryside. There’s also a strong international presence, with goods imported from Brazil, Argentina, and even Asia (you will find much more Asian presence in Ciudad del Este, however)!

The first time I visited Mercado 4 in Paraguay, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had heard other expats and locals talk about the size of the market, but its something you can’t comprehend unless you see it for yourself – and then there’s the question of where to even begin.

Mercado 4 sprawls across several city blocks, and it feels like a world of its own. Unlike supermarkets or department stores, this market is not organized into neat sections—instead, different products spill into one another.

One minute, I’m walking past a butcher’s stand with fresh cuts of meat hanging on display, and the next, I’m surrounded by stalls selling clothes, shoes, and even cell phones.

It can feel disorganized at first, but with a little patience (and after a few visits), you start recognizing landmarks—the street where the best fruit vendors are, the hidden alley that sells electronics, the go-to spot for authentic Paraguayan street food.

Early in the morning, vendors are setting up their stands and unloading fresh produce from trucks. By midday, the market is at its peak, busy with shoppers weaving through the narrow paths, haggling over prices, and carrying plastic bags filled with their best finds. By late afternoon, the market is still lively, though some vendors start packing up for the day.

The best time to visit, in my opinion, is early in the morning (between 8 AM and 11 AM) when the crowds aren’t too overwhelming, and the products are at their freshest (and the heat isn’t too hot).

How to Navigate Mercado 4 Like a Pro

If you’re visiting Mercado 4 in Paraguay for the first time, here are a few key things I’ve learned from my many visits:

• Bring small bills and coins – Many vendors don’t have change for large bills, so it’s best to carry small denominations of guaraní for quick transactions. And don’t even think about using a credit card… none of the stall owners offer it.
• Be prepared to bargain – Haggling is expected in many parts of the market. I’ve gotten some of my best deals simply by politely negotiating. You will need to speak good Spanish for this to work successfully.
• Wear comfortable shoes – The market is massive, and you’ll be walking a lot. Flip-flops are a bad idea, as areas are often dirty or wet.
• Stay aware of your belongings – Like any busy market in South America, pickpocketing can happen, so I always keep my bag close and avoid carrying valuables.

Every visit to Mercado 4 feels like a new adventure, and I’ve come to love its energy and authenticity. It’s not for everyone—if you prefer spotless, air-conditioned malls, this probably isn’t your scene. But if you want to experience real Paraguayan culture, it’s the perfect place to do just that.

What To Buy at Mercado 4

If you can think of it, you can probably find it at Mercado 4 in Paraguay.

One of the things that makes this market so special is its wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to electronics, clothing, and even home essentials. Over the years, I’ve bought everything from kitchenware to herbal remedies here, and I always find something unexpected.

I will note that most of the food products come from the interior of Paraguay, while basically all the non-edible products come from China… from clothing, electronics, and kitchen supplies, the items you buy won’t be the best quality, so don’t expect to pay top dollar at Mercado 4.

One of the best reasons to visit Mercado 4 is for fresh food at unbeatable prices. If I’m in the area, I do my grocery shopping here because the fruits, vegetables, and meats are fresher and cheaper than what you’ll find in a supermarket. Vendors sell mangos, papayas, pineapples, and passion fruits straight from the countryside, along with staples like manioc (yuca), corn, and plantains.

If you need affordable clothing, Mercado 4 is full of options. I’ve seen everything from locally made clothes to knock-off designer brands from Brazil and China. There’s also a selection of second-hand clothes, some of which are great quality if you’re willing to do some digging.

Shoes are also a big seller here, and I once managed to find a great pair of leather sandals for a fraction of the price compared to a mall. The key is to check the quality—some stalls sell cheap, mass-produced items, while others carry genuinely good products at low prices. Be sure to know what you want and speak to the sellers before trying on any shoes if you are seeking a higher quality make.

If you need an inexpensive kitchen appliance, phone accessory, or even furniture, Mercado 4 has it. I was surprised at how many home goods you can find here—everything from blenders and toasters to light fixtures and plastic storage bins. Some items are brand new, while others are second-hand, so you want to test electronics before buying.

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Food and Drink at Mercado 4

One of the biggest reasons I love visiting Mercado 4 in Paraguay is the incredible food scene. If you want to experience authentic Paraguayan flavors at unbeatable prices (literally, I have yet to find better prices in the city), this is the place to go.

One of my go-to snacks at Mercado 4 are empanadas. These deep-fried pastries, stuffed with beef, chicken, or cheese, are sold at nearly every corner in the mercado. They cost around 5,000–7,000 PYG (less than $1 USD) and make for the perfect snack. I first saw these in Argentina (they are originally from Argentina) however you can find them on many street corners now in Paraguay.

Another must-try is milanesa, a breaded and fried meat cutlet similar to schnitzel. You’ll see vendors selling milanesa sandwiches (milanesa al pan) piled high with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

These sandwiches usually cost around 15,000–20,000 PYG ($2–$3 USD) and are a good meal when you need something quick on the go… but, these certainly aren’t healthy (as most of the Paraguayan food isn’t), so it likely isn’t something you want to eat too often.

If you’re looking for something truly Paraguayan, you have to try sopa paraguaya and chipa. Despite the name, sopa paraguaya isn’t a soup—it’s actually a thick, cheesy cornbread made with eggs, onions, and cornmeal.

Chipa, on the other hand, is a dense, cheesy bread often enjoyed with tereré or cocido, Paraguay’s famous tea options. You can find local sellers selling freshly baked chipa for around 3,000–5,000 PYG ($0.50–$0.80 USD) per piece. I recommend making sure the chipa is fresh, otherwise it can be hard and chewy.

The Market Locals

Many of the local vendors and sellers at Mercado 4 have been selling at the market for decades. Some families have been running the same stalls for multiple generations, and they take great pride in their products.

Unlike in supermarkets, where everything is impersonal, shopping at Mercado 4 is an interactive experience. Vendors greet you warmly, offer samples, and often throw in a little extra if you’re a friendly and frequent customer. I’ve even built relationships with some of the vendors, who now recognize me and offer me the best selections of their goods before they sell out.

Bargaining at the Market

Bargaining is part of the shopping experience at Mercado 4, and while I was hesitant to do it at first, I quickly realized that it’s expected by the vendors, and they will usually raise their initial price, expecting you to bargain down the price.

One of my favorite bargaining moments was when I was buying a handwoven hammock. The vendor initially asked for 250,000 PYG ($35 USD), but after talking and showing interest in some other products, I got it down to 180,000 PYG ($25 USD). Nice!

Safety Tips and Best Times to Visit

While Mercado 4 in Paraguay is a great place to shop, eat, and experience the local culture, I also recommend being mindful of your safety and belongings while there. Like any large marketplace in Latin America, it has its share of pickpockets and areas where extra caution is needed.

Is Mercado 4 Safe? My Personal Experience

After visiting Mercado 4 many times over the years, I’ve never had a major safety issue, but I’ve learned a few key tips to make the experience smoother and safer. This market is not dangerous, but because it’s crowded and full of distractions, it’s easy to become a target for opportunistic petty theft.

From my personal experience, the main safety concerns to keep in mind are:

• Pickpocketing in crowded areas – If you’re distracted, someone could easily slip a hand into your bag or pocket. I always wear a crossbody bag with a zipper and keep it in front of me.
• Motorcycle snatch thefts – In the outer streets of the market, it’s best not to hold your phone out too long, as there have been cases of motorcyclists grabbing phones and wallets from unsuspecting shoppers.
• Overpriced goods for foreigners – While most vendors are fair, some will inflate prices if they think you’re a tourist. It helps to know approximate costs before, and to always negotiate.

Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit Mercado 4 in Paraguay depend on what you’re looking for:

• Early mornings (7 AM – 10 AM) – The freshest produce and best stock, plus fewer crowds. This is my favorite time to go shopping.
• Late mornings to early afternoon (10 AM – 2 PM) – The busiest time, with the highest energy. It’s great for experiencing the market in full swing but can feel overwhelming.
• Afternoon (2 PM – 5 PM) – Some vendors start closing, but this is when you can find the best bargains as sellers lower prices to clear out stock.
• Avoid evenings – This area isn’t the safest at night, but most vendors pack up by sunset or sooner.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Mercado 4 in Paraguay