Things To Do
in Capiatá

Capiatá is a bustling suburban city in Paraguay's Central Department located east of Asunción, blending residential neighborhoods with small-scale industry and agriculture. It serves as a local commercial hub for surrounding towns and offers easy access to Paraguay's capital while retaining a slower, provincial pace. The city reflects Paraguayan everyday life — markets, family-run restaurants, and community festivals — and is a useful base for day trips to nearby natural and cultural sites.

Visitors will find a practical, friendly place to experience typical Paraguayan cuisine, street life, and neighborhood charm without the bustle of Asunción.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the Plaza de Capiatá, where you can admire the vibrant atmosphere and historical architecture. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Paraguayan dishes like chipa or mbeju. As you stroll through the plaza, take in the sounds of the city waking up and watch the local artisans setting up their stalls.

afternoon
:

Visit the stunning Iglesia de San Buenaventura, a beautiful church that showcases the colonial history of the area. After exploring the church, head to a local market for lunch, where you can taste fresh empanadas and sip on tereré, a refreshing herbal drink. Spend some time chatting with locals and learning about their crafts and traditions.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to the plaza to enjoy a leisurely evening stroll. Look for a spot at an outdoor café to savor traditional Paraguayan barbecue while enjoying the lively ambiance. Wrap up your night by experiencing local music or dance performances that often take place in the square.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Begin your adventure with a visit to Parque Ñu Guasu, a sprawling green space perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature. Take a guided tour to spot local wildlife such as capybaras and diverse bird species while learning about the ecosystem. Enjoy a light breakfast at the park’s café, featuring fresh fruits and local pastries.

afternoon
:

After your morning explorations, rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the park’s trails. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the flora, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon relaxing or participating in outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking in the nearby lakes.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, find a tranquil spot in the park to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. Consider joining a guided night walk to see nocturnal wildlife, enhancing your connection with nature. Afterward, head back to Capiatá for a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, trying dishes such as pira caldo, a traditional fish stew.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
🍺Domestic beer (0.5L)$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride (city)$1.50-4
Coffee at a café$1.50-3.50
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic, everyday Paraguayan life and food
  • Close to Asunción for easy access to capital amenities
  • Affordable prices for food, transport and lodging
  • Good base for day trips to lakes, reserves and rural areas
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and English-language services
  • Fewer sightseeing attractions within the city itself
  • Public transport and signage can be confusing for first-time visitors
  • Hot, humid weather in summer with frequent storms
  • "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Soy vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "No hablo mucho español" - I don't speak much Spanish
  • "Perdón/Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry

Places to Visit in Capiatá

Visit one of these nice places.

Mercado Municipal

Vibrant morning activity with colorful produce, baked goods and vendors—ideal for street and documentary photography.

Central Plaza and Parish Church

Capture daily life, architecture and community gatherings around the main plaza and church area.

Neighborhood Streets and Murals

Residential blocks and small businesses offer candid urban scenes, portraits and occasional street art.

Sunrise / Sunset over Agricultural Fields

Short drives out of town reveal open fields and horizons that are great for wide landscapes and golden-hour shots.

Local Festivals and Parish Celebrations

If your visit coincides with a festival, you’ll find colorful traditional costumes, music and dance perfect for dynamic cultural photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Capiatá

Capiatá’s food scene follows classic Paraguayan cuisine: hearty, starch-forward and centered on corn, cassava (yuca) and cheese. Meals are simple and flavorful, with grilled meats and baked goods like chipa widely available. Fresh, inexpensive street food and family-run restaurants (fondas) are the best places to taste authentic local fare.

Capiatá Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Chipa

A dense, cheese-and-cassava bread eaten as a snack or breakfast; find it at morning market stalls and bakeries throughout the city.

Must-Try!

Sopa Paraguaya

A corn-based savory cake with cheese and onions often served as a side dish at family meals and local restaurants.

Asado and Parrilla

Grilled meats prepared on an open flame; local parrillas and weekend barbecues are where you’ll find the best cuts.

Mbejú and Bori-Bori

Traditional starch-based dishes—mbejú is a cheese-and-starch pancake, bori-bori is a hearty corn-and-meat soup—available at fondas and home-style eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Capiatá

Central market selling produce, baked goods, fresh chipa and street snacks; a great place for candid photography and to sample inexpensive local eats.

Roadside Choripán and Chipa Stalls

Small stalls and mobile vendors near main roads and bus stops offering grilled sausages, chipa and empanadas—perfect for a quick, authentic bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Capiatá has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters. Rainfall is concentrated in the warmer months (roughly October through April), while May–September tend to be cooler and less rainy. Temperatures commonly range from the mid-60s°F (about 18°C) in winter nights to the mid-90s°F (around 35°C) on hot summer days. Humidity can make summer heat feel more intense; expect occasional thunderstorms and heavy downpours in the rainy season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Use a friendly handshake for first meetings; among acquaintances a light kiss on the cheek or two is common. Say 'buenos días' (good morning) or 'buenas tardes' when entering stores or meeting people.

Language and Respect

Spanish and Guaraní are widely spoken; learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated. Show respect for elders and family-oriented social norms.

Dress and Behavior

Dress modestly for church or official visits; avoid loud arguments in public and be polite when bargaining in markets. Ask before photographing people, especially in religious or private contexts.

Safety Guide

Safety

Capiatá is generally safe for daytime exploration, but like many urban areas be mindful of petty theft and pickpocketing in busy markets and public transport. Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night, secure valuables, and use registered taxis or ride-hailing services when possible. Keep copies of important documents, limit displays of expensive items, and ask locals or accommodation staff about neighborhoods to avoid. For emergencies, know the local emergency numbers and the location of nearby medical facilities.

Tipping in Capiatá

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 5–10% tip for good service is customary; small tips or rounding up are common for casual services. Taxi drivers do not generally expect tips, though rounding up is polite.

Payment Methods

The local currency is the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small businesses; ATMs are available in town. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops but may not work everywhere—carry cash for markets, street food and smaller vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

(December–February) Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; carry water, sunscreen and light clothing. Plan outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours.

Autumn

(March–May) Temperatures begin to moderate and rains taper off; pleasant weather for exploring and countryside drives. Expect occasional warm days and comfortable evenings.

Winter

(June–August) Mild, drier and cooler nights (relative to Paraguayan standards); layers are useful for early mornings and evenings. Rain is less common, making it a good time for outdoor activities.

Spring

(September–November) Warming temperatures and increasing humidity with more frequent rains toward late spring; flowering landscapes and active birdlife make it attractive for nature outings.

Nightlife Guide

Capiatá at Night

Nightlife in Capiatá is low-key and community-oriented: neighborhood bars, parrillas and social clubs host live music, karaoke and family gatherings. For a wider club scene, DJs and late-night venues are more common in Asunción, a short drive away. Weekends are the best time to experience local nightlife, with lively informal parties, parrilladas and outdoor gatherings.

Hiking in Capiatá

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Local Estancia and Countryside Trails

Short rural trails and farm paths surrounding Capiatá offer gentle walks through farmland and fields—great for sunrise/sunset photography and easy hiking.

Lakeshore Walks (day-trip distance)

Nearby lakes and reservoirs have shoreline paths and informal trails suitable for easy hikes, birdwatching and picnic stops (reachable within a day trip).

Parque Nacional Ybycuí (day-trip distance)

A national park within reasonable driving distance for visitors seeking waterfalls, forest trails and more substantial hiking—plan a full day and check access details locally.

Reserva Natural Tati Yupi (nearby reserve)

A biological reserve in the greater region offering boardwalks and forest trails; good for birding and gentle hikes—confirm opening hours and guided-visit options.

Airports

How to reach Capiatá by plane.

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (Asunción - ASU)

Main international airport serving Paraguay (around a 30–60 minute drive from Capiatá depending on traffic). This is the convenient gateway for international arrivals and domestic connections; taxis and shuttle services link it to Capiatá.

Guaraní International Airport (Ciudad del Este - AGT)

Located near Ciudad del Este on the eastern border (several hours by car); useful if you plan to visit the eastern region or cross into Brazil/Argentina, but not practical for short stays in Capiatá.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Capiatá is partially walkable—main commercial streets, the market and plazas are best explored on foot. Residential and outlying areas are spread out and often require a taxi or bus. Sidewalk quality varies; wear comfortable shoes and be cautious crossing busy streets.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo population

A majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed indigenous and European heritage), reflecting Paraguay’s national demographic.

Working-class families

Capiatá has many working-class and middle-class households employed in commerce, services and light industry.

Youth and families

The city has a significant young population with many families and active community life centered on schools and local clubs.

Indigenous and rural communities (nearby)

Indigenous and rural communities are present in the broader region; their cultural influence appears in language (Guaraní), crafts and traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The dominant sport nationwide and in Capiatá—local matches, youth leagues and community play are common.

Futsal and Basketball

Indoor team sports popular among youth and in schools; local clubs organize regular competitions.

Cycling and Recreational Running

Increasingly popular for fitness and leisure on quieter roads and in parks.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic around Capiatá can be congested during morning and evening rush hours as commuters travel to and from Asunción. Public transportation consists of buses and minibuses (colectivos) that connect to neighboring towns; they are inexpensive but can be crowded and have irregular schedules. Taxis and shared ride options are convenient for door-to-door travel—confirm fares in advance or use a meter when available. Allow extra travel time during peak hours and for weekend markets or events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Capiatá.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

While traditional Paraguayan cuisine is meat-heavy, vegetarians can find cheese- and starch-based items (chipa, mbejú, sopa paraguaya) and simple vegetable sides; ask markets and fondas for vegetable stews or rice dishes. Communicate preferences in Spanish—'soy vegetariano(a)'—and expect limited vegan options.

Gluten-Free

Some traditional items (made from corn or cassava) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is common. If you have celiac disease, plan ahead and bring snacks; in larger restaurants you can sometimes request simpler preparations.

Halal/Kosher

Specialist halal or kosher options are scarce. For strict dietary laws, seek larger supermarkets in Asunción or prepare to travel to the capital for certified choices.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Capiatá has basic clinics and health centers for primary care and minor emergencies. For specialized treatment or major medical needs, residents and visitors typically travel to hospitals in Asunción, which has more comprehensive facilities. Carry travel insurance, necessary prescriptions and a small first-aid kit; pharmacies are available locally for common medications.

Discover Paraguay

Read more in our Paraguay 2025 Travel Guide.

Paraguay Travel Guide