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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️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.
Vibrant morning activity with colorful produce, baked goods and vendors—ideal for street and documentary photography.
Capture daily life, architecture and community gatherings around the main plaza and church area.
Residential blocks and small businesses offer candid urban scenes, portraits and occasional street art.
Short drives out of town reveal open fields and horizons that are great for wide landscapes and golden-hour shots.
If your visit coincides with a festival, you’ll find colorful traditional costumes, music and dance perfect for dynamic cultural photos.
Food in Capiatá
Capiatá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
A corn-based savory cake with cheese and onions often served as a side dish at family meals and local restaurants.
Grilled meats prepared on an open flame; local parrillas and weekend barbecues are where you’ll find the best cuts.
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
Central market selling produce, baked goods, fresh chipa and street snacks; a great place for candid photography and to sample inexpensive local eats.
Small stalls and mobile vendors near main roads and bus stops offering grilled sausages, chipa and empanadas—perfect for a quick, authentic bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
Spanish and Guaraní are widely spoken; learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated. Show respect for elders and family-oriented social norms.
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
Tipping in Capiatá
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
(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.
(March–May) Temperatures begin to moderate and rains taper off; pleasant weather for exploring and countryside drives. Expect occasional warm days and comfortable evenings.
(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.
(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.
Capiatá at Night
Hiking in Capiatá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short rural trails and farm paths surrounding Capiatá offer gentle walks through farmland and fields—great for sunrise/sunset photography and easy hiking.
Nearby lakes and reservoirs have shoreline paths and informal trails suitable for easy hikes, birdwatching and picnic stops (reachable within a day trip).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed indigenous and European heritage), reflecting Paraguay’s national demographic.
Capiatá has many working-class and middle-class households employed in commerce, services and light industry.
The city has a significant young population with many families and active community life centered on schools and local clubs.
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.
The dominant sport nationwide and in Capiatá—local matches, youth leagues and community play are common.
Indoor team sports popular among youth and in schools; local clubs organize regular competitions.
Increasingly popular for fitness and leisure on quieter roads and in parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Capiatá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
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.
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.