Things To Do
in San Lázaro
San Lázaro is a compact district in the Gran Asunción metro area, blending suburban calm with riverine breezes. It mixes urban life, markets, and a growing café scene with easy access to pockets of nature. Visitors can explore colorful street scenes, sample local foods, and use the area as a base for day trips to nature reserves along the Paraná River.
The area is warm, welcoming, and easy to navigate on foot or by bus, with a growing selection of cafés and small eateries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Lázaro and check into a charming local guesthouse. Spend the morning getting acquainted with the lush landscape and vibrant culture of the town. Take a leisurely walk around the small streets, with the sounds of local life surrounding you.
After lunch, visit the local crafts market, where you can purchase handmade goods and engage with artisans. Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the history of San Lázaro and its significance in Paraguay. Enjoy the relaxed pace of life while sampling traditional Paraguayan cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
As night falls, treat yourself to a cultural performance showcasing traditional Paraguayan folklore. Join fellow travelers and locals at a popular cancha for a night of laughter and celebration. Cap off the evening with a stroll under the stars, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Begin your day with an early hike in nearby Parque Nacional Ybycuí, where scenic trails and stunning vistas await. Bring your binoculars to spot the diverse array of flora and fauna as the sun rises over the landscape. A picnic breakfast among nature adds to the enchantment of the environment.
In the afternoon, return to San Lázaro for some downtime, perhaps enjoying a refreshing drink at a local café. Take the opportunity to learn about sustainable practices implemented by local farms through a guided educational tour. Engage with the farmers and understand their challenges and triumphs.
Indulge in dinner at a community restaurant serving traditional Paraguay dishes, where you can experience true local flavors. Join a cooking class afterwards to learn how to prepare classic dishes such as chipa or mbeju. Delight in your culinary creation while sharing stories with other travelers and locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🛏️Hostel bed per night | $10-25 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entry | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly people and a relaxed pace of life
- Strong street food scene and markets
- Limited English in some areas
- Public transport can be crowded and imperfect
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in San Lázaro
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour along the river with boats, birds, and soft skyline reflections—great for wide landscapes and candid street scenes.
Colorful street art on historic buildings, offering bold textures and cultural context for urban photography.
Rooftop vantage points around the market provide dynamic views of market life and cityscapes.
A modest historic church whose façade and surrounding plaza make for reflective, architectural shots.
Food in San Lázaro
San Lázaro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A cheesy, gluten-free cheese bread baked with manioc starch; a staple snack and breakfast option across bakeries.
Must-Try!
Savory cornmeal cake with cheese and onions; a beloved side dish or light meal.
Paraguayan-style barbecue with beef, pork, or chorizo, often served with salads and mandioca.
A soft, gluten-free corn-starch cake with cheese; commonly enjoyed warm at markets.
A corn cake baked with cheese and onions; a comforting, shareable dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant local market offering fresh produce, meat, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for sampling street foods and observing daily life.
Casual stalls along a main avenue—perfect for quick bites like empanadas and fried plantains.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a friendly nod; among friends, a light kiss on the cheek is common in some circles.
Politeness and cordial conversation matter; many people appreciate a bilingual greeting in Spanish and Guarani when possible.
Safety
Tipping in San Lázaro
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of about 5-10% is customary if service is not included. Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; cash is often preferred for street vendors and small markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms. Carry water, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen.
Milder temperatures with pleasant days; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Cooler nights with comfortable daytime highs; a light jacket is handy after sunset.
Warm and lively; blooming flora and longer days create great travel conditions.
San Lázaro at Night
Hiking in San Lázaro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with viewpoints and birdlife, about a short drive from San Lázaro.
Waterfalls and forest trails in a protected park, a day trip from the city.
Airports
How to reach San Lázaro by plane.
Main international and domestic airport for the region, reachable by taxi or bus from San Lázaro.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Young to middle-aged workers in services and commerce.
University and trade school attendees in the metro area.
Local families balancing work and school in suburban districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common.
Growing court culture; occasional tournaments and street basketball.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Lázaro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian visitors can enjoy sopa paraguaya (confirm no meat broth), mbeju, chipa, fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and cheese dishes. When in doubt, ask for plant-based options or substitutions and request sauces on the side to control fat content.