Sports and leisure activities Paraguay

The "Parc de la Santé", managed by the Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS, in charge of social security), is an attractive 19-hectare wooded park in a residential area. It is considered the city's second green lung. Paths, a bicycle path, children's play areas and plenty of room for exercise. A well-maintained, cool and safe place, popular with joggers and yogis, to get out into nature without leaving the city. Next door is the Parque Urbano, which seems to have been half-abandoned.

Since 1982, this language school located in the center offers Spanish and Guarani courses for all levels (7 levels of Spanish, 3 levels of Guarani). Individual or group courses adapted to foreigners, with modules of 20 hours or more, and original written and audiovisual material. The school offers great flexibility for the students (classes from 2 to 5 times a week, 4 hours one day, 2 hours the next day for example, home tuition for individuals, etc.). IDIPAR also offers accommodation, meals and optional activities.

The "House of the Harp", in Guarani, is a music conservatory recognized by the Paraguayan Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). It was founded by a family of musicians, the Pedersens. The harp is taught here, with private and group lessons for all levels, from the age of three. For those staying in Asunción for a while, this may be an opportunity to start studying Paraguay's national instrument. Violin lessons are also available. Concerts and cultural events are organized from time to time.

Due to its geographical position, on the border of the eastern region and the Chaco, and as a crossing point for migratory birds, Asunción is the habitat of a great number of birds. 370 species have been recorded in its immediate surroundings. The Bay of Asunción is an Important Bird Area,recognised by Birdlife International. Several specialized agencies organize day or half-day trips to observe them. This is the case for example of Guyra Paraguay and Paraguay Birding, which are referenced in this guide.

The area around the Bay of Asunción has been developed to relieve traffic congestion and provide a diversionary space for the inhabitants. Since 2013, an artificial sandy beach and areas for walking, running, rollerblading and cycling have been available. Kayak and pedal boat rentals and tours on small boats. Pleasant at sunset. La Costanera is illuminated at night and safe, but avoid it late in the week (shantytowns nearby). Unfortunately we can't swim due to pollution, too bad. Nice view on the Palacio de López.

This multi-sport complex, covered and completely renovated in 2018, is located on the premises of the national sports secretariat (hence the acronym SND), next to the Asunción racecourse. Inaugurated by Victor Pecci, the Paraguayan tennis legend and Minister of Sport at the time, the SND Arena can accommodate 5,500 spectators for sporting events (futsal, basketball, handball, volleyball, skating, gymnastics, etc.), concerts by international artists and shows, such as the one by Cirque du Soleil a few years ago.

The Institute of the Image will be of interest to those who reside in Asunción and wish to learn or improve their skills in photography. It has been directed since 2006 by María Gloria González and Mario Franco Nunes. Quality courses for all levels and various workshops: portrait, nocturnal, fashion, architecture... Field trips, from a few hours to a few days, to emblematic places in Paraguay. Beyond photography, this is a good way to discover the country, in the company of enthusiastic people and with in-depth historical and cultural explanations.

The most emblematic football stadium in the country, where the most important national and international matches are played. Its capacity is about 42,000 spectators and the stadium also hosts concerts. Roxette, Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney have performed there. It also has a small museum of Paraguayan football and a mausoleum dedicated to Arsenio Erico (1915-1977), considered by FIFA to be the best Paraguayan football player of all time.

La Nueva Olla ("The New Pot") is the nickname of this soccer stadium, owned by Club Cerro Porteño (CCP). Located in Barrio Obrero, it has hostedmatches since 1970. In 2019, the Copa Sudamericana final was played here. After major expansion work, inaugurated in August 2017, it is now the largest stadium in the country, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators. It's difficult to get into the stadium outside matches.