Chipachyryry · CC0Mercado de Abasto de Asunción
The capital's biggest municipal market: 11 hectares of fruit, vegetables, meat, medicinal herbs and much more.
What it is
The Abasto Market is in the San Pablo neighbourhood, on Avenida Defensores del Chaco. It is Asunción's biggest market by area and trading activity: it covers 11 hectares and is organised in 20 blocks, from A to U. You can find everything: fruit, vegetables, medicinal herbs, cereals, meat, eggs, spices, fish and dairy, as well as clothing and other goods. It is a place to see how the city is supplied, more than a classic tourist stroll. If you like a lively market, with its rhythm and smells, it is worth going early and with time.
What to see and do
- Fruit, vegetables and medicinal herbs
- Blocks A to U, each with its own specialty
- Everyday market photography
Did you know…?
It has a main entrance with a roundabout for trucks and seven additional gates.
Inside there are a food bank, security staff and a food court in some blocks.
History
It was inaugurated on 20 October 1981 and is run by the Municipality of Asunción. Block C was completely rebuilt after a fire in 2017 and reopened in 2019.
Tips
- Go early, when there is more activity and better selection.
- Bring cash in small notes and watch your belongings.
- Wear comfortable shoes: there is a lot of cargo traffic.
Check opening hours before you go.
Best time: Early mornings.
Activities
Festivals and events here
International Jazz Day in Asunción
Jazz concerts at cultural centers and stages around the capital to celebrate the genre’s world day.
MusicAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)May→ JunAsunción International Book Fair (FIL)
Ten days of books, authors and language: the country’s great literary festival, with free entry and a guest country.
CulturalAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)FeaturedMayIndependence Days (May 14 and 15)
Two public holidays for the 1811 independence: flags, ceremonies, sopa paraguaya and chipa guasu all over the country.
CulturalAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)AugAugust 1: National Carrulim Day
On the first day of August people drink carrulim—cane liquor, rue and lemon—to ward off the ills of the most dreaded month.
TraditionAsunción y todo el país, VariosAugAugust 15: Founding of Asunción and Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption
The birthday of the Mother of Cities coincides with the feast of its patron saint: Mass at the Cathedral, a public holiday and cultural events.
ReligiousAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)FeaturedNearby
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.