If you’ve got a layover in Conception, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CIO. The city, in Paraguay, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of CIO:
- Can you legally enter Paraguay? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What to See and Do in Conception
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Conception, two standouts are:
- Costanera de Concepción (Waterfront Promenade) — No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
- Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside CIO — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- General Waiting Area & Wi-Fi Access
- Runway Observation Point
Best Bites Near CIO
For food in Conception, local travelers recommend La Tranquera Parrilla. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurant Parador 3 Cruces is another popular pick.
Back at CIO, El Vuelo Cafe & Snack Bar is the go-to. Grab & Go Kiosk rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Conception layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at CIO may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Conception’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CIO, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Conception itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Paraguay that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at CIO include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Paraguay also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Conception count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave CIO. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.