Exploring Areguá in Paraguay – History, Day Trips, and What to Do
One of my favorite things to do living in Asuncion is taking quick day trips outside the city. There’s so much more to see than just Asunción, and if you’re looking for a peaceful escape that’s close by, Areguá in Paraguay is a great option.
While there are many options for day trips outside Asunción, as Asunción has many neighbouring cities like Luque, Fernando de la Mora, San Bernardino, and more, Areguá is a great option to grab some local souvenirs and explore the day nearby to the capital city.
Areguá is known for its handmade clay pottery, beautiful colonial buildings, strawberry season, and beautiful views overlooking Lake Ypacaraí. It’s a small town that’s easy to reach in under an hour, and there’s plenty to do even if you’re just going for the day.
In this guide, we will look at your best options for what to do, see, eat, and travel to Areguá.
Getting to Areguá from Asunción
The first thing to note is that Areguá is only about 30 to 45 minutes outside of Asunción, depending on traffic and how you choose to get there. I’ve done this trip a couple of different ways, and both options are easy and affordable.
If you want the quickest and most comfortable route, I suggest getting a Bolt or Uber, especially if you’re traveling in the morning. The ride costs around 60,000 guaraníes, and we went straight from the city to the center of town without any hassle. It’s a good option if you’re going with a friend or two and want to split the cost.
If you’re looking to keep things more budget-friendly, there’s also a local bus that runs to Areguá in Paraguay. The fare is quite affordable—about 60 cents USD one way.
The ride takes a little longer, usually around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and how many stops the bus makes. It’s a fun, local experience if you don’t mind a slightly slower trip.
When you arrive, you’ll want to get off near the small neighbourhood of San Roque, not the bus terminal in Areguá itself. San Roque area is where most of the best things are located—like the church, the castle, the trail to Cerro Koi, and access to the lake. We spent most of our day in this area, and it’s where I’d recommend starting your visit.
If you go at the right time of year (usually around August to October), you’ll also see fresh strawberries everywhere—street vendors selling them in little baskets, blended into juices, or made into desserts. It’s one of the things that makes this town so well-known and definitely worth the trip on its own.
What to Do in Areguá
When I visited Areguá in Paraguay, I was actually quite shocked by the variety of activities available in such a small town, but it clearly certainly caters somewhat to tourists.
Here are some of the main activities to do and see when visiting for the day. You can likely get everything below, or almost everything, done in one day, but just keep in mind that things start to close around 4 or 5 PM.
Visit the Church of La Candelaria
Located in the heart of Areguá, the Church of La Candelaria is a beautiful colonial-era church built in 1862. Its white façade and elevated position offer a picturesque view of the town.
Although the church was closed during my visit, despite both Google and the tourism center indicating it would be open, it was still worth seeing from the outside. The architecture andthe surrounding area allow you to get some good photo opportunities.
Hike Cerro Koi
For those who enjoy a bit of nature, Cerro Koi is a must-visit. This hill is known for its hexagonal sandstone formations, a geological rarity found in only a few places worldwide. The hill used to be a quarry, so you will see various different rock formations throughout the walk up.
The hike to the top is pretty easy, taking about 45 minutes in total, and has a nice panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including of Lake Ypacaraí. While the hike up is quite easy, it’s a nice way to spend an hour or so and get a nice view when visiting Areguá.
Explore the Artisan Market
Areguá is renowned for its pottery and handmade crafts. Walking down the main street, you’ll find numerous vendors selling everything from clay pots to intricate ceramic art. The colors and craftsmanship are a testament to the town’s artistic heritage. It’s a good place to pick up unique souvenirs and support local artisans.
All of the locals are very friendly, and if you speak Spanish, they are happy to talk away to you. They told me that all the items are made from clay and they can be used in the kitchen, even for hot water and microwaving – so you can be sure to safe to buy kitchen items here, as they are beautiful.
Enjoy the Strawberry Season
If you visit during the right time of year, typically from July to October, you’ll experience Areguá’s famous strawberry season. Street vendors line the roads, selling fresh strawberries and a variety of strawberry-based treats like jams, juices, and desserts. The town even hosts an annual Strawberry Expo, celebrating this beloved fruit with festivities and local products.
When I visited in April, I still saw many desserts made and sold by locals that were made with strawberries, however they are likely not as fresh of strawberries as you can find in the strawberry season of Areguá.
Lakefront and The Castle
A short walk from the town center leads you to the shores of Lake Ypacaraí. Here, you’ll find a small castle-like structure known as Castillo Carlota Palmerola. While it resembles a private residence more than a traditional castle, it’s an intriguing sight. I should note that the castle only appears to be open on Sundays, so we didn’t get to go in and visit.
Just a few hundred meters from the castle is the lake. The area around the lake is calm and relaxing, with opportunities for horseback rides and local vendors selling snacks and drinks. It’s a nice spot to relax and take in the serene views after a long day of walking and exploring the town.
What to Expect at the Tourism Center
Before we started exploring too much of Areguá, we stopped by the Tourism Center, which is right near the main square in town (you can Google Maps the exact location).
It’s not a huge building, but it’s clearly marked and easy to find if you’re walking around the center. I always like to stop at places like this first when I’m visiting smaller towns in Paraguay, because you never know what local tips or maps they’ll have—and this one turned out to be super helpful.
Inside, we met a friendly staff member who greeted us and asked if we needed help. He only spoke Spanish, but he made a good effort to speak Spanish slowly and clearly so we could understand everything. Even if your Spanish is still in progress, you’ll be fine—he was patient and happy to help us.
One of the best parts was the free paper map he gave us, which showed all of the main sights around Areguá and San Roque (photo below).
It has helpful icons for where to find the church, Cerro Koi, museums, restaurants, the lake, and more.
He also pointed out places to eat, like Terracotta, which we ended up going to for lunch (more on that in the food section), and told us about some local museums and workshops where we could see more of the handmade clay and art that Areguá is famous for.
If you’re visiting Areguá in Paraguay for the first time, I definitely recommend making the tourism center a first stop. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll get a clear idea of how to organize your day, where to go, and how to get the most out of your visit. Plus, the staff really do care and want you to enjoy your time in their town. Did I mention the locals in Paraguay are always so kind and helpful? Honestly, some of my favourite locals in all of Latin America.
Best Tours in Asuncion and Surrounding Areas
Nature and Wildlife boat tour from Asuncion
Food & Strawberries in Areguá
If you visit between July and October, you’re in for a treat. This period marks the annual Strawberry Expo (Expo Frutilla), a festival celebrating the town’s rich strawberry harvest. The streets come alive with vendors selling tons of strawberry-based products, including:
- Fresh strawberries by the kilo
- Strawberries with whipped cream
- Strawberry jams and liqueurs
- Strawberry pastafrolas (a type of tart)
- Strawberry alfajores
- Strawberry empanadas
- Strawberry ice cream
The region’s humidity and sandy soil, thanks to nearby Lake Ypacaraí, create ideal conditions for strawberry cultivation. During the festival, you can also enjoy cultural performances and even participate in strawberry picking activities.
Top Dining Spots in Areguá
Beyond the strawberry season, Areguá has several restaurants that offer both local and international cuisines. Here are some notable places to consider:
- Terracota Café Resto: Located just 30 km from Asunción, Terracota offers a diverse menu suitable for any time of the day—breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. The ambiance is cozy, with both indoor and outdoor seating
- Don Pablo: Known for its authentic Paraguayan flavors, Don Pablo has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to try traditional dishes and immerse yourself in the local culinary scene
- La Palmera: Offering a mix of South American cuisines, La Palmera is praised for its quality food and pleasant setting. It’s a good choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed environment
- Casa Manolo: If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean or Spanish dishes, Casa Manolo delivers with its European tastes
- Mundo Pizza: For a more casual dining experience, Mundo Pizza serves up delicious stone-baked pizzas with many positive reviews from locals and visitors
While exploring the town, you’ll also come across various street vendors offering local snacks and desserts. These stalls are perfect for grabbing a quick bite or trying something new.
I found most vendors on the street have a Bancard machine, so they typically will accept card. A few of the street vendors accepted took cash, so its good to have at least a few hundred GS on you in cash, but many of them also accept debit and credit cards, sometimes with a minimum purchase amount.
Final Thoughts – My Experience in Areguá
Visiting Areguá in Paraguay was such a nice and relaxing day trip out of the city. I really enjoyed how peaceful and walkable the town was, with lots of small discoveries—local vendors, quiet lake views, and beautiful handmade pottery. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking to slow down and see a more artistic and traditional side of Paraguay.
That said, I wouldn’t say you need more than one full day unless you want to take things really slowly. We were able to see most of the main sights—including Cerro Koi, the artisan street, the church, and the lake—all in one day without rushing.
But one thing to keep in mind: many places close early, especially on weekdays. At around 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., a lot of shops and attractions start shutting down, so if you want to see everything, try to arrive early in the day and plan ahead.
If you’re already living in Paraguay or visiting Asunción for a while, I definitely recommend making time to explore Areguá. It’s close, affordable, and offers something totally different from the city.
FAQ – Areguá in Paraguay
Areguá in Paraguay is about 30 to 45 minutes from Asunción by car or bus, depending on traffic. It’s close enough to visit as a simple day trip.
You can take a Bolt or Uber ride for about 60,000 Gs or catch a local bus for less than $1 USD one way. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a slower ride, the bus is a great option. If you want comfort and speed, go with Bolt.
Areguá is best known for its handmade clay pottery, strawberries, and peaceful views of Lake Ypacaraí. During strawberry season (July–October), the town becomes a hub for all things frutilla.
While strawberry season is extra special, the town’s artisan street, lake area, small hikes, and colonial charm make it worth visiting any time of year.
Yes—Terracotta is a top pick for lunch and was recommended by locals. Other popular options include Don Pablo, La Palmera, and Casa Manolo. You’ll also find plenty of street vendors and dessert stands, especially during strawberry season.
Three Days in Paraguay – My suggested itinerary for making the most of a short visit.
Casa Clari Paraguay – A top-notch spot to eat, sip coffee, or catch live music.
Is Visiting Asunción Worth It? – Should Paraguay’s capital city be on your itinerary? Here’s my take.
Paraguay Digital Nomad Guide – Why Paraguay is an underrated but ideal base for remote workers.
La Cuadrita Asuncion – Where to grab drinks, enjoy local bites, and hang out.
Unique Things in Paraguay – Unusual attractions and quirky aspects of Paraguay you won’t want to miss.
Walking Brazil to Paraguay – What crossing the border on foot is like and what you need to know.
Healthcare in Paraguay – Understand public and private healthcare options for visitors and expats.
El Café de Aca Paraguay – One of my favorite cozy cafes to work or unwind in Asunción.
