Areguá

Areguá is a compact colonial town on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí, 31 km southeast of Asunción. It draws visitors with its historic architecture, volcanic rock formations at Cerro Koi, and the annual strawberry festival in August-September. The town offers a slower pace and a relaxing alternative to the capital's bustle.

Areguá is accessible via many paved roads and public bus lines from Asunción. The journey takes roughly an hour by bus. The town is compact enough to explore on foot once you arrive.

The town is compact and best explored on foot. Distances are short—from the central plaza to the hilltop church overlooking the town, and from there to the beach and lake.

Visit in August or September to experience the strawberry festival. The weather is pleasant during these months. Avoid swimming in Lake Ypacaraí due to industrial pollution.

Cerro Koi (Coi) features exceptional volcanic rock formations—geologically rare, found in only two other places globally (South Africa and Canada). The hill offers panoramic views of Areguá and Lake Ypacaraí. La Candelaria Church sits atop a hill overlooking the town. Colonial-style houses are scattered throughout. Casa Amarilla is part art gallery, part antique store, part hostel—once part of Mariscal Lopez's estate.

Areguá Beach (Balneario municipal) is no longer recommended for swimming due to lake pollution from nearby factories. The town itself, with its beautiful colonial buildings, offers a relaxing stroll. Nearby attractions include the Old Railway Station in Patiño.

Areguá is known for garden gnome-style ceramic figurines (depicting Snow White, Princess Fiona, Saints, and Jesus) and plant pots in all sizes. These can be purchased on the street to Luque (Nstr. Señora de la Candelaria).

Despite its small size, Areguá has several restaurants. Street vendors sell hamburgesas in the evening at the main plaza, and doughnuts near the petrol station in the centre. Ariguá Restó Bar on Ruta Capiatá, 100m from Cerro Koi entrance, serves snacks, drinks, and meals (Tu-Sa 09:00-00:00, Su 10:00-00:00, closed Mon).

Small bars playing Latin music can be found around town. For dining with drinks, Ariguá Restó Bar near Cerro Koi offers a full bar.

Accommodation options are limited. Hostel América Latina on Panchito López 9001 offers dorms at Gs.40,000, centrally located near the supermarket, train station, and lake. Pueblo Nomade provides both rooms (US$11) and camping (US$9). La Aparecida B&B Hotel near the lake has doubles at US$40, triples at US$45. OZLI Hotel y Restaurante sits next to the beach with a pool. Note that motels on the road to Luque may be hourly hotels.

Areguá is part of Southern Paraneña region. Nearby destinations include Ybycuí National Park, the strawberry-growing area around Caacupé, and the colonial church town of Itauguá. Asunción is 31 km away for a return trip.