Hiking near Yaguaron
Towns on the Golden Circuit
The towns east of Asuncion will allow you to appreciate beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and rich craftsmanship of the region, as well as gain an understanding of the historical events, such as the War of the Triple Alliance and the Franciscan church presence, that have influenced and made a lasting impression on the culture of Paraguay.
There are more than a dozen towns well worth visiting to the east of Asuncion, typically located about 20-30 minutes apart. To fully appreciate the richness of this region, connect with locals, and embrace the relaxed feeling that is so much a part of this culture, we suggest visiting no more than 5-7 towns in a full day.
One Day History & Folklore Tour >>
(our recommendation if you only have one day)
Many of the towns specialize in a certain artisan craft -- in fact, in many cases, hundreds of people in the community are dedicated to weaving or ceramics and it is a tradition that has passed down for generations.
We take visitors to places your won't find in guidebooks - to the homes of independent artisans where they work and care for their families. Visitors find meeting the artisans, watching a demonstration, and seeing where and how the people live, to be quite informative and inspiring.
Our artisan-friends understand that many of our international traveling guests are traveling lights and aren't "shopping". As part of our commitment to socially responsible tourism and to show our appreciation, we always provide the artisans with an honorarium in gratitude for their time and attention.
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Explore Towns on the Golden Circuit
Aregua
The elegant church at the top of the hill offers one of the best views of Lake Ypacarai. The walk along the cobblestone boulevard past splendid colonial-style houses, many which have been declared cultural heritages. You may want to stop at El Cantaro, a small shop with a well-curated selection of artisan crafts from throughout Paraguay. Aregua is becoming increasingly regarded as an artist town, with a few nice galleries, including Centro Cultural del Lago. Aregua also features a large craft market that stretches for several blocks, not to mention the strawberry festival in the winter (Aug-Sept) and the mango festival in the summer (Jan). Continue past the historic train station to the shores of Lake Ypacarai which, on most days, is frequented by locals walking or relaxing in the park.
Altos
Due to its location in the hills and near the resort town of San Bernardino, Altos has become a favorite place for the wealthy to have homes and there are quite a few new upscale hotels and resto-bars with views of the lake, as well as several farms and cabins specializing in rural tourism. The most important artisan product is the carving of soft balsa (timbó) wood in the shape of animals, mythological beings, and ceremonial masks.
Atyra
Atyra is known as the “cleanest town in Paraguay” and for its hand-crafted leather goods. There is a permanent artisan craft fair featuring local leather products and the possibility of visiting a workshop to see how the leather goods are made. For those with an appreciation of interesting architecture, outside of Atyra, there is a gorgeous retreat center constructed with stunning details – artistic bricks and tiles, ornately carved doorways, and large murals by Paraguayan artist Nino Sotelo.
Photo credit: National Secretary of Tourism (Senatur)
Caacupe
Caacupe is a center of worship for a large number of Paraguayans. This city is well-known for its important religious festival on the eighth of December; more than 300,000 faithful gather here for the festival to honor the virgin of Caacupe, Our Lady of the Miracles. Visit the Basilica, walk up the stairs to see the story of Our Lady of Miracles depicted in murals. Finally, from the rooftop viewing platform, observe the beautiful landscape that surrounds the Basilica.
Capiatá
The mythological museum offers a good introduction to the interesting and complex history of Paraguay with sculptures of Paraguayan mythological creatures, objects and altarpieces from the Franciscan and Jesuit orders, and artifacts from the Triple Alliance and Chaco wars. Capiatá also boasts a fine, historic church and a family of saint-makers (santeros) have their home workshop in Capiatá.
Itá
Itá, meaning "stone" in Guarani, is known for its tradition of ceramic art/pottery made from black clay that is mined nearby. Ceramics are an ancient art form in Paraguay, and non-industrial ceramic-making has been preserved through the centuries. The ceramics range from utilitarian objects, such as water jugs, to decorative figures. The San Blas culture center displays a variety of hand-crafted pottery from a variety of artists. Also, visit the home workshop of a local artisan to watch how the clay is quickly and skillfully molded by hand into various shapes and objects.
For groups, we can organize a truly inspiring workshop in which participants can make their own clay figures. We can also coordinate a visit to the unique music school in Ita where the orchestra students can provide your group with an enchanting short concert.
Itagua
Itagua is renowned for ñanduti (spider web) lace and streets lined with charming colonial houses. The shops in Itaguá offer an incredible display of the variety of colors, sizes, designs and uses for ñanduti, including table and wall decorations, apparel, hats, earrings and more. You can also visit the home patio of an artisan who hand-weaves ñanduti and will provide a demonstration of the technique and skill required to create this popular craft.
Luque
There are a few main attractions in Luque – the jewelry shops, harp and guitar shops, and the soccer museum. Paraguay is one of the countries that preserves the tradition of filigree, an ancient technique that consists of joining fine threads of silver or gold that make up elaborate pieces of jewelry and goldsmiths, forming unique designs that resemble lace. There are many shops in Luque where this beautiful and labor-intensive jewelry can be purchased at reasonable prices. Harp and guitar are the most popular instruments in Paraguayan music. There are several guitars and harp shops in Luque these instruments are hand-crafted, often in workshops behind the stores. The soccer museum is quite interesting and is connected with the South American Soccer Confederation (Conmebol), which is headquartered in Luque, Paraguay.
Paraguarí
Paraguarí is most known for the scenic drive from Paraguarí to Piribebuy through the natural landscapes of the Cordillera hillside region. Paraguarí is also the seat of the Army's Artillery Command and a small Artillery Museum. Paraguarí is the last populated town on the golden circuit before heading east; many travelers stop at the popular La Fruteria restaurant for a snack or meal.
Photo credit: La Fruteria
Pirayú
A small village with colonial homes and old railway station – the only one in the country with two towers. There is an artisan fair at the train station on weekends. There is a wonderful restaurant in Pirayú that offers traditional Paraguayan culinary dishes in a history-themed setting (buffet on weekends and menu options during the week).
Piribebuy
Piribebuy is famous for its ponchos de 60 listas which are only made in Piribebuy and is a skill passed from generation to generation. Visit to the home workshop of a charming and most experienced poncho weaver in the country. Learn about the techniques she uses to weave the fine-threads and hear stories about her learning to weave at the age of seven, as well as the fascinating history of the poncho. During the War of the Triple Alliance, Piribebuy served as the capital of Paraguay (1868-69). Visit the small historical museumwhere the caretaker will recount with energy and pride the important role Piribebuy played in the war and in the history of Paraguay.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino (or SanBer, for short) is a popular beach resort for Paraguayans. In the summer (January-February) the town is full of people and activities, however it is virtually empty the rest of the year. Founded in 1881 by Germans, one can still feel the German influence and visit German restaurants and bakeries. There are crafts stalls near the beach and visitors can enjoy a boat ride or canoeing on Lake Ypacari, a bicycle ride, canopy tours and other adventure activities. There are many good restaurants and hotels in SanBer, including the historic Hotel del Lago, founded in 1887 and beautifully renovated in a way which preserved its history and charm.
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is the first town outside of Asunción and the site of the National University. The Boggiani Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum is focused on the history and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Paraguay and its shop has one of the largest and best selections of indigenous craft in the country. The cathedral in San Lorenzo (completed 1968) has been declared an national monument for its unique neo-gothic style.
Tobatí
Tobatí is the furthest town and often left out of guided tours, but those who make the effort will discover its unique charm. It is a pleasant small town with an interesting church, a large artisan cooperative with all sorts of local crafts beautifully displayed - wood carvings, pottery, sculptures, masks, baskets and more. The major industry in Tobatí is bricks and roofing tiles; these products, produced in traditional factories using hand-molds and wood-fired kilns, supply most of the bricks and tiles used throughout Paraguay and are also exported to neighboring countries.
Yaguarón
Yaguarón is best known for San Buenaventura church, one of the most beautiful, well maintained and valuable examples of Franciscan construction and art in Paraguay. In addition to being one of the first Franciscan settlements, Yaguarón is also considered the “cradle of Guarani mythology” and according to legend the mythological creatures lived and died on the hill at the edge of town. Paseo de los Mitos, features murals depicting Guarani mythological creatures and those that hike to the top of the hill can see a 500 year old cross, visit an Oratory, make a wish in footprints of Saint Thomas and appreciate an amazing view of the surrounding countryside. Finally, Yaguarón is also recognized as the birthplace of Dr. Francia “El Supremo”, the first dictator of Paraguay 1814-1849, whose childhood home has been converted into a museum.
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