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Aregua is a charming colonial town nestled on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí. It’s known for its colorful clay pottery, cobblestone streets, and lush surroundings, combining natural beauty, history, and art.
This post covers Aregua, when to visit, getting around, where to stay, safety, and attractions. We’ll also delve into considerations for those seeking to remain long-term, like living costs and healthcare.
Overview
A highlight of Aregua (Areguá) is its artisanal community. The town has earned a reputation as Paraguay’s pottery capital, and you’ll find handmade ceramics and crafts at nearly every turn. The local artisans proudly showcase their clay creations, ranging from beautifully painted pots to intricate sculptures that capture the essence of Paraguayan culture. A visit to the town’s artisan market is necessary for those who appreciate craftsmanship and want to take home a unique piece of local heritage.
Aregua is also a town of nature lovers. With the nearby Cerro Koi, a striking sandstone hill with unique hexagonal rock formations, and the serene shores of Lake Ypacaraí, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Aregua has its share of colonial architecture and historical landmarks. Iglesia de Aregua is a picturesque church overlooking the town and offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Walking through the old streets, you’ll see remnants of the town’s colonial history blended with the vibrant energy of the local art scene. It’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously.
Aregua may be small, but it’s full of character and charm, making it a convenient day trip for those in the area. It’s also Paraguay’s home for fresh strawberries and jam.
Aregua
- Department: Central
- Population: 86,000
- Official language(s): Spanish and Guarani
- Currency: Guarani/guaranies (₲ or Gs.)
- Climate: Cfa (humid subtropical)
- Safe to visit: Yes
- Cost of living: Low
When to Visit
The best time to visit Aregua is from April to October. During this time, the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These months are ideal for exploring the town’s attractions, enjoying hikes around Cerro Koi, and taking in the scenic beauty of Lake Ypacaraí without the intense heat and humidity of the summer months. Additionally, this period has less rainfall, making it easier to experience all that Aregua offers.
Getting Around
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is the closest airport to Aregua. Paranair is Paraguay’s national airline company. It offers domestic and continental flights to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Chile. Alternatively, LATAM Airlines is the largest airline in Latin America, serving Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.
The closest bus terminal to Aregua is at Avenida Doctor Fernando de la Mora in Asuncion. However, pick-up and drop-off points are available in Capiatá, which is nearby. You will need a transit pass to take local buses.
Uber, Bolt, and taxis are available in Aregua. Rental car dealers are not present.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Aregua include the town center, close to artisan markets, colonial architecture, and cultural attractions, and the Lake Ypacaraí area, which offers beautiful lakeside views and a peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers.
Aregua has a handful of budget-friendly hostels and affordable hotels.
Airbnb is present in Aregua. For long-term stays, you can book one to three months through the platform and then deal with the host privately. Many homeowners and travelers prefer private arrangements to avoid Airbnb’s high fees. You can also search Vrbo for vacation rentals and private homes.
Things to Do
The top things to do in Aregua include:
Artisan Market: Visit the town’s vibrant market to admire and purchase handmade pottery, ceramics, and other local crafts.
Lake Ypacaraí: Relax by the serene lake, enjoy a picnic, or take a boat ride to soak in the natural beauty of Aregua’s famous body of water.
Cerro Koi: Explore this unique sandstone hill known for its rare hexagonal rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Iglesia de Areguá: Discover this picturesque colonial church, a historic landmark offering stunning views of Aregua.
Aregua’s Cultural Events: Attend one of the town’s cultural festivals, such as the Strawberry Festival in August, which celebrates local produce and traditions.
La Casona de Aregua: Visit this charming art gallery in a colonial mansion. It features contemporary art exhibitions and workshops from local artists.
Expo Frutilla: This annual event, which takes place from September through October, features strawberries and related products from local farmers and producers.
Discover more things to do, attractions, and tours in Aregua and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
Aregua doesn’t have a shopping mall, and gyms are limited. The best supermarket in Aregua is Superseis.
Safety and Crime
Aregua is safe to visit. It’s a peaceful town, especially compared to larger cities in Paraguay. The crime rate is relatively low, and visitors enjoy exploring the area.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Aregua’s living costs are low, with accommodation, food, and transportation well below the prices of other major cities.
Dallas, Texas, is a good representation of the average cost of living in the U.S.; it is neither extremely expensive like New York or San Francisco nor particularly cheap like Mississippi or Arkansas.
Aregua’s living costs are roughly 80% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Aregua are 79% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Aregua are 81% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Aregua are 70% lower than in Dallas, TX.
Healthcare
Paraguay’s healthcare system includes public and private hospitals. Public hospitals suffer from supply shortages, overcrowding, and long wait times. Private hospitals charge a premium and provide better care, equipment, and services.
There is one hospital in Aregua, Hospital Distrital de Areguá. Pharmacies include independents and chains, like Punto Farma and Farmacia Catedral.
Health insurance providers are available nationally and locally. They operate in Spanish, so you might consider getting insurance from a company that operates globally, like SafetyWing and WorldTrips. That will make policy and claim management much easier should a medical concern or incident arise.
Real Estate
Visit InfoCasas, REMAX Paraguay, and Century21 Paraguay for Paraguayan real estate and rentals.
Nearby Cities
- Luque
- Capiatá
- San Bernardino
- San Lorenzo
- Asunción
Updated: October 17, 2024