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Luque is a cultural, sports, and artistic hub that stands out for its calm atmosphere, vibrant silverwork, intricate filigree jewelry, and rich musical traditions. Visitors will also enjoy Luque’s charming blend of tradition, history, and modernity, which makes it a worthwhile destination in Paraguay.
This post covers Luque, 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 cost of living, healthcare, and real estate sites.
Overview
Luque is a city of contrasts, where the past and present meet in a dance of artistry, history, and modern-day culture. The small town is ideal for those looking to experience Paraguay beyond the well-trodden paths and main cities like Asuncion, Ciudad del Este, and Encarnacion.
Luque is strongly connected to the harp and guitar, Paraguay’s traditional musical instruments. The city is home to talented artisans who have mastered making these instruments, and it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a workshop where you can see the intricate craftsmanship in action. Music lovers will find a treasure trove of history here, as Luque plays a vital role in preserving Paraguay’s musical heritage.
Luque’s National Aviation Museum is a fascinating stop for those interested in local history. Exhibits showcase Paraguay’s aviation history, and the museum gives insight into the country’s contributions to flight technology and military history. Luque is also home to CONMEBOL, South America’s Football Confederation, adding an extra layer of pride for sports enthusiasts, with several football matches played in its stadiums.
Luque is an up-and-coming city and houses Paraguay’s primary airport. For those and other reasons, many travelers and expats make Luque their home instead of different towns in the area.
Luque
- Department: Central
- Population: 300,000
- 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 Luque is during the shoulder seasons, specifically from April to June and September to November. These months fall outside the busy summer and holiday periods, offering more pleasant weather and fewer tourists. You can enjoy a more relaxed experience while enjoying comfortable weather and the local charm.
Getting Around
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is Luque’s and Paraguay’s main airport. 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.
Rental car options include Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Localiza. Consider getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to ensure local authorities understand your driving license. An IDP will certify and translate your home country’s license for use abroad, which will be incredibly convenient in Paraguay, where English speakers are limited.
Luque’s central bus terminal is at Avenida Doctor Fernando de la Mora in Asuncion. You will need a transit pass to take local buses.
Uber, Bolt, and taxis are available in Luque.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Luque include Zarate Isla, Barrio America, Primer Barrio, Campo Grande, Loma Merlo, Barrio Julio Correa, Centro, Cuarto Barrio, Mora Kue, and Marambure.
Luque offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels.
Airbnb is present in Luque. 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
Here’s a list of the top things to do in Luque:
Museo del Futbol Sudamericano is a tribute to football’s history and legends, featuring photos, trophies, and memorabilia.
Museo Aeronáutico: Explore Paraguay’s aviation history with exhibits on aircraft and the country’s military contributions.
Filigree Jewelry Workshops: Discover Luque’s renowned silver filigree craftsmanship by visiting local artisans and observing the intricate process of jewelry making.
Santuario Virgen del Rosario de Luque: This historic church with beautiful architecture is a central religious and cultural landmark in Luque.
Centro: Walk along Cerro Cora and Av. Corrales to explore Luque’s commerce sector.
Plaza Mcal. López y Plaza Gral. Aquino: This park and playground offer fun for the entire family. A few eateries are around the corner on Mariscal Lopez Street.
Plaza Madero: Eat, shop, and watch or play sports at this small shopping plaza. You can also visit Shopping Estación los Jardines for food, fashion, events, and entertainment.
Parque Ñu Guasu: This large park offers green spaces for outdoor activities like cycling, jogging, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon in nature.
Estadio Feliciano Cáceres: Check out this historic stadium, home to one of Paraguay’s oldest football clubs, Sportivo Luqueño, and catch a local match if you can!
Local Markets: Experience the vibrancy of Luque’s traditional markets, where you can find everything from handcrafted jewelry to local produce and street food.
Music and Harp Workshops: Luque is famous for its traditional harp making, so visiting a workshop where luthiers make these instruments is a unique cultural experience.
Discover more activities and tours in Luque and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Luque are Shopping Estación los Jardines, Plaza Madero, and Centro Comercial Luqueño.
Luque’s best gyms include Smart Fit, Zona Fit, and Full Fitness Gym.
The best supermarkets in Luque are Superseis, Los Jardines, Comercial San Cayetano, and Comercial Virgen del Rosario.
Safety and Crime
Luque is safe to visit. However, like any urban area, staying cautious is essential, especially at night. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, especially in crowded places or markets, so keeping valuables secure and aware of your surroundings is advisable. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Luque’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.
Luque’s living costs are about 76% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Luque are 78% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Luque are 77% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Luque 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.
Sanatorio La Paz, Hospital General de Luque, and Traumatocenter are Luque’s best hospitals and medical centers. Pharmacies include independents and chains, including Farmacenter, 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.
Mobile and Internet
Tigo, Claro, and Personal lead Paraguay’s mobile, T.V., and internet sectors.
If planning a short visit to Paraguay, consider buying an eSim to save on roaming fees. Nomad and Jetpac offer the best rates and plans.
Real Estate
Visit InfoCasas, REMAX Paraguay, and Century21 Paraguay for Paraguayan real estate and rentals.
Nearby Cities
- Asunción
- San Lorenzo
- Limpio
- Capiatá
- Mariano Roque Alonso
Updated: October 17, 2024