Itaugua

Itauguá is a city in eastern Central department, known as the national capital of ñandutí lace, a delicate spiderweb-style embroidery that is one of Paraguay's most celebrated handicrafts. The city's name means "stone water" in Guaraní. Itauguá has a strong artisan tradition, with many families producing ñandutí in their homes and selling from small workshops. The city also has a historic colonial church and a pleasant main square. The climate is subtropical; best visited May–September.

By Plane

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Luque is about 20 km west.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Itauguá is on Route PY02, about 20 km east of Asunción (30 min). Buses from Asunción run every 15–20 min (GS.4,000–6,000, 40–50 min).

The centre is walkable. Taxis are available for trips to outlying workshops.

• Ñandutí workshops – See artisans creating the intricate lace. Several workshops welcome visitors. Pieces range from small GS.20,000 coasters to large GS.300,000 tablecloths.

• Iglesia de San Miguel – A colonial-era Franciscan church on the main square.

• Museo del Ñandutí – A small museum dedicated to the history and technique of ñandutí lace.

• Watch lace-making demonstrations – Artisans are happy to explain the process.

• Lace shopping – Buy directly from producers at significantly lower prices than in Asunción.

• Comedor Itauguá – Inexpensive platos del día, GS.12,000–20,000.
• Pizzería Centro – Pizza and empanadas, GS.20,000–35,000.

Tereré shops and bottled drinks.

• Budget: Hospedaje Itauguá, basic rooms from GS.40,000.

• Ñandutí lace – The reason to visit. Coasters, doilies, table runners, clothing, and wall hangings. Prices start at GS.20,000 for small pieces.
• Craft fair – Occasional artisan fairs in the main square.

• Asunción (20 km west) – Capital attractions.
• Areguá (10 km south) – Lakeside town with strawberries and ceramics.
• Caacupé (25 km east) – Paraguay's main pilgrimage destination.