Luque

Luque is a major city in Central department, part of the Greater Asunción metropolitan area. It is Paraguay's fourth-largest city, with a population of roughly 300,000, and serves as the nation's craft capital, particularly known for silver filigree (filigrana) jewellery. The city is also home to the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport and Paraguay's national football stadium, Estadio Defensores del Chaco. Luque has a lively commercial centre and a strong artisan tradition that draws both local and international visitors. The climate is subtropical, with hot humid summers and mild winters; May–September offers the best conditions.

By Plane

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is located within Luque, about 5 km from the city centre. Taxis to the centre cost GS.30,000–50,000.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Luque is 10 km east of Asunción city centre (20–30 min by car, longer in peak traffic). Buses from Asunción run every 5–10 min (GS.3,000–5,000, 30–45 min).

Local buses and taxis serve the metropolitan area. The artisan district near the centre is walkable.

• Filigree workshops – Numerous family-run workshops where artisans create intricate silver filigree jewellery. Many welcome visitors.

• Estadio Defensores del Chaco – Paraguay's national football stadium, home to the national team.

• Centro Artesanal de Luque – The main craft market, selling filigree, leather goods, and ceramics.

• Iglesia de la Encarnación – A historic church in the city centre.

• Watch filigree artisans at work – Visit a silver workshop to see the delicate handcrafting process.

• Football match – Catch a game at Estadio Defensores del Chaco when the national team plays.

• Airport plane spotting – The airport perimeter offers views of aircraft movements.

• Lomitería Luque – A popular spot for lomito sandwiches, GS.20,000–30,000.
• Pizzería Don Remolo – Italian-Paraguayan fusion, GS.30,000–50,000.
• Comedor del Mercado – Inexpensive market lunches, GS.12,000–20,000.

Bars and cafés near the main square. Tereré is consumed throughout the day. Tap water is not recommended.

• Budget: Hospedaje Luque, basic rooms near the centre, from GS.50,000.
• Mid-range: Hotel Aeropuerto, convenient for airport transfers, doubles GS.150,000–200,000.

• Filigree silver jewellery – Luque is the place to buy Paraguayan silver filigree; prices are significantly lower than in tourist shops in Asunción. Earrings from GS.30,000, necklaces from GS.80,000.
• Centro Artesanal – One-stop craft shopping with fixed prices.

• Asunción (10 km west) – The capital, with its historic centre, museums, and dining.
• San Lorenzo (8 km south) – University city with a lively student atmosphere.
• Areguá (20 km east) – Lakeside town known for strawberries and ceramics.