In this guide
With kids, Itauguá works as a short day out: strawberries and a playground in Estanzuela, sunset by Lake Ypacaraí and an evening walk in the centre to see ñandutí lace and the lit-up Paseo de los Ilustres. It is about 30 km from Asunción on the PY02 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so there is no need to stay overnight.
Estanzuela: strawberries and a playground
This is the stop kids like most. Growers in the Estanzuela district opened their own sales hall under the Delicias de Estanzuela brand, with a children's playground (Hoy, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). According to La Nación (June 2026) (opens in a new tab), it sits at km 33 of the Areguá–Patiño road, has parking and toilets, and opens Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 19:00.
- What to eat: strawberries with whipped cream, strawberry empanadas and homemade ice cream; stalls along the Areguá–Patiño road sell year-round (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- When to go: the main harvest is July and August (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)), and the Expo Frutilla runs every winter (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Outside that window you will find desserts and preserves but less fresh fruit.
- Tip: go in the morning before the heat, and park at the hall rather than on the road shoulder.
The lake and the hill
- Municipal beach and pier. Itauguá has about 4 km of shore on Lake Ypacaraí, with the municipal beach in Estanzuela (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). It is one of the most visited spots for resting and photos (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Treat it as a sunset walk, not a swim.
- Cerro Patiño and the old station. The Patiño district has the hill's viewpoint and the former railway station (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab); SENATUR (opens in a new tab)). With small children, the station and a short stretch are enough; wear closed shoes and bring water for the climb.
On 35 to 40 °C days, Paraguay's health ministry advises activity between 6:00 and 10:00 or 18:00 and 22:00 and drinking water often (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). With kids, that means Estanzuela in the morning and the lake at sunset.
The centre: church, museum and lace
Everything is a few blocks apart, so park once and walk.
- Virgen del Rosario church and Paseo José Asunción Flores. Opposite the church, the paseo has a garden, steps and a central fountain (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)), a good place for kids to run around.
- San Rafael Museum. Next to the church, with a carved wooden Saint Michael and more than 300 ñandutí samplers. Open Monday to Friday, 14:00 to 17:00 (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)), so it only fits a weekday visit.
- Paseo de los Ilustres. On General Bernardino Caballero street, between Defensores del Chaco and Teniente Esteban Martínez, with murals of notable locals and lights at night (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)); since 2022 it has a canopy of ñandutí, the "Cielo de Ñandutíes" (Última Hora, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Go after 19:00 to see it lit.
- Ñandutí Monument. Hermann Guggiari's 18-metre metal sculpture at the start of the urban area (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A quick photo stop.
To show kids how the lace is made, SENATUR recommends the Centro Cultural Tejedora del Ñandutí (SENATUR (opens in a new tab)).
If it rains or it is too hot
Paseo Guaraní, at km 30.5 of the PY02, is an open-air shopping centre built around food and shops (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)); SENATUR lists an air-conditioned, family-friendly ice-cream café there with parking (SENATUR (opens in a new tab)). Good for an indoor snack.
Note that the Municipal Market burned in May 2026 and vendors moved to awnings on the street while it is rebuilt (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Do not count on it for a family meal.
Festivals for families
- National Ñandutí Day, second Sunday of October. In 2025 there was a craft fair and food court on Saturday in the church square and a float parade on Sunday at 10:00 along Teniente Esteban Martínez (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Arrive early to park.
- Festival Nacional del Ñandutí. In 2025 the main night was a Saturday at Club Olimpia, km 32 of the PY02, from 20:30, free, with a craft fair and food court (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Late for little ones, so bring a jacket and plan the ride home.
- Town anniversary, 27 June. In 2022 there was a San Juan party on a pedestrianised Paseo de los Ilustres and a free serenade (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
A one-day plan and getting there
- 9:00: Estanzuela for strawberries and the playground (weekends or holidays).
- 12:00: lunch and rest; if it is hot, a snack at Paseo Guaraní.
- 17:00: municipal beach for sunset.
- 19:00: the centre, the lit Paseo de los Ilustres and a photo at the Ñandutí Monument.
From Asunción, take the PY02 Mariscal Estigarribia, which runs through the town (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A car makes Estanzuela and the lake much easier. Carry cash for small stalls.
FAQ
What can families do in Itauguá?
Pick up strawberries and use the playground at the Estanzuela growers' hall, watch sunset at the municipal beach on Lake Ypacaraí, and walk the lit Paseo de los Ilustres in the evening.
When is the Estanzuela strawberry hall open?
According to La Nación (June 2026), Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 19:00, at km 33 of the Areguá–Patiño road, with a playground, toilets and parking.
When is strawberry season in Itauguá?
The main harvest is July and August and the Expo Frutilla takes place in winter. Stalls on the Areguá–Patiño road sell strawberry treats year-round.
Can you visit the San Rafael Museum at the weekend?
No. According to ABC Color, it opens Monday to Friday, 14:00 to 17:00.
