In this guide
Shopping in Itauguá happens in two places: Route PY02, which runs through the town and splits it almost in half (opens in a new tab), and the old centre around the Virgen del Rosario church and Plaza Martín de Barúa. The route has the ñandutí lace shops and the Paseo Guaraní strip mall; the centre is for errands on foot. Strawberries come from Estanzuela. Carry cash and a QR-enabled banking app, and note that the municipal market burned down in May 2026.
Where are the shops in Itauguá?
- Along Route PY02 (Mcal. Estigarribia). This is the town's spine: shops with parking, lace stores and places that open early. Itauguá sits about 30 km from Asunción (opens in a new tab), so many people shop on the way through. Tip: pick a shop on your side of the road; crossing or turning back at rush hour eats time.
- Paseo Guaraní, km 30.5. An open-air shopping centre built to bring food, retail and a cinema together (opens in a new tab). Paraguay's tourism office lists an air-conditioned ice-cream and pastry shop with parking (opens in a new tab) there. Handy for several errands with one parking spot, or for a cool break on a hot day.
- Historic centre. The church, the plaza and the market area are a few blocks apart (opens in a new tab). Park once and walk.
- Outlying districts. Itauguá Guasú, Mbocajaty and Estanzuela have fewer shops. The national hospital, Gran Hospital Nacional (opens in a new tab), is in Itauguá Guasú; if you are visiting a patient, look for places that deliver to the hospital.
What happened to the municipal market?
The Mercado Municipal caught fire on 10 May 2026. The blaze started in the food-stall area around 2 p.m. (opens in a new tab), and the next day vendors were setting up under awnings in the street (opens in a new tab) while investigators began their work. If you used to shop there for meat, clothes or a cheap lunch, don't plan around the building: ask your usual vendor where they are trading now.
Where to buy ñandutí lace and crafts
- Shops on PY02 and near the town hall. That is where the lace shops cluster (opens in a new tab). Ask who made a piece and how long it took: a large tablecloth takes weeks, which explains the price.
- Centro Cultural Tejedora del Ñandutí. The national tourism office recommends it for crafts (opens in a new tab), and it is home to the weavers behind the town's "Cielo de ñandutíes" canopy (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
- During the festivals. National Ñandutí Day falls on the second Sunday of October. In 2025 there was a craft fair and food court by the church on the Saturday (opens in a new tab) and a float parade on the Sunday. Good for choice; bad for a quick errand downtown.
Where to buy strawberries and farm produce
In Estanzuela, on the border with Areguá, growers sell strawberries and treats made with them: ice cream, turnovers and desserts with whipped cream. Along the Areguá–Patiño road they sell year-round (opens in a new tab). In May 2026 the growers opened their own site with a sales hall and a playground (opens in a new tab), which opens with the harvest season. Tip: winter brings more fruit and bigger crowds; go early if you want several boxes.
How to pay
- QR codes: the most common electronic payment in Paraguay; in April 2026, 68.1% of electronic payments on the Bancard network were QR (opens in a new tab).
- Cash in guaraníes: still the easiest option at small stalls, fairs and strawberry stands.
- Pix: Bancard merchants can accept Pix from Brazilian accounts (opens in a new tab), but not all have switched it on. Ask first.
- Receipts and sales: the consumer agency Sedeco says every sale must come with an invoice (opens in a new tab), and a sale sign must show the previous price, the discount percentage and the current cash price.
When to avoid the highway
In December the pilgrimage to Caacupé brings traffic diversions on PY02 (opens in a new tab) through Itauguá. Shop early on those days or stick to the centre, away from the route. Long weekends bring similar traffic heading inland.
A morning plan: errands on foot in the centre, lace on the highway, lunch or ice cream at Paseo Guaraní, and strawberries in Estanzuela on the way home.
FAQ
Where can I buy ñandutí lace in Itauguá?
At the shops along Route PY02 and around the town hall, and at the Centro Cultural Tejedora del Ñandutí, which the national tourism office recommends. Bring cash for small stalls.
Is the Itauguá municipal market open?
The building burned on 10 May 2026 and vendors moved into the street under awnings. Ask your vendor where they are trading before you go.
Where can I buy strawberries near Itauguá?
In Estanzuela, along the Areguá–Patiño road, where growers sell year-round. Since May 2026 they have their own site with a sales hall.
Can I pay by QR or Pix in Itauguá?
QR is the most used electronic payment in Paraguay. Bancard merchants can accept Pix, but not all do, so ask first and carry some cash.
