In this guide
Itauguá, about 30 km from Asunción on Route PY02, works as a half-day trip: the historic centre with the Virgen del Rosario church and the San Rafael Museum, the Paseo de los Ilustres, ñandutí lace shops on the highway and, in winter, strawberries in Estanzuela. If you can, go on a weekday afternoon, when the museum is open.
Things to do in central Itauguá
Everything in the old centre is a few blocks apart, so park once and walk.
- Virgen del Rosario church. The starting point: a neoclassical church consecrated in 1908, with a leafy square beside it (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Tip: the best photos are from the front steps.
- San Rafael Museum. Behind the church, with colonial pieces, religious vestments, a carved San Miguel Arcángel and more than 300 ñandutí patterns. According to ABC Color (2023) (opens in a new tab) it opens Monday to Friday, 14:00 to 17:00. Tip: on a Saturday it will be closed.
- Paseo José Asunción Flores. Opposite the church, with a garden, steps and a central fountain. A shady place for a break.
- Paseo de los Ilustres. On General Bernardino Caballero street, between Defensores del Chaco and Teniente Esteban Martínez, one block from the church: murals with portraits and biographies of local figures, and a light walk at night (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab); ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Tip: come back at dusk to see it lit.
- Ñandutí Monument. A metal sculpture by Hermann Guggiari with its own square at the entrance to town (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Where to see and buy ñandutí
- Shops along Route PY02. Ñandutí sellers cluster on the Mcal. Estigarribia highway and around the town hall (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Tip: ask who made a piece and how long it took; large pieces take weeks.
- Centro Cultural Tejedora del Ñandutí. Recommended by SENATUR for buying crafts (SENATUR (opens in a new tab)), and home to the weavers who made the "Cielo de ñandutíes" (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
Bring cash in guaraníes; it is easiest at small stalls.
Nature and strawberries: Estanzuela, Patiño and the lake
- Strawberries in Estanzuela. In Estanzuela, on the border with Areguá, growers sell strawberries and treats (ice cream, empanadas, desserts with cream), and the Areguá–Patiño road has stalls all year (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). The Expo Frutilla is held every winter (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), and in 2026 growers opened their own venue with a playground that opens with the harvest season (Hoy (opens in a new tab)). Tip: go in winter, the harvest season.
- Cerro Patiño and the old station. In Patiño you will find the old railway station and the Cerro Patiño viewpoint (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab); SENATUR (opens in a new tab)). Tip: wear closed shoes, take water and avoid midday in summer.
- Municipal beach and pier on Lake Ypacaraí. Itauguá has a lakeshore with a municipal beach and pier (La Nación, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). Go for the sunset and a walk, not for a swim.
Festivals: when to visit
- Festival Nacional del Ñandutí. A dance contest and main night with music, a ñandutí fair at accessible prices and a food court. In 2025 it reached its 46th edition, with the main night on a Saturday at Club Olimpia, km 32 of Route PY02, from 20:30 and free (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). The date has moved in recent years (it used to be in March), so check the current one.
- Town anniversary, 27 June. Serenade, parade and events on the Paseo de los Ilustres, decorated with umbrellas and ñandutí for San Juan (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
Where to eat
- Strawberry stalls in Estanzuela for an afternoon snack: empanadas, ice cream and juices straight from the growers.
Note: the Municipal Market burned down in May 2026 and vendors moved to the street under awnings while it is rebuilt (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)), so do not plan a meal there.
How to get to Itauguá
From Asunción take Route PY02 (Mcal. Estigarribia), which runs through the whole municipality; it is about 30 km (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Buses heading east on PY02 pass through the centre; get off near the church. By car, allow extra time on long weekends and in December, when traffic to Caacupé fills the highway.
Half-day plan: arrive at 14:00, see the museum and church, walk to the Paseo de los Ilustres, buy ñandutí on the highway, and finish with strawberries in Estanzuela or sunset at the lake.
FAQ
What can I do in Itauguá in half a day?
See the Virgen del Rosario church and San Rafael Museum, walk to the Paseo de los Ilustres, buy ñandutí on Route PY02 and finish with strawberries in Estanzuela or sunset at Lake Ypacaraí.
When is the San Rafael Museum open?
According to ABC Color (2023), Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 17:00.
Where can I eat in Itauguá?
In season, Estanzuela's strawberry stalls make a good snack stop.
How far is Itauguá from Asunción?
About 30 km along Route PY02 Mcal. Estigarribia.
