In this guide
Shopping in Caacupé revolves around the Basilica: in the centre, the Teniente Fariña and Defensores del Chaco plazas hold crafts, souvenirs and stalls, while along Route PY02, which crosses the district (opens in a new tab), you find the shops you reach by car. For something typical, look for chipa and ao po'i in the centre; for pottery and building materials, go to Tobatí. And keep in mind that from late November to 8 December the town changes completely.
Where to shop in Caacupé
- Plaza Teniente Fariña. Right by the Basilica, it is the main selling point for artisans (opens in a new tab), including ao po'i and other textiles. In December it also hosts the tourist information stands (opens in a new tab).
- Plaza Defensores del Chaco, facing the Tupãsy Ykua. By the spring, stalls sell jugs and bottles for carrying the water, T-shirts and souvenirs (opens in a new tab). This is the stop for a religious keepsake or to fill up at the Ykua.
- Behind the Basilica and the former municipal market. Chipa sellers work behind the Basilica and along the side walkway, and some moved into the former Mercado Municipal, with a roof, tables and chairs (opens in a new tab). In 2026 the Municipalidad is restoring the former market and the Paseo Cultural (opens in a new tab), so stalls may shift while work is under way.
- Route PY02. Shops with parking line the highway. Coming from Asunción, 54 km away (opens in a new tab), or heading further inland, you can shop there without entering the centre.
What is worth buying?
- Chipa. What everyone takes home from Caacupé; buy it warm and ask for gifts to be wrapped separately.
- Ao po'i and textiles. Sold by the artisans on Plaza Teniente Fariña. Check seams and finish before paying.
- Religious souvenirs and water jugs. At the stalls facing the Tupãsy Ykua.
- Pottery and building materials. Head to Tobatí, about 17 km away (opens in a new tab): the town best known for ceramics, with brickworks making bricks and tiles on both sides of the road from Caacupé (opens in a new tab). Buying from the producer can save the middleman's freight, but confirm delivery cost before you commit.
How does shopping change in December?
The Virgin's festival runs from 28 November to 8 December (opens in a new tab) and drives the town's year. In 2024 the Municipalidad assigned 1,468 vendor spots (opens in a new tab), and at least 2.5 million pilgrims (opens in a new tab) were projected for 2025. In those weeks homes and shops in the centre sell parking and bathroom use, fairs pop up and stalls multiply.
- If you live in Caacupé, do big shopping before 28 November or after the 8th: the centre fills up and driving is slow.
- From 5 to 8 December heavy vehicles are banned on PY02 (opens in a new tab); schedule deliveries of materials or furniture outside those dates.
- The weekends before the 8th are already busy; for errands, choose a weekday morning.
How to pay
QR is now the main method: 7 in 10 Bancard electronic payments (opens in a new tab) are made by QR. Established shops and those on the highway almost always take it; at plaza stalls and on festival days, bring cash in small notes.
Your rights as a shopper
- Paraguay's consumer protection law, Ley 1334 (opens in a new tab), requires prices to be shown in guaraníes with taxes included.
- Ask for an invoice every time; promotional tags must show the previous price, discount percentage and current price, as Sedeco advises (opens in a new tab).
- If something goes wrong, Sedeco takes complaints online, and 8 in 10 end in an agreement (opens in a new tab).
FAQ
Where can I buy crafts in Caacupé?
On Plaza Teniente Fariña, right by the Basilica, the artisans' main selling point, with ao po'i and other textiles.
Where are souvenirs and water jugs sold at the Tupãsy Ykua?
At the stalls on Plaza Defensores del Chaco, facing the spring, which sell jugs, bottles, T-shirts and souvenirs.
Is it a good idea to shop during the Virgin's festival?
For souvenirs and chipa, yes, as there are more stalls. For big purchases, go before 28 November or after 8 December, when the centre is quieter.
Can you pay by QR in Caacupé?
At most established shops, yes; 7 in 10 Bancard electronic payments are now QR. Bring cash for plaza stalls.
