Paraguay, the heart of South America, offers a unique blend of Guaraní indigenous culture and Spanish colonial heritage. From the vibrant capital of Asunción along the Paraguay River to the historic Jesuit Missions and the stunning natural beauty of the Chaco region, this landlocked nation provides an authentic South American experience away from typical tourist crowds.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Ñandutí Lace
Intricate spider-web lace made in Itauguá, one of Paraguay's most iconic handicrafts with colorful geometric patterns. Available as tablecloths, doilies, and decorative items.
Price: $5-80
Where: Itauguá artisan market, Mercado 4, Asunción handicraft shops
Paraguayan Harp
Handcrafted traditional harps made by skilled artisans in Luque, central to Paraguayan folk music. Smaller travel-size versions available for purchase.
Price: $150-800
Where: Luque guitar and harp workshops, specialty music stores
Ao Po'i Embroidery
Delicate hand-embroidered cotton fabric unique to Paraguay, featuring intricate floral designs. Used for clothing, tablecloths, and decorative items.
Price: $15-100
Where: San Miguel artisan market, Asunción craft fairs, Mercado 4
Areguá Pottery
Hand-painted ceramics crafted by artisans in the colonial town of Areguá, featuring indigenous motifs and bright colors. Plates, vases, and decorative pieces.
Price: $8-60
Where: Areguá artisan shops along main street, weekend markets
Yerba Mate & Tereré Kit
Paraguay's national drink set including yerba mate blend, guampa (drinking vessel), and bombilla (metal straw). Essential for experiencing Paraguayan culture.
Price: $10-40
Where: Mercado 4, supermarkets, specialty stores throughout Asunción
Filigree Jewelry
Gold and silver filigree jewelry crafted with exceptional skill in Luque, featuring delicate twisted wire work forming flowers and geometric patterns.
Price: $20-200
Where: Luque jewelry workshops, Asunción boutiques
Poyví Hammock
Handwoven cotton hammocks in traditional Paraguayan styles, perfect for home use. Durable and crafted with indigenous weaving techniques.
Price: $25-70
Where: Mercado 4, roadside markets, indigenous craft stalls
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado 4
Latin America's largest informal market covering several city blocks, selling everything from fresh produce and electronics to handicrafts and clothing. A genuine slice of Paraguayan daily life.
Where: Pettirossi, Asunción
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Itauguá Artisan Market
Open-air market dedicated to the famous ñandutí lace craft, where artisans weave intricate patterns using traditional methods. Best visited weekday mornings when craftswomen actively weave.
Where: Central square, Itauguá, 30km from Asunción
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Areguá Artisan Market
Weekend market in the charming colonial town on Lake Ypacaraí, featuring ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and local strawberry products from numerous artists and craftspeople.
Where: Main street, Areguá
Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Luque Craft District
Cluster of workshops and shops in Paraguay's 'City of Guitars' where artisans produce handmade harps, guitars, and filigree jewelry. Tours of workshops available.
Where: Centro, Luque
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mercado Municipal de Encarnación
Traditional covered market in Paraguay's second-largest city offering fresh produce, local spices, handicrafts, and border trade goods from nearby Argentina.
Where: Centro, Encarnación
Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Villa Morra
Asunción's most fashionable neighborhood with boutique stores, international brands, and modern shopping centers along Mariscal López avenue. Popular with middle and upper class Paraguayans.
Best for: Fashion, electronics, dining
Shopping del Sol
Premier shopping destination in Asunción with department stores, restaurants, cinema, and supermarket. Air-conditioned comfort makes it popular during hot summer months.
Best for: International brands, electronics, food court
Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
Palma and Estrella streets in downtown Asunción lined with small shops, souvenir vendors, and traditional commerce. Authentic Paraguayan shopping experience at budget prices.
Best for: Souvenirs, traditional goods, local products
Ciudad del Este Commercial District
One of the world's largest duty-free shopping areas near the Brazil border, offering electronics, perfumes, and goods at significant discounts. Draws millions of Brazilian shoppers annually.
Best for: Electronics, perfumes, luxury goods at lower prices
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Shopping del Sol
Asunción's flagship mall with over 150 stores, cinema, food court, and supermarket. Houses major international brands alongside local retailers. Free parking available.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Paseo La Galería
Modern shopping center in Villa Morra district with boutique stores, restaurants, and café spaces. More intimate than Shopping del Sol with upscale atmosphere.
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Shopping Mariscal López
Mid-size mall on Asunción's main commercial avenue with fashion stores, electronics shops, and food court. Convenient for travelers staying in Villa Morra area.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monalisa Shopping (Ciudad del Este)
Large commercial center in Ciudad del Este specializing in electronics, perfumes, and imported goods. Multiple floors of vendors offering duty-free pricing near Brazil border.
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at Mercado 4 and informal markets but not in malls or formal stores
Start by offering 60-70% of the initial price and work toward a middle ground
Buying multiple items from the same vendor often leads to better deals
Cash payments typically receive better prices than card transactions at markets
Prices in Ciudad del Este are negotiable especially when buying multiple electronics items
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export pre-Columbian artifacts, indigenous cultural items, or native wildlife. Antiques require documentation.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund system for tourists currently in operation
Duty Free: Travelers can import up to $300 worth of goods duty-free. Ciudad del Este has special duty-free zone status.
Shipping: International shipping available from Asunción post office and private courier services. Fragile handicrafts best hand-carried.