Areguá

Areguá, sitting near the beautiful Ypacaraí Lake, is an underrated spot in Paraguay. This small town, just a quick 30-minute drive from the capital Asunción, has a seriously charming vibe with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial houses.

The town is known as Paraguay's ceramics capital, and you'll find pottery workshops and stores all along the main streets. The local artisans have been keeping these traditions alive for generations, creating pieces that represent Paraguayan culture.

One of the coolest things about Areguá is that it combines natural beauty with cultural significance. The town has the quirky Strawberry Festival each August, where you can try all kinds of strawberry treats. There's also Cerro Koi with its unique hexagonal rock formations that geology buffs will appreciate.

Many locals from Asunción come here on weekends to escape the city rush, enjoying the lakefront views and the more relaxed pace. The food scene is surprisingly good too, with restaurants serving traditional Paraguayan dishes like sopa paraguaya and chipa.

Areguá's history goes back to colonial times when it was established as a settlement in the 16th century. Over time, it became a popular spot for wealthy families to build their summer homes, which explains some of the impressive architecture you'll see around town.