After the Maratón Internacional de Asunción: Areguá

The Route: Asunción hotel → Areguá → Asunción hotel Logistics: Areguá is about 28 km from Asunción. A guided excursion or a private transfer is the simplest way to go, and a tourist-office listing advertises an outing of about six hours leaving the central tourist office at 08:00. Check the current departures before you plan around it. Marathon Month: August Duration: 1 day

Asunción hotel ──(about 28 km, transfer or tour)──> Areguá
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                                  Craft shops, lakeside lunch, short walks
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Asunción hotel ◄──(same way back)──────────────────────┘

The morning after a marathon is a poor time to negotiate public transport in a language you may not speak, so Areguá is best done with a driver. The town sits above Lake Ypacaraí and is known for its pottery, which fills shop windows and spills onto pavements. The pace is slow and the stops are short, which suits a body that has just run two laps of the Costanera.

August in Areguá: August is the end of the dry winter. Days are mild and often bright, mornings are cool and rain is uncommon, though not impossible. A light layer is enough.

Getting There

Ask your hotel to book a driver for the day, agreeing a price and a return time before you leave. If you prefer a guided outing, the tourist office lists an excursion of about six hours from its central office, but a departure on the day you want is not guaranteed. Public buses run on the route, but the timetable and journey time are worth checking locally rather than trusting.

The Day

The craft shops cluster in the centre, and most can be seen in a gentle loop of the main streets. Prices are modest for small pieces, and wrapping is usually offered for the journey home. The town climbs towards its church. The approach is uphill, so take a car or taxi rather than walking it on tired legs.

Allow time for a long lakeside lunch, which is the other reason to come. Opening hours for shops and small museums vary, so ask your driver where to stop and check each before committing the afternoon.

Where to Eat

Restaurants near the lake serve Paraguayan dishes such as grilled meat and soups, and weekday service is usually quieter than the weekend. Ask your driver or hotel for a table, and book if you are a group.

Where to Stay

This is a day trip, so keep your Asunción hotel. Options near the historic centre include Palmaroga Hotel Asuncion, Granados Park and Hotel Guaraní, any of which can arrange a driver for the day.

Getting Home