28 km from Asuncion, the capital city of Paraguay is the city of Aregua, located between rolling hills and the beautiful Ypacarai Lake. The exquisite rock formation that surrounds the city is one of the only three found in the world. The city still retains its colonial architecture and the old cobbled streets, which offer it a distinctive look while making it an attractive tourist destination. Aregua also produces one of the best and the largest amount of strawberries in Paraguay, which is why it is nicknamed “City of Strawberries”. The city is also home to skilled artisans whose works are showcased in various exhibitions that take place in the city throughout the year.
The town was originally named “Tapaichua” when Domingo Martinez de Irala founded it in 1538. During the initial stages of the Spanish colonization, it was a cattle-raising farm, but by the end of the 19th century, Aregua became a summer resort for writers, intellectuals and artists. Today the main occupation of the inhabitants is strawberry farming and every year in August, a Strawberry Festival takes place where the producers exhibit their fruit. Pottery craft is also another occupation of the local inhabitants. Works of craftsmen from all over the region are exhibited in the Centro Artesanal de la Cuenca, an exhibition center in Aregua. Also there are several art galleries that you can visit here.
Lake Avenue or the Avenida del Lago is the town’s historical area and gives you an enthralling experience as you walk down the church at the top, right down to the bank of the Lake Ypacarai, which is the most popular attraction of Aregua without doubt. The Koi Hill, which is a declared Natural Monument, is famous for its exotic rock formations that have been formed by igneous rocks and are the only formations besides those in Canada and South Africa to exist in the world. The Koi Hills along with the Chorori Hills are great tourist attractions. If you want to go fishing, you could visit the ecological club, Isla Valle.
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