Part museum, part gallery, part cultural center, there is always something going on at El Cantaro. Activities range from pottery and woodcarving lessons lead by a group of artisans to film screenings. The Almacen de Arte features a varied collection of local folk art. A current calendar of events is available on their website. Tel: 0291 432 954, corner of Mariscal Estigarribia and Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, www.cantaroaregua.blogspot.com,www.el-cantaro.com, Tues-Sun 9:30am-6pm Centro Cultural del Lago
Half a block from Aregua’s plaza the Centro Cultural del Lago displays high quality pieces from various artisans. Though the majority of pieces are ceramics, there are some beautiful indigenous works in wood as well. Be sure not to miss the endearing diorama of the town of Aregua celebrating its patron saint festival. There is also a small screening room where national and international movies are shown once a week. The center’s founder, Ysanne Gayet (an English woman) is happy to explain the pieces and speaks English. The majority of the items, along with several books on Paraguayan art, are available for purchase. Tel: 0291 432 293, 0291 432 633, Yegros almost at Avenida Mariscal Francisco Solano Lopez (next to Don Pablo), Summer: Thurs-Sun 10am-7pm, Winter Thurs-Sun 10am-5pm, on Facebook Iglesia Virgen de la Candelaria
Glowing white against a bright blue sky, Aregua’s main church is located on a highpoint overlooking the town’s historic section. Extending in front of the church is a terrace and sloped grassy area with many benches, perfect spots for enjoying the view of Lake Ypacaraf Mariscal Estigarribia and Teniente Rojas Silva Museo del Mueble Paraguayo
A labor of love by Carlos Colombino, one of Paraguay’s pre-eminent artists, this museum features furniture from the 18th and 19th century. About 80 percent of the furniture, from chairs and tables to confessionals come from Colombino’s private collection. Everything is well displayed in a uniquely shaped building with multiple levels and an airy interior. Climb to the very top for a nice view of the lush trees and Lake Ypacaraf in the distance. The museum is located on the outskirts of town but well worth the trip. Tel: 0291 432 833, Calle Palma almost at Estacion Terrena, From Aregua’s church (corner of Mariscal Estigarribia and Teniente Rojas Silva) continue uphill on Mariscal Estigarriba (at this point known as the ramal Capiata Aregua ) approximately one kilometer until you see a paved turn off to your left with a taxi stand on the corner (ramal a Estacion Terrena). Turn left and continue down this road for another one kilometer. When the road curves left, follow the unpaved right-hand fork approximately 150 meters and the museum will be on your left behind a brick wall with a metal entrance gate. If asking for directions use la casa de Colombino as a reference point. It is also possible to take a bus from Aregua’s main plaza to the turn off along the ramal Capiata-Aregua from which a taxi to the museum should cost between Gs. 5,000 and 10,000. Taxis from town (there is a stand at the corner of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria and Mariscal Estigarribia) should be about Gs. 15,000, Tues-Sun 2pm to 5pm Cerro Koi & Cerro Chorori
Approximately one kilometer from the center of town are the geological formations of Cerro Koi and Cerro Chorori. Jutting diagonally out of the hillside, these fine examples of columnar sandstone are quite rare – the only other such formations in the entire world are found in Canada and South Africa. Unfortunately the formations’ popularity among tourists along with their relatively unpopulated location have made visitors to the area a favorite target for thieves. It is highly recommended to arrange ahead of time for a local police officer to accompany you in your vehicle. This can be done through Aregua’s police station (the comisaria de Aregua) which is located on the corner of Yegros and Teniente Rojas Silva across from the church ( Tel: 0291 432 206). To reach the formations from Aregua’s church (corner of Mariscal Estigarribia and Teniente Rojas Silva) continue uphill on Mariscal Estigarriba (at this point known as the ramal Capiata Aregua ) approximately two kilometers (you will pass a taxi stand on your left) and take the left-hand turn off on to a dirt road and continue 250 meters, then take a right and continue another 250 meters Expo Frutilla
In addition to ceramics, Aregua is known for its abundant strawberry harvest. Each August and September strawberry farmers from the community of Estanzuela hold a strawberry festival along the road between Aregua and YpacaraL The roadside stands sell all types of strawberry products from delicious jams, smoothies, liquors and, of course, baskets overflowing with fresh berries. Prices are as low as Gs. 10,000 to Gs.15,000 per kilo. Ruta Luque-Aregua at km 32.5 just past the center of town. Take the Ypacarai bus (which can be caught from the Asuncion bus terminal or from Avenida Argentina, Avenida San Martin or Avenida Aviadores del Chaco) and ask to be dropped off at the Expo Frutilla (when you start seeing stands on the left-hand side you’ll know you ‘re there).
Espacio Cultural Almacen de Arte “El Cantaro Photo Gallery
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