Asunción’s markets and craft traditions make it an easy city for finding meaningful souvenirs. Shops, stalls, and museum stores sell items that reflect local materials and techniques, so you can bring home things people actually use here.

This guide covers items you can find across the city, not a single street or store. It points out how to judge quality, what packs well, and what to avoid.

1. Yerba mate (bag of loose leaves)

• Why it’s worth buying: Drinking mate or tereré is part of daily life here. A good package lets you share a local ritual at home.
• Where to look: In central markets and grocery stalls across the city.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Check for a recent packaging date and a clean, green aroma.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place the sealed bag inside a plastic bag to avoid spills.

2. Bombilla (metal straw)

• Why it’s worth buying: A sturdy bombilla is a practical, long-lasting tool for mate drinking. Many are made from stainless steel or alpaca metal.
• Where to look: At independent shops that sell kitchenware and local goods.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Look for a solid mouthpiece and a blocked filter that doesn’t unclog easily.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap it in clothing or a small sleeve to prevent bending.

3. Guampa (gourd cup)

• Why it’s worth buying: Traditional guampas carry cultural meaning and are used for cool tereré as well. They come in plain or polished finishes for display or daily use.
• Where to look: In markets run by local artisans and co‑ops.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: A smoothly sanded interior and a tight finish indicate proper drying and craftsmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pad the guampa with soft garments and keep it in carry-on.

4. Ñandutí lace (decorative lace)

• Why it’s worth buying: Ñandutí is a hand-stitched lace technique with delicate geometric designs. Small pieces frame well and last if kept dry.
• Where to look: At galleries and artisan booths that handle traditional textiles.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Even, tight threads and no loose knots show skilled handwork.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold loosely and place between layers of clothing to avoid creasing.

5. Ao po’i embroidered textiles

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight embroidered cottons make practical shirts, napkins, and table runners. The embroidery is typically fine and breathable.
• Where to look: From independent shops and textile co‑ops selling wearable crafts.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Inspect stitching consistency and secure thread ends on the reverse.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll textiles to reduce wrinkles and save suitcase space.

6. Hand-painted ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Locally made ceramics show regional colors and simple shapes used for serving food. They function well and look authentic.
• Where to look: In markets and small galleries that carry artisan pottery.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: A smooth glaze without hairline cracks indicates proper firing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and place in the middle of your suitcase.

7. Small leather goods (wallets, coin pouches)

• Why it’s worth buying: Paraguayan leather items are practical and age well with use. Choose small pieces that won’t take much space.
• Where to look: At independent shops and market stalls selling accessories.
• Price range: $10–$70
• How to spot a good one: Even stitching and solid edges mean better durability.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stuff with soft fabric to keep shape and prevent creasing.

8. Handmade silver or metal jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local jewelers often work in silver and create modest, wearable designs. Small pieces travel easily and make personal gifts.
• Where to look: From galleries and independent craft sellers around cultural spots.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Look for hallmarks and clean soldering at joins.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in a small padded case or wrapped cloth in your carry-on.

9. Local honey and preserves

• Why it’s worth buying: Single-origin honeys and fruit preserves capture local flavors and have a long shelf life. They’re good for breakfasts back home.
• Where to look: In food halls and market stalls that sell packaged regional foods.
• Price range: $4–$18
• How to spot a good one: Choose clear labeling and sealed jars without leaks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put jars in sealed plastic bags and surround with clothes for cushioning.

10. Packaged condiments and hot sauces

• Why it’s worth buying: Small bottles of local sauces and spice blends add authentic flavor to home cooking. They are shelf-stable when unopened.
• Where to look: At markets and specialty food counters in food halls.
• Price range: $3–$15
• How to spot a good one: Check for ingredient lists and tamper-evident seals.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place sauces in checked luggage inside sealed bags, or buy travel-safe sizes.

11. Hand-pulled prints and posters

• Why it’s worth buying: Local prints show regional themes and make lightweight, frameable mementos. They’re easy to display at home.
• Where to look: In galleries and artist co‑ops that sell limited-run prints.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Crisp lines, signed or numbered editions, and good paper quality matter.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints flat in a poster tube or keep them between cardboard sheets.

12. Small carved wooden utensils

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-carved spoons and spatulas are useful kitchen tools with natural finish. They’re light and practical gifts.
• Where to look: From neighborhood markets and artisan co‑ops selling household crafts.
• Price range: $5–$25
• How to spot a good one: Smooth surfaces and no splintering indicate proper sanding and treatment.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap utensils in cloth and tuck them into shoes or corners of luggage.

Quick buying tips for Asunción

• Carry small bills and coins; many vendors prefer cash over cards.
• Haggling is sometimes acceptable at craft stalls; keep offers polite and modest.
• Pad fragile items with clothing and keep them in carry-on when possible.
• Many shops can ship abroad; ask for packaging and cost before buying.
• Look for a “made locally” tag, artisan signature, or visible hand-stitching.
• Keep liquids sealed and declare food jars at airport security when required.

Where to shop in Asunción

Shopping spreads across central markets, cultural areas, and the waterfront, each offering different goods. Markets tend to carry food and everyday items; galleries and museum shops focus on higher-quality crafts and printed works.

• Mercado 4 — a large central market for packaged foods, spices, and everyday wares.
• Centro Histórico (historic center) — find textiles, small crafts, and cultural souvenirs near museums.
• Costanera de Asunción (waterfront) — outdoor stalls and weekend vendors with snacks and casual crafts.
• Manzana de la Rivera area — cultural buildings with nearby galleries and artisan stalls.
• Museum shops (local museums) — higher-quality prints, books, and design objects tied to exhibits.
• Artisan fairs and weekend ferias — seasonal events where makers sell textiles, lace, and jewelry.
• Neighborhood co‑ops and collective stalls — cooperative-run tables showing traceable, locally made goods.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Plastic trinkets sold in bulk — they often lack local makership or durable materials.
• Items labeled “handmade” without visible craft marks — check stitching, cuts, and finishes.
• Cheaply painted ceramics with uneven glaze — those often crack or chip quickly.
• Unsealed food jars or unlabeled preserves — avoid unclear ingredients and storage issues.
• Mass-produced leather goods with glued seams — they usually peel or split sooner.
• Jewelry that lacks hallmarks or clean joins — it may be plated or low-quality metal.

If you only buy three things

Yerba mate — it represents a daily cultural habit and is easy to share.
ñandutí lace — a small piece shows traditional technique and packs flat.
A bombilla — practical, durable, and meaningful to mate drinkers.

FAQ

1. What is Asunción known for making?
   Asunción is known for textiles, lace, and practical crafts made from local materials. The city has a craft tradition in embroidery and pottery. Small metalwork and leather goods are also common.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Asunción?
   Yerba mate, jars of local honey, and bottled condiments are reliable choices. They travel well when sealed and give a clear taste of regional flavors.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Asunción?
   Prices vary widely; markets offer budget-friendly options while galleries charge more for artisanal pieces. Plan for lower prices at markets and higher at museum shops or named artisan outlets.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Asunción?
   Small textiles, printed posters, and packaged yerba mate are the easiest to pack. They are lightweight and resist damage in checked or carry-on luggage.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask the seller about the maker, materials, and where it was produced; look for artisan tags. Inspecting thread work, tool marks, and paper quality can show genuine handcraft techniques.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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