In Itauguá, in the south-eastern part of Asuncion, the n'anduté, (very fine fabric which comes in a range of about a hundred patterns), made by women, is the great speciality. You will also find the "aó poí" fine fabric in the shape of shirts, blouses, bags or blankets. The small items "pau de santo" are made with Paraguayan wood. Paraguay also produces some interesting leather items, pottery, straw hats (Piri), carved wood, silver and filigreed gold jewels.
You will also find the Indian communities' handicraft such as bows and arrows, feather necklaces, etc.
The Paraguayans also make their own musical instruments such as the Paraguayan harp (36 strings, no pedal).
Shops are open from 6.30/7 am to 12 pm and from 2.30/3 pm to 5.30/7 pm.
Chipa is sweet yuca bread baked with eggs and cheese. Chipa Soo is stuffed with meat. Albondigas (meatball soup) are consumed everywhere in the country, as well as Soyo - meat and vegetable soup. "Empanadas" are unavoidable, stuffed with cheese, beans or meat. Heart of palm is a classic. Taste the beef, it is excellent (but choose a high standard restaurant in which to enjoy it). Do not forget to eat some Asado - a preparation of grilled beef, chicken, pork and lamb. It is generally served with cheese bread, salad and manioc. Mosto, or sugar cane juice, and maté, a type of bitter tea, are some of the local drinks. The hierba de Maté infusion is the traditional drink of the gauchos. It can be drank cold (terere) or hot (cocido).
If you wish to drive across High Chaco to Bolivia, make sure to have sufficient supplies of water, food and petrol. Once in Ciudad del Este, the fantastic Iguaçu waterfalls (remember the film "The Mission" with De Niro) are very close, on the Brazilian side of the border. Do not miss out on that!