Cerveza paraguaya: la rubia popular y las artesanales
The country’s popular lager, and a craft scene that brews with native fruits and herbs.
What it is
Ice-cold beer goes with barbecue and the heat: the popular lager is one of the most widespread drinks and you’ll find it at any copetín. Since the early 2010s a craft scene has grown up, with breweries in Asunción and Encarnación experimenting with native fruits and fresh herbs. In Itapúa and Guairá, German heritage is celebrated at the chopp (draft beer) festivals.
Ingredients
History
German immigrants brought beer culture to colonies such as Hohenau, Obligado, Bella Vista and Independencia, where chopp festivals inspired by Munich’s Oktoberfest have been held since the 1970s (Obligado’s Choppfest reached its 46th edition in 2019). Today’s craft scene began around 2011, with tiny plants producing a few hundred liters a month.
Did you know…?
Paraguayan craft beers have already won medals in international competitions, such as the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards.
When
Year-round; chopp festivals in February, October and November.
Where
Copetines nationwide; the German colonies of Itapúa and Guairá, where the chopp festivals are held.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 4 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.