People from every corner of the globe are drawn to Asunción, where Paraguay’s laid-back capital has quietly become a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ambition. Each Tuesday evening from 18:00 to 21:00, digital nomads, expats, and friendly locals come together at the ever-popular English networking event organised by The Asunción Times. Held in a different charming bar or restaurant across the city every week, these gatherings offer the perfect blend of Paraguayan warmth and international energy. In this People of Asunción series, we introduce the inspiring individuals who make this scene so uniquely alive. In #19, Sara Paniagua from Paraguay.
Meet Sara Paniagua
Sara Paniagua (25) was born in Asunción and is currently also based in PAraguay’s capital. She runs a business called Saso Py, a trendy lifestyle boutique with a youthful, Instagram-driven aesthetic, offering cute fashion accessories, gifts, décor, and everyday items. She started her business in 2019 and is currently preparing the opening of her own physical space.
What is your favourite place in Asunción?
“One of my favourite places in Asunción is restaurant Tierra Colorada, since it reflects Paraguayan identity through both its name and its food. It feels like home-style cooking, with dishes such as asado a la olla, pastel mandi’o, and mbejú, all served in a warm and familiar atmosphere on Santísima Trinidad avenue.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“The peace and sense of calm. Even in the city, there is still a connection to nature and a slower rhythm of life. I also value the people. Here is a natural sense of trust and openness here. Paraguayan people are often willing to help, even strangers. For example, if someone is stranded on the road, it is common for others to stop and assist. That sense of solidarity is something I deeply appreciate.”
What is your favourite place outside Asunción, and why?
“I would recommend Piribebuy, a city about an hour and a half away from Asunción. It is surrounded by nature, forests, streams, cabins, and small local experiences such as cheese and sugarcane tours. It is an ideal place to experience Paraguay’s countryside and disconnect from the city.”
If you were to move away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“Without a doubt, I would take the warmth of the people. Paraguayans have a way of making you feel welcome very quickly. They speak to you, include you, and make you feel like part of their circle, even if they do not know you well. It is also a place where people with very little are often the ones who give the most, and that generosity is something I would carry with me anywhere.”
What advice would you give to someone coming from abroad?
“Come without prejudice. Stay open-minded and willing to experience the culture as it is. If you arrive with rigid expectations, you may struggle to adapt. But if you are open, you will find a deeply welcoming society and a lifestyle that is much more relaxed and fulfilling than you might expect.”
Meet Sara
You can find Sara Paniagua on Instagram or, better yet, bump into her in person at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events – every Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00, popping up in a different lively bar or restaurant across Asunción! Check our What’s On Guide to discover exactly where the next one is taking place.
