Expo Paraguay in Mariano Roque Alonso: A Practical Guide

Expo Paraguay in Mariano Roque Alonso is the country’s largest fair and a major event on the regional calendar. Every July, the grounds of the Asociación Rural del Paraguay (ARP) become a mix of livestock show, business exhibition, public festival, and entertainment program. According to the organizers, more than 800,000 people visited the fair in 2026.

For people who live in Paraguay, are planning to move here, or simply want to understand the country better, the Expo brings many sides of Paraguay together in one place: livestock farming and agriculture, industry and trade, food, culture, public institutions, and a family day out.

This guide explains what Expo Paraguay is, what you can usually expect there, and what to know when planning a future visit. The completed 2026 edition serves as a clear example.

📌 Expo Paraguay 2026: A look back

#

What is Expo Paraguay?

#

Expo Paraguay ARP is a large multi-sector fair. It brings together livestock farming, business, trade, services, culture, food, and entertainment. Locally, it is also called Expo Mariano Roque Alonso, Expo MRA, or simply Expo Py.

The fair brings together areas that often seem separate in everyday life:

• Agriculture & livestock farming (Ganadería)
• National industry & international trade
• Services & technology
• Food, crafts & music
• Public institutions, organizations & job opportunities

This mix makes the Expo both a trade fair and an event for the general public. Producers and companies use it for contacts, presentations, and business. For many families, it is also a traditional winter outing.

When and where does Expo Paraguay take place?

#

Expo Paraguay usually takes place in July. The exact dates, opening hours, admission prices, and special activity days are set separately for each edition. The fair often overlaps with the receso de invierno, Paraguay’s winter school break. Weekends and family days can therefore get especially busy.

The venue is the Campo Ferial Mariano Roque Alonso, the fairgrounds of the Asociación Rural del Paraguay. It is located in Mariano Roque Alonso, a city in the Departamento Central just north of Asunción.

The grounds are on Ruta PY03, which many people still call Ruta Transchaco. The reference to “Km 14” can be confusing because the road name may suggest the Chaco. However, the venue is in the Greater Asunción area.

Why is Expo Paraguay important?

#

In everyday life in Asunción or along common travel routes through eastern Paraguay, the agricultural economy can remain in the background. The fair shows how important livestock farming, agriculture, and food production are to the country. It is not only about animals, but also about breeding, investment, farm technology, trade, and new business contacts.

Industrial companies, service providers, public institutions, banks, and smaller businesses also present their work. Together, they offer a broad view of Paraguay’s economic and social life.

While industry professionals look at breeding animals, machinery, and products, concerts and shows in the Ruedo Central, food areas, and amusement rides attract families and the wider public. This combination makes the Expo more than an agricultural fair.

Who is Expo Paraguay worth visiting for?

#

The fair offers a direct look at daily life and the economy in Paraguay. A visit can be useful for several groups:

• For immigrants, future expats, and people new to Paraguay: In one day, you can get an overview of companies, brands, public institutions, and economic sectors that shape the country.
• For families and children: Animal areas, large machines, food stands, shows, and amusement rides make the Expo a varied day out. Activities for children and admission rules change with each edition.
• For industry professionals and investors: Livestock farming, agriculture, technology, industry, and services are important parts of the fair. There are also auctions, product presentations, and opportunities to make contacts.
• For travelers: If you want to experience Paraguay beyond its sights, the Expo shows where the country’s urban and rural sides meet.

What can you see at Expo Paraguay?

#

The fairgrounds cover around 25 hectares, so expect longer walking distances if you want to visit several areas. The exhibitors, animals, and special events change from year to year, but the main sections remain similar.

🐂 Animals, genetics, and livestock farming (Ganadería)

#

Although the Expo is not only an agricultural fair, livestock farming and animal exhibitions are central parts of it. Depending on the edition, visitors may see cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and other animals. Cattle breeds suited to conditions in Paraguay often receive particular attention:

• Brangus & Braford: These crossbreeds are widely represented in Paraguay.
• Nelore: These strong, usually white zebu cattle play an important role in the Chaco’s livestock industry.

Visitors can watch animal judging and awards. Auctions, genetics, and contact between the different Cabañas are also important for breeders and industry professionals.

🚜 Industry, technology, and business

#

Alongside agriculture, companies present products and services from many industries. These range from utility vehicles, cars, tractors, and farm machinery to food, energy and solar technology, telecommunications, and financial services.

If you are new to the country, you will also see many providers and brands that are part of everyday shopping in Paraguay. Public agencies and institutions often have information stands as well.

🍴 Food and gastronomy

#

Food is also part of the Expo experience. Common options include Lomitos (steak sandwiches), Asaditos (meat skewers), Empanadas (filled pastries), Churros with Dulce de Leche, and larger grill stations known as Parrilladas.

Special food events change from year to year. In 2026, the program included Expo Asador and the Tereré Road, with products related to Tereré, mate accessories, and Yerba Mate.

If you would like to prepare typical dishes yourself, you can find more ideas in our collection of Paraguayan recipes.

🎶 Music, shows, and supporting program

#

Concerts, shows, and competitions often take place on the fairgrounds after the trade program. Depending on the edition, there may also be job opportunities, family days, food events, and other special activities.

In 2026, examples included the Expo Empleo job fair, motocross shows, the Miss Expo competition, and several national and international concerts. The detailed daily program is created again for each edition.

Small glossary: words you may hear at the Expo

#

At the Expo, you will hear and read specific Spanish terms. Some of them are especially useful.

Practical tips for your visit

#

🚗 Plan for traffic

#

Traffic around the Expo can be heavy, especially in the afternoon, on weekends, and before major evening events. Allow enough time when traveling via Ruta PY03.

Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt or Muv can save you from looking for parking. If you drive, use official or guarded parking areas whenever possible and check in advance which entrances are open.

🏨 Staying nearby

#

Mariano Roque Alonso has fewer accommodation options than Asunción. If you are traveling from farther away, it is a good idea to book early.

Practical alternatives in the Greater Asunción area include:

• Luque / near Silvio Pettirossi Airport: You can reach the fair without driving through central Asunción.
• Northern Asunción (Aviadores del Chaco / Carmelitas area): This area has a wider choice of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.

🧥 Clothing for the Paraguayan winter

#

Winter in Paraguay is often underestimated. July days can be sunny and mild, while evenings may become much cooler after a cold front from the south. Since many parts of the Expo are outdoors, a jacket or sweater is useful. On sunny days, sunscreen and a hat are also important.

💵 Bring cash

#

Many permanent stands accept cards or QR-code payments. Cash in Guaraníes is still useful at smaller stalls, parking areas, and places selling snacks or drinks.

⏱️ Allow enough time

#

Plan at least half a day for a first overview. If you are visiting with children or want to combine the animal areas, exhibitors, and evening program, a full day may be better. Comfortable shoes are important because of the long walking distances.

📅 Check the daily program

#

Concerts, animal judging, auctions, and special events do not take place every day. Before you visit, check the date, opening hours, admission prices, and daily schedule on the official Expo website.

Does Expo Paraguay have anything to do with the Chaco?

#

Yes and no. The venue is in Mariano Roque Alonso in the Departamento Central, not in the Chaco. However, the fair has strong links to the region because the Chaco plays a major role in Paraguay’s cattle breeding and agricultural industry.

This is especially clear in two areas:

• Genetics & products: Cattle breeds suited to the hot climate and products from well-known Chaco cooperatives are represented at the fair.
• Technology: Many machines and four-wheel-drive vehicles are also designed for businesses with unpaved roads and difficult conditions in western Paraguay.

If you would like to visit agricultural events in the Chaco itself, there are separate fairs:

• Expo Pioneros del Chaco: It usually takes place near Loma Plata and has a strong focus on agricultural technology.
• Expo Rodeo Trébol: It is held near Filadelfia and is an important livestock and agricultural show for the region.

❓ Frequently asked questions about Expo Paraguay

#

Conclusion: Expo Paraguay shows the country at work

#

When people think of Paraguay, they may first picture nature, Tereré, moving to the country, or a more relaxed way of life. All of this is part of everyday life. The Expo also shows another important side: the productive Paraguay of livestock breeders, farmers, traders, companies, cooperatives, and family businesses.

Modern farm machinery stands beside award-winning breeding animals, while families, school groups, businesspeople, craftspeople, and public institutions share the same grounds. This mix may seem a little confusing at first, but it reflects many facets of Paraguay.

Expo Paraguay is therefore neither only a trade fair nor simply a public festival. If you want to understand how agriculture, business, and everyday culture come together in Paraguay, Mariano Roque Alonso offers a particularly clear example.

The Expo is just one of many ways to experience Paraguay beyond the classic sights. You’ll find more ideas for day trips, nature, sports, and everyday activities in Things to Do in Paraguay.

More things to do:

• Things to Do in Paraguay: Sports, Nature, and Weekend Ideas

For the season:

• Winter in Paraguay: How cold does it really get?

For everyday shopping:

• Overview: Shopping in Paraguay