In this guide
The best things to do in Atyrá are buying leather goods on the Indio José pedestrian street, stepping into San Francisco de Asís church to see its Franciscan altarpiece, cooling off at the Karumbe'y waterfall and climbing to the Divino Niño lookout in Monte Alto. It is a quiet town in the Cordillera hills, about 60 km from Asunción, famous as "Paraguay's cleanest town" (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
What can you buy in Atyrá, and where?
Atyrá is the "Capital del Cuero", the leather capital (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)), and it all happens in one place:
- Paseo Peatonal Indio José. At Avenida Feliciano Martínez and San Francisco, open every day (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). You will find leather shoes, belts, leather-covered flasks, keyrings and bags (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)), plus wood carvings, local produce and ornamental plants (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In 2025 one artisan's leather goods started at G. 40,000 (ABC Color, via Prensa Mercosur (opens in a new tab)).
- Other local crafts: saddlery, wooden figures, guampa cups for tereré, guitars and harps, and gold or silver filigree (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). If you are after an instrument or filigree, ask on the pedestrian street for the workshop.
- Casa de la Cultura. Another place to see local crafts (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: bring cash in guaraníes, and if you buy a flask or guampa, check that it seals before paying.
What history and faith sites are there?
- San Francisco de Asís church. It stands where the pedestrian street begins and is the town's most visited site (ABC Color, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). It doubles as a sacred art museum, with Hispanic-Guaraní baroque carvings and an 18th-century high altar (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); the altarpiece was carved by Franciscan missionaries together with Guaraní craftsmen (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- Museo San Francisco de Atyrá. Historic photos, objects and crafts on permanent display (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Complejo Marianela. A Redemptorist complex opened in 2007, with a courtyard, chapel and tower (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)) and architecture inspired by medieval monasteries; it is used for events and retreats (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- Bamboo sculpture. The tacuara figure on one of the main plazas is Atyrá's most photographed spot (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
Where can you find nature and water?
- Chorro Karumbe'y. A small waterfall in the Monte Alto community, a few minutes from the centre, on the stream that marks the border with Tobatí (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). It is the hot-day plan (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). Wear shoes that can get wet.
- Divino Niño Jesús lookout. A chapel and viewpoint in Monte Alto with a 12-metre statue, according to Infonegocios (2020) (opens in a new tab). It is in the same area as the waterfall.
- Streams. The district has several streams where people swim and play sports (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); ask locals which one has good flow that day.
When is the best time to visit?
- Holy Week: the "Pasión de Cristo" community theatre group stages the Way of the Cross in the Zanja Hũ community on Good Friday. In 2025 it began at 8:00 with the trial of Jesus, followed by a 2 km walk up to Kurusu Cerro (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Bring water and a hat.
- Weekends and holidays: the pedestrian street fills with families (ABC Color, 2025 (opens in a new tab)); weekdays are calmer.
- Weather: the yearly average is 22 °C, but summer reaches 39 °C and winter drops to 3 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
Practical tips
- Getting there: by car, take the PY02 towards Caacupé; the Atyrá–Caacupé junction is at km 52 and was made awkward by the 2023 highway widening (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Check the route on your phone map before leaving. It is about an hour and a half from Asunción (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- Keep it clean: Atyrá's reputation comes from its environmental commitment (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Take your rubbish home from the waterfall and the street.
- Eating and sleeping: there are restaurants, lomito sandwich bars and, in 2020, 12 places to stay (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- Nearby: Altos, Caacupé and San Bernardino are close (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). For a timed full-day plan, see our Atyrá day trip.
FAQ
What is there to do in Atyrá?
Shop for leather on the Paseo Peatonal Indio José, visit San Francisco de Asís church and its museum, and go to the Karumbe'y waterfall and the Divino Niño lookout in Monte Alto.
Why is Atyrá called the leather capital?
For its leatherwork and saddlery, sold every day on the Paseo Peatonal Indio José at Avenida Feliciano Martínez and San Francisco.
Why is Atyrá called Paraguay's cleanest town?
It earned that reputation through its environmental commitment, so take your rubbish with you at the waterfall and on the pedestrian street.
What is special about Atyrá's church?
It doubles as a sacred art museum, with Hispanic-Guaraní baroque carvings and an altarpiece carved by Franciscans and Guaraní craftsmen.
