Atyra

Atyrá is a town in the Cordillera de los Altos in eastern Cordillera department, founded by governor Domingo Martínez de Irala in 1538 on the site of a Guaraní village — its name reflects its origin as a meeting place for local residents. It is best known for its artisan traditions: woodcarving, introduced by Franciscan missionaries in the colonial period, remains an important local craft, and Atyrá is particularly noted for leatherwork, including the embossed-leather technique (repujado) considered one of Paraguay's most emblematic. Local artisans also produce leather bags, belts, saddles, and other goods, sold at a permanent market in the town centre. Atyrá has also been recognized in civic-cleanliness rankings and was declared Paraguay's "Ecological Capital" by government decree. The climate is subtropical; best visited May–September.

By Plane

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is about 90 km west.

By Car / Road

Atyrá is on Route PY02, about 90 km east of Asunción (1.5 hr). Buses connect to Asunción.

Walkable.

• Cerro Atyrá – A hill with viewpoints over the surrounding valley.

• Plaza principal – The main square with a church.

• Artisan market – The permanent town-centre market where leatherwork (including embossed-leather pieces) and woodcarving are sold.

• Hill walking – Explore the surrounding hills and countryside.

• Craft shopping – Leather goods and carved wood at the artisan market.

Local kiosks.

Leather goods (bags, belts, saddles, embossed leatherwork) and carved wood items.

• Eusebio Ayala (15 km west) – Colonial town.
• Piribebuy (30 km west) – Leather and history centre.
• Altos (20 km northeast) – Scenic hill town.