Pirayu

Pirayú is a town in north-eastern Paraguarí department, about 50 km from Asunción, set in the low hills of the Paraguarí range. It traces its origins to the old settlement of Capilla Gayoso and takes its founding date from October 15, 1769, when governor Carlos Morphy raised it to the status of parish. The town's most distinctive landmark is its 1864 railway station, built under engineer Alonso Taylor with Benigno Abesada — the only station in Paraguay with two towers. Passenger rail service ended long ago, but the building has been restored and now operates as a museum and tourism hub. Pirayú is also known for ñandutí lacework; the local "Ñandu Rapé" circuit takes visitors by ox cart to the neighborhoods where women continue the traditional craft. The climate is subtropical; best visited May–September.

By Plane

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is about 60 km northwest.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Pirayú is on Route PY01, about 60 km southeast of Asunción (1 hr). Buses from Asunción run every 30 min.

Walkable.

• Historic railway station – Built in 1864, the only twin-towered station in Paraguay, now restored as a museum and tourism hub.

• Plaza and church – The main square.

• Scenic surroundings – Hills and farmland.

• Ñandu Rapé circuit – An ox-cart route through neighborhoods where women continue the traditional ñandutí lace craft.

• Hiking – The nearby hills offer walking routes.

• Ñandutí lace – Traditional handmade lacework, sold by artisans along the Ñandu Rapé circuit.

• Paraguarí (east) – Department capital.
• Yaguarón (west) – Historic colonial church.
• Carapeguá (northeast) – Embroidery centre.