Aché
A forest people of the Eastern Region, with their own language of the Guaraní family and communities such as Chupa Pou and Kuetuvy.
What it is
The Aché live today in communities in the east of the country, mostly in Canindeyú and also in Alto Paraná, Caazapá and Caaguazú. Their historical territory includes the Yvytyrusu range. Their language, Aché, belongs to the Guaraní family, with archaic vocabulary and many words about forest life with no equivalent in Paraguayan Guaraní. The name 'guayakí', given to them from outside, is rejected by the Aché themselves.
Culture
They were traditionally forest hunter-gatherers. Today they are known for their bow of over two metres made from pindó palm, wood carvings and pyrography, and the women's plant-fibre work, which combines fibres with dyes, feathers and hair. Their pieces are shown at the IPA's Feria Ore. If you want to approach their crafts, do so at the Instituto Paraguayo de Artesanía fairs or at the artisan houses the communities themselves open, and do not enter a community without an invitation and prior arrangement. To learn more, the Museo Etnográfico Dr. Andrés Barbero (Asunción) and the Centro de Artes Visuales / Museo del Barro, which holds an Indigenous art collection, are two starting points; check opening hours before you go.
Where they live
Canindeyú, Alto Paraná, Caazapá, Caaguazú
If you visit a community, do so with permission from its leaders or through Indigenous organizations, and ask before taking photos.
Indigenous peoples
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 6 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.