Ao P'oí Raity, Asuncion

Tucked beside the serene Parque Seminario on Moreno Street in Asunción, Ao P'oí Raity is more than a shop-it’s a living archive of Paraguayan heritage. Specializing in ao po’i, a term from the Guaraní language meaning “fine cloth” or “delicate garment,” this store offers visitors a glimpse into a centuries-old tradition that remains central to the country’s cultural identity and rural economy.

With over 40 years of experience, Ao P’oí Raity supports more than 2,000 artisans-mainly women-in keeping the tradition of hand-embroidered ao po’i alive. In Guairá, where over half the population is connected to this craft, embroidery remains a skill passed through generations, even as base fabrics are now machine-made.

Internationally recognized and exported to markets in Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, and beyond, Ao P’oí Raity is a proud ambassador of Paraguay’s artisan legacy. And yet, paradoxically, it remains less known within its borders. To change that, the brand has partnered with the Asunción City Tour initiative to launch the Ao Po’i Rape-a cultural route aimed at sharing the stories behind the threads.

Inside the Asunción boutique, you'll find a carefully curated selection of handmade shirts, dresses, blouses, tablecloths, wallets, and handbags. These items are more than souvenirs-they’re wearable works of art, each carrying the story of a community where almost no household is untouched by the ao po’i tradition.

Whether you're a design enthusiast, a lover of textiles, or simply curious, Ao P’oí Raity invites you to continue your city tour with a stop that weaves past and present into every stitch.