Paraguay, a country often overshadowed in traditional tourist circuits, carefully guards a treasure trove for true lovers of nature, photography, and adventure. From the vast expanse of the Gran Chaco, to the wetlands that nourish the Paraguayan Pantanal: a meticulously planned journey through this heart of South America promises unforgettable encounters with unique fauna, pristine landscapes, and a cultural immersion that is as authentic, as it is discreet. Discover Paraguay’s wild side.
An odyssey into the unexplored Chaco
Venturing into the Paraguayan Gran Chaco is embarking on an adventure into the unknown. This immense dry forest, defined by its density and thorny vegetation, is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Here, wildlife hides and reveals itself, offering an unparalleled natural spectacle.
Some of the most iconic yet elusive creatures include the jaguar, puma, South American tapir, giant anteater, Chacoan peccary, and marsh deer.
While sightings are never guaranteed, parks like Defensores del Chaco and Teniente Agripino Enciso offer the best chances, set against backdrops of Cerro León and vast protected habitats.
However, the Chaco is not only home to mammals. Its saltwater lagoons in the Central Chaco, such as Campo María, Laguna Capitán, or Chaco Lodge, transform between May and September into vibrant havens for flamingos, coscoroba swans, and flocks of migratory birds painting the skies in flight.
Local operators offer 4×4 excursions by day and night, with the best wildlife sightings at dawn and dusk. The big cats are rarely seen, often leaving only tracks or camera trap footage.
The best time to visit is around May to October, when temperatures are mild and roads are accessible.
Wetlands and wildlife in the Pantanal
Shared with its neighbours Bolivia and Brazil, the Pantanal extends into Paraguay’s northernmost region, where it takes on its local name: the Paraguayan Pantanal. Here, the landscape shifts into a complex tapestry of marshes, temporary lagoons, and floodplains, forming a unique ecosystem.
The heart of this aquatic paradise lies in Río Negro National Park and the Paraguayan Pantanal Reserve, reachable by boat from Bahía Negra. Exploring the Paraguay and Negro rivers offers close encounters with caimans, capybaras, and, occasionally, giant otters. With over 400 bird species, it is also a birdwatcher’s heaven.
Paraguay is a top spot in South America for bird diversity, with up to 90 species spotted in a single morning in the Chaco or Pantanal. Expert guides help visitors observe Paraguay’s wild side respectfully, while small-group photo safaris offer flexible plans and extended viewing for the perfect shot.
Activities beyond the safari
Adventure in Paraguay goes far beyond 4×4 safaris and river explorations. Travellers can delve deeper into the country’s history and nature through:
- Light hiking along historic “picadas”, trails that witnessed the Chaco War and now offer a journey into the past.
- Kayaking on serene Chaco streams or the calm tributaries of the Paraguay River, offering an intimate connection with aquatic surroundings.
- Visits to Mennonite museums in Filadelfia and Loma Plata, which recount the fascinating story of the Chaco’s colonisation and the challenges overcome by these communities.
- Exploration of waterfalls and pools on the Chaco’s eastern edge, such as the refreshing cascades of the Tagatiyá stream in Alto Paraguay, an oasis amidst the plains.
Transport and planning
Planning a trip to these regions of Paraguay’s wild side involves some logistical considerations, but the reward is well worth the effort:
- Access: From Asunción, Route PY09 (Transchaco) provides a paved road to Mariscal Estigarribia. From there, gravel sections lead to key destinations such as Filadelfia, Loma Plata, Fuerte Olimpo, and Bahía Negra.
- River transport: The historic Aquidabán boat is an experience in itself, connecting Concepción with Bahía Negra over 3 to 4 days, offering a scenic journey along the Paraguay River, vital for riverside communities.
- Accommodation: Options range from basic hotels in the Central Chaco to rustic eco-lodges beside lagoons, with regulated camping areas available inside national parks for the more adventurous.
- Approximate costs: Rooms can be found from Gs. 100,000 (around US$ 13) per night in Fuerte Olimpo or Bahía Negra, and homemade meals from Gs. 25,000 (around US$ 3.00). Private 4×4 or boat excursions vary in price depending on duration and group size.
A destination for true explorers
With developing infrastructure yet remarkably preserved ecosystems, Paraguay emerges as an unmissable destination for the traveller with a true spirit of exploration and a desire for genuine photographic safaris.
Here, the reward does not lie in witnessing large crowds of animals at close range, but in the authenticity of wildlife encounters, the vastness of infinite skies, and a profound silence interrupted only by the birdsong or the rustling of the Chaco forest.
