Paraguay is rapidly emerging as one of South America’s most intriguing destinations. Scientific tourism in Paraguay offers immersive, research-driven experiences that go far beyond traditional sightseeing. With this article, The Asuncion Times invites visitors to immerse themselves in research-driven experiences, interact with local communities, and explore the country’s natural and cultural heritage through a scientific lens.
By combining conservation, education and innovation, Paraguay is positioning itself as a living laboratory where nature and knowledge meet.
Foundations of scientific tourism in Paraguay
A network of national institutions underpins this transformation. The National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), the National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur), and the Universidad Americana (UA) are collaborating to advance research-led tourism projects, particularly in biodiversity and geology.
Organisations such as the Paraguayan Scientific Society and the Academy of Sciences of Paraguay (ACCIP) reinforce these efforts by supporting bird-focused travel experiences. In these programmes, visitors actively observe and monitor bird populations, directly contributing to conservation.
Academic hubs including the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at the National University of Asunción and the Institute for Health Sciences Research (IICS) contribute expertise ranging from health and technology to environmental science, ensuring that tourism activities are backed by solid research.
Landmarks of knowledge and nature
At the heart of Paraguay’s science popularisation efforts is the forthcoming Museum of Sciences (MuCi) in Asunción. This interactive centre, featuring immersive exhibition halls and a state-of-the-art digital planetarium, is designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
Once open, MuCi will serve as a major draw for both residents and international visitors seeking an engaging learning experience. Beyond the capital, the country’s diverse landscapes offer hands-on encounters with science in action:
Moisés Santiago Bertoni Scientific Monument (Presidente Franco): This riverside reserve was once the home of Swiss scientist Moisés Bertoni, who dedicated his life to botany and the study of the Guaraní culture. Today, it functions as an open-air museum where visitors can explore his collections, manuscripts and the Atlantic Forest environment he helped document.
Vallemí Caves (Concepción): A vital site for geology and palaeontology, these caves house limestone formations and fossils of extinct species, providing a rare glimpse into Paraguay’s prehistory and its subterranean biodiversity.The Paraguayan Pantanal (Chaco region): Shared with Brazil and Bolivia, this wetland ecosystem is among the most biologically diverse habitats in South America. Birdwatchers, conservationists and nature enthusiasts can study species in situ and contribute to monitoring projects. The cost of the trip differs according to the type of booking, with separate rates for solo travellers and those using a travel agency.
The Sea’s Eye and Tatakua Lab
Sea’s Eye (Bella Vista Norte): Known for ecotourism, this site is also growing in importance for environmental education and research, with its distinctive aquatic systems and dense vegetation offering ample opportunities for fieldwork, plus the interesting shape of the lake, which seems like an aquatic eye.
The Buenaventura Suárez Planetarium in San Cosme y Damián is a high-tech centre that honours a Jesuit astronomer. It offers a fascinating look at scientific and Guaraní astronomy, with attractions including a galactic slide and telescopes for detailed sky observation. Admission fee is Gs. 35,000 (around US$5).
Tatakua Lab is a project of the MuCi, located within the Textilia complex. It is a space designed for prototyping, manufacturing and experimentation, with the aim of fostering innovation and creativity. The lab seeks to inspire visitors and demonstrate that anyone can help shape the future with their own ideas and skills. Admission costs Gs. 20,000 (approximately US$2.81).
Research-led tourism and community benefits
Programmes driven by CONACYT and UA highlight how scientific tourism in Paraguay successfully integrates visitors into meaningful research and conservation work. By incorporating visitors into data collection and wildlife surveys, Paraguay promotes awareness of its biodiversity while strengthening conservation outcomes. Senatur’s Tourism Observatory supports these initiatives by gathering data, developing competitive experiences and ensuring that local communities gain economic and educational benefits.
Scientific tourism in Paraguay is not a passing trend but a deliberate strategy for sustainable development. Through collaborations between researchers, policymakers and local communities, the country is creating experiences that educate, entertain and inspire stewardship of the environment.
From the Bertoni Monument to the Vallemí Caves and the upcoming Museum of Sciences, Paraguay invites the world to explore its ecosystems, heritage and research frontiers. Turning every journey into an opportunity for discovery and conservation.
To learn more about upcoming exhibitions, visit the Museum of Sciences website.
