araguay’s national parks are some of the country’s most vivid landscapes, and some of its least told stories. Into the Wild, a series from The Asunción Times, travels through them in chronological order, from the first park established to the most recent. Our third stop is Ybycuí National Park, where history and nature share the same landscape.
Stepping into Paraguay’s industrial past
Deep within Ybycuí National Park, in Paraguay’s Paraguarí Department, the remains of a 19th-century iron foundry reveal a fascinating chapter of Paraguay’s industrial development and wartime history. Surrounded by waterfalls, streams and Atlantic Forest, the park preserves an unusual combination of natural beauty and national history.
Located approximately 150 kilometres from Asunción, the park offers visitors the opportunity to explore forest trails, discover native wildlife and step into Paraguay’s industrial past.
A forest with a story to tell
Ybycuí National Park protects one of the remaining areas of Paraguay’s Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem known for its remarkable biodiversity. Its dense vegetation, streams and rocky terrain create a landscape that changes with every turn of the trail.
The park’s history, however, extends beyond conservation. Long before its designation as a protected area, this region played an important role in Paraguay’s industrial development.
During the 19th century, the area became home to La Rosada, an iron foundry associated with the country’s early efforts to produce its own metal goods. Today, the ruins stand among the trees, offering an unexpected encounter with a defining period of Paraguayan history.
Established on 16 May 1973, Ybycuí National Park covers approximately 5,000 hectares. Its creation followed conservation efforts led by Rudecindo Sena, a local police commissioner who recognised the area’s natural and tourism potential. His initiative helped prevent public land from passing into private ownership.
La Rosada: the foundry hidden among the trees
One of Ybycuí’s most fascinating attractions is La Rosada, a former iron foundry established in 1849 under President Carlos Antonio López. At a time when Paraguay was developing its industrial capabilities, La Rosada became an important centre for metal production. British engineers helped establish its operations and trained Paraguayan workers in ironworking techniques.
The foundry produced cannons, ammunition, bladed weapons and agricultural tools. Its importance grew during the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870), when Paraguay relied heavily on domestic production. After approximately 18 years of operation, Brazilian and Uruguayan troops destroyed the facility during the conflict.
Today, reconstructed structures stand on the original foundations, preserving a remarkable chapter of Paraguayan history. The historical complex also includes a museum dedicated to the foundry’s operations. However, visitors should be aware that the authorities temporarily closed the museum and foundry area in January 2026 for restoration work. The park’s other attractions remain accessible.
Waterfalls and trails through the forest
Beyond its historical significance, Ybycuí is a destination for those who enjoy exploring nature on foot. Streams wind through the forest before descending over rocky formations, creating waterfalls and natural pools. Among the best-known attractions are Salto Guaraní, Salto Minas and Salto Escondido.
Visitors can follow several marked trails, each offering a different experience. The one-kilometre Guaraní Trail leads towards its namesake waterfall, while the Minas Trail explores another section of the park.
For those seeking a longer walk, the 2.5-kilometre La Rosada Trail passes through the forest towards the historical area. The 550-metre Yvaga Rape Trail offers another opportunity to appreciate the surrounding landscape. The combination of flowing water, towering trees and changing terrain makes walking through Ybycuí an experience in itself.
A refuge for Paraguay’s wildlife
Ybycuí’s forests shelter remarkable biodiversity, including 42 mammal species and 129 bird species recorded by researchers. Birdwatchers may spot the striking blue manakin, chestnut-eared aracari, surucua trogon and Near Threatened yellow-browed woodpecker.
Smaller inhabitants include the scarlet-bodied wasp moth, Yasiyateré Grande (Pheasant Cuckoo) and black-and-white tegu. The elusive Guianan brown four-eyed opossum also inhabits the forest. Native trees such as lapachos, timbó and peterevy complete this rich Atlantic Forest ecosystem.
(Cosmosoma auge)
(Salvator merianae)
Planning your visit to Ybycuí National Park
Ybycuí National Park lies approximately 3 hours away from Asunción, making it a practical destination for a day trip or weekend excursion. Drivers can follow Route PY01 towards Carapeguá, then continue through Acahay and Ybycuí. From the town, an asphalted road leads towards the park.
According to MADES the park opens daily from 07:00 to 17:00. Published admission fees are ₲20,000 (approximately US$3.50) for adults and ₲5,000 for visitors aged 11 to 17. Vehicles incur an additional charge, including ₲15,000 for cars.
Visitors can explore the trails, photograph waterfalls, observe wildlife and use designated camping areas. Comfortable walking shoes, drinking water and insect repellent are advisable. Before travelling, check current access restrictions, especially those affecting La Rosada and individual trails.
Ybycuí offers something particularly unusual among Paraguay’s protected landscapes. Here, a walk through the forest can lead from a waterfall to the remains of a foundry that once helped supply an entire nation. That connection between natural heritage and human history makes Ybycuí a memorable stop on our journey through Paraguay’s national parks.
What’s next?
In the next episode of Into the Wild, we leave the waterfalls and Atlantic Forest behind and venture into the vast Paraguayan Chaco. There, Defensores del Chaco National Park protects one of the country’s largest wilderness areas, home to elusive jaguars and the remarkable Cerro León.
Read the first two episode of this The Asunción Times series:
Into The Wild #1: Caazapá National Park, Home Of Paraguay’s Toucans,
Into The Wild #2: Ñacunday National Park, Place Of Paraguay’s 40-Meter Waterfalls.
