Discover Paraguay’s national parks from dense Atlantic forest to Chaco wilderness. Highlights include Ybycuí, Ñacunday, Defensores del Chaco, and more.
Why Paraguay’s National Parks are underrated gems
Paraguay protects around 6.5% of its land area through national parks and reserves—a testament to its ecological importance and biodiversity heritage.
Visitors will find ecosystems ranging from rainforest waterfalls to dry Chaco savannas, each harboring rare species and offering authentic, low-crowd experiences. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or watching jaguars at dawn, there’s something for every nature-loving explorer.
Paraguay’s National Parks at a glance
According to the National Parks Association, Paraguay officially recognizes around 15 national parks today:
- Caazapá National Park
- Cerro Corá National Park
- Defensores del Chaco National Park
- Médanos del Chaco National Park
- Ñacunday National Park
- Paso Bravo National Park
- Río Negro National Park
- San Rafael National Park
- Serranía San Luis National Park
- Teniente Agripino Enciso National Park
- Tinfunqué National Park
- Vapor Cué National Park
- Ybycuí National Park
- Ypoá National Park
Featured Parks Worth Visiting
Ybycuí National Park
Lush trails, 19th-century ironworks (La Rosada), and the picturesque Salto Guaraní waterfall make this central Paraguay gem a favourite. Expect tapirs, giant anteaters, and vibrant birdlife like harpy eagles and capybaras.
Nacunday National Park
Home to the dramatic Ñacunday Falls—40-metre-high cascade surrounded by Atlantic Forest—this park offers rolling hills, excursion paths, and biodiversity hotspots populated by jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and rare tropical birds like toucans and honeycreepers.
Defensores del Chaco National Park
The largest park in Paraguay (~20,000 km²), this wild Chaco region shelters jaguars, Chacoan peccaries, giant anteaters, and thorny xeric vegetation. Rugged and remote, it’s ideal for bold wilderness seekers.
Cerro Corá National Park
An intersection of history and nature: rugged hills, ancient rock art, and the final battleground of the Paraguayan War. Also popular for hiking, picnicking by the Aquidabán River, and cave exploration.
San Rafael National Park
This extensive Atlantic Forest remnant is among the most biodiverse areas in southern Paraguay. Great for birdwatching and exploration of primary subtropical forest.
Travel tips for the explorers
- Ideal Timing:
- Atlantic Forest parks like Ybycuí & Ñacunday: October–April for lush greenery and waterfalls.
- Chaco parks: May–September for cooler, dry conditions and wildlife visibility.
- Transportation & Logistics:
- Drive between parks or use regional transport hubs like Asunción and Encarnación.
- Some parks (e.g. Defensores del Chaco) require 4×4 and local guides.
- Accommodation:
- Eco-lodges near Nacunday & Ybycuí.
- Camping allowed in designated zones.
- Few services in remote parks—plan ahead with gear and supplies.
- Wildlife & Conservation:
- Many parks document endangered species—from jaguars to giant anteaters and maned wolves.
- Local NGOs support reforestation, animal monitoring, and eco-tourism development.
Why these Parks should be on your travel map
- Eco diversity: From rainforest to savanna, Paraguay packs major ecosystems into its park system.
- Rare wildlife: Sight jaguars, tapirs, harpy eagles, peccaries—and even restoration of lost species.
- Cultural richness: Mix of indigenous history, Jesuit missions nearby, and Cerro Corá’s historical importance.
- Authentic travel: No crowds, no frills—just immersive, nature-rich experiences.
Paraguay’s Parks Are for Explorers
Paraguay’s national parks may not be household names—but their wilderness, biodiversity, and serenity are extraordinary. For travelers craving real adventure and ecological depth, Paraguay offers a travel experience that’s as thoughtful as it is wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks does Paraguay have?
Approximately 15 official national parks today.
Which park is the largest?
Defensores del Chaco, protecting about 20,000 km² of Chaco wilderness.
Which is most accessible?
Ybycuí and Ñacunday are among the easiest to visit, with trails, facilities, and nearby accommodation.
Best parks for wildlife sightings?
Ñacunday and Defensores del Chaco lead for chances to see jaguars, anteaters, tapirs, and diverse birdlife.
Ready to experience Paraguay’s Natural wonders?
Let us help you plan bespoke tours—hiking, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, or even multi-park expeditions with private guides and logistics sorted.
