San Rafael Nature Reserve. Photo credit: Pro Cosara
Top Natural Attractions in Paraguay
While we can't include all of the many places for hiking, visiting waterfalls, and observing the flora and fauna, we have listed just a few of the places we recommend for people who enjoy nature.
Central Region
The waterfalls and parks in the Central Region can be visited as a day trip from Asuncion. Though you may want to spend the night in the area to get an early start, before the mid-day heat.
Salto Cristal Waterfalls
Located about 3 hours from Asuncion, remote Salto Cristal is 45 meters high and absolutely spectacular.
Reaching the falls is in itself an adventure! Travel on dirt roads through the heart of the countryside and between fields of sugar cane to reach the parking area and entrance to Salto Cristal. You will then descend a very steep set of stairs, walk 100 meters upstream climbing over branches and stepping on rocks, to reach the falls. The clear water pool beneath the falls are perfect for swimming and cooling off.
Ybycui National Park
This well-maintained National Park spanning over 12,000 acres, is located less than 3 hours from Asuncion. Rich in nature and history, the park features numerous walking trails with lush vegetation, streams, waterfalls, and the remains of the first iron foundry in the country.
Salto Mbuyapey “Hidden Waterfalls”
A very remote and beautiful waterfall that is still mostly unknown and therefore rarely visited. Getting there is a challenge and involves traveling on small country roads that don't even appear on maps. Hike 2 km through the jungle, with several passes on rocks over the stream, to reach the 65 meter hidden waterfalls. The journey itself and reaching of these remote, hidden, relatively-unknowns falls is ample reward for the adventurous traveler.
Photo credit: TeMuestroParaguay
Cerro Tres Kandu - Highest Peak in Paraguay
At 842 meters, the peak of Cerro Tres Kandu is the highest point in Paraguay. The climb to the peak is about 3 km (one way) and the terrain is quite steep and difficult in parts.
In recent years, hiking this hill has become a popular destination for Paraguayan hikers and adventurers.
Photo credit: Totupy
Cerro Akati & Ita Letra
The peak of Cerro Akati, at 600 meters, offers one of most beautiful landscape views in Paraguay.
From Cerro Akati there is a 3km (one way) hiking trail to Ita Letra, where petroglyphs from pre-historic cultures (possibly 5000BC) were carved and preserved on the cave walls.
Photo credit: National Secretary of Tourism (Senatur)
Eastern Paraguay (Alto Parana and Canindeyú)
Monday Falls
Monday Falls tend to get lost in the shadows of nearby Iguazu Falls, however these beautiful cascades deserve a visit in their own right. Saltos Monday hasn’t made its mark on the international tourist trail yet, so you may be one of a few visitors exploring the falls and trails through the 22-acre subtropical park.
Iguazu Falls
The most spectacular waterfalls in the world with 275 cascades spanning 1.2 km. Absolutely breathtaking!
Although Iguazu Falls are actually visited from the national parks in Argentina and Brazil, they are just across the border from Paraguay, so many people include a trip to Iguazu Falls as part of their trip to Paraguay.
Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve
The Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve covers 64,405 hectares (159,150 acres) and constitutes one of the last great remnants of forest in the Eastern Region of Paraguay.
The reserve has a network of trails for enjoying nature and observing fauna and flora. Within the reserve, visitors can stay at the Mbaracayú Lodge and enjoy canoe rides on the river, hike numerous trails, go on bicycle rides, observe birds, take mystical night walks, enjoy the Mbaracayú mountain range from the forest viewpoint, as well as visit the Karapá waterfall.
Itapua Region
Near the Jesuit ruins and Encarnacion.
San Rafael Nature Reserve
This nature reserve covers an area of 73,000 hectares (730 km²), and it is the largest contiguous native Atlantic Forest in Paraguay. The reserve is primarily dedicated to research and conservation; the reserve is home to four globally threatened large mammals and over 400 species of birds have been identified in the park.
There are many hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities. Cabin lodging with full meal service is available for visitors.
Photo credit: Pro Cosara
Museo del Arbol & Circuito Indio Dormido
This area, along the Parana River, is an example of the lush vegetation that once covered the entire region. The hiking trails, while not long (about one hour each), include climbing hills and navigating tree roots and rocks.
The Tree Museum is dedicated to environmental preservation. There is a small museum with both a Trunk of Laments, a dedication to the fallen trees due to deforestation, and a Tree of Hope. The main attraction is the outdoor, living museum. While hiking through the jungle you will pass native trees identified by signs with their Guarani names. The Circuito Indio Dormido hiking trails takes you to four viewpoints (miradores) overlooking the Río Paraná, and offers the opportunity to pass through a 40-metre deep ravine rumored to be as a former Jesuit tunnel and escape route.
The Chaco Region
Salt Lagoons of the Chaco
The Chaco Region is home to many rare animals, including jaguars, puma, tapir, tagua, giant anteater and the night monkey. The large region is also home to over 500 species of native birds.
The salt lagoons attracts fascinating and rare species of birds and other wildlife. Flamingos and swans can be seen primarily between May and August, as the lakes are a resting station during their migration.
Photo credit: National Secretary of Tourism (Senatur)
Get Inspired... Explore More of Paraguay
Get inspired by browsing some the places to visit and activities that have consistently proven to be appealing for visitors to Paraguay.
Why travel with Trico Tours?
Authentic Cultural Experiences
We have a deep respect for local people, communities and cultures. In addition to must-see sites, we can also recommend unique and boutique sites that allow you to experience the true heart and soul of the culture.
Personal Attention
We treat all our guests like friends. We start with a conversation and create thoroughly-planned, custom itineraries tailored to your interests, pace, and travel styles.
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Our travel specialists and guides are knowledgeable and highly engaged. We handle all the details and provide 24/7 support offer peace of mind that everything is taken care of and your trip runs smoothly.
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