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The Chaco, an impressive region combining forests, savannahs and deserts is considered as the second
"Lung of South America" after the Amazon. This is a sensitive ecosystem with unique geological
and climate conditions causing wind erosion and salinisation of both underground and
surface waters. The Chaco National Park is the largest protected wilderness area in Paraguay and
is famous worldwide for its wildlife. Some of the most outstanding species lucky visitors expect to see
are the Tagua (a prehistoric specie listed as endangered), the Yaguareté
(jaguar), the Mborevi (tapir) and the Puma.
Close by stands the easternmost tip of the Pantanal, covering an enormous surface extending into
Bolivia and Brazil. It is one of the world's great wildlife reserves, and because of
the veldt-like open land, it is also the best place to observe wildlife in Paraguay.
We venture deep into these wild regions few foreign visitors have the chance to explore.
The Itinerary
DAY 1: Asuncion - Filadelfia
Departure at 13:00 to the city of Filadelfia (466 km), driving on a paved road and crossing several rural
and native communities. Local vegetation consists mainly in palm trees. Arrive in the late afternoon in
Filadelfia and overnight at hotel Florida or similar. (LD)
DAY 2: Filadelfia - Cerro Leon
At dawn we leave Filadelfia to Cerro Leon (Hill of the lion - 276 km), the only mountain formation
in Paraguay, following dirt roads cutting through
the Chaco forests and crossing native villages. Upon arrival at Cerro Leon, we set up the camp and
hike for a couple of hours through the lush hills. We appreciate rock formations dating back to prehistoric period.
Overnight in Camp. (BLD)
DAY 3: Cerro Leon Bahia Negra
At dawn, departure to Bahia Negra (271 km), located by the Paraguay River close to the Pantanal.
During the ride we note the change in the vegetation from the green and high forest to the savannahs.
After lunch, we sail on the mighty Paraguay River and stop to visit a native community, where we
appreciate locals crafts and culture. Overnight in a local inn. (BLD)
DAY 4: Bahía Negra - Retiro Mercedes - Bahia negra
After breakfast, we board a speedboat and sail the Paraguay River to Retiro Mercedes, a crossroad between
Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil. We resume our journey sailing the Rio Negro and enter the immense
landscapes of the Pantanal, having the opportunity to observe many bird species, mammals and crocodiles.
We navigate through flooded palm forests and hike across savannahs for an hour before having lunch
in the forest. After lunch, we head back to the pier on the river and return to Bahia Negra.
Overnight in a local inn. (BLD)
DAY 5: Bahia Negra - Fuerte Olimpo
After breakfast we drive towards Fuerte Olimpo where we have lunch.
In the afternoon we go for a boat ride to Navileque in the Pantanal to observe local
wildlife in its natural habitat. Return to Fuerte Olimpo. Overnight in a local inn. (BLD)
DAY 6: Fuerte Olimpo - General Diaz - Pioneros Cross Roads
Early morning departure to General Diaz where we stop to observe wildlife (mainly birds)
in Gral Diaz Lagoon. After lunch, departure to Pioneers CrossRoads. Overnight in a local inn. (BLD)
DAY 7: Cruce los Pioneros - Pirahú - Asunción
Depart to Asunción. We have lunch at Pirahú Inn and arrive in Asuncion at dusk. (BL)
General Information
Rated: Moderate
Operate from May to November
| Tour Tariff | |||||
| N° of Participants | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| USD | $ 1521 | $ 1051 | $ 1241 | ||
| EUR | € 1263 | € 872 | € 1030 | ||
| GBP | £ 852 | £ 588 | £ 695 | ||
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