Wildlife Holidays in Paraguay

In the west of the country lies what is perhaps Paraguay’s most astonishing ecosystem: the Gran Chaco. This vast, impenetrable tangle of dusty thorn forests might sound uninviting, but it is home to a unique assemblage of hyper-specialised birds and mammals. Chief amongst these are the so-called “Big Six” Chaco endemic birds: Black-legged Seriema (a stately ground-dweller most closely related to the extinct ‘terror birds’), Chaco owl, Crested Gallito, Quebracho Crested Tinamou, elusive Spot-winged Falconet, and the scarce Black-bodied Woodpecker. Other marvellous species here include Great Rufous and Scimitar-billed Woodcreepers, Lark-like Brushrunner, and the handsome Many-coloured Chaco Finch. Although the Chaco is mostly arid, it is dotted with extensive saline lagoon oases, which attract great flocks of Chilean Flamingo, Coscoroba Swan and Ringed Teal.

Mammal life in this harsh wilderness is no less magnificent. The Chacoan Peccary, largest of the three South American species, was unknown to science until 1975. Southern Three-banded Armadillo and Chacoan Mara (an elongated, hare-like rodent) are relatively common, and both Pallid Titi and Azara’s Night Monkey can be seen. Felines like Geoffroy’s Cat, Jaguarundi, Puma and even Jaguar thrive here, too, although catching a glimpse requires good fortune.

The easternmost reaches of the country present a striking contrast to the desiccated Chaco; here, the shared borders of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina are covered by the humid blanket of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. The crown jewel of Paraguay’s eastern jungles is the Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve; safeguarding one of the largest remaining continuous blocks of dense interior Atlantic rainforest left on earth, this pristine wilderness is a vital stronghold for endangered South American megafauna like Lowland Tapir, as well as being a superb birding destination. The trees echo with the strange metallic ring of Paraguay’s national bird, the Bare-throated Bellbird, and exquisite species such as Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets bound through the canopy.

This eastern region of Paraguay also provides easy access to the breathtaking spectacle of Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world. Although lying outside of the country itself, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Falls make for a convenient and awe-inspiring addition to a Paraguay itinerary, as much for the scenery as for the wealth of wildlife living in the surrounding forests. As night falls, flocks of Great Dusky Swifts gather to roost directly behind the cascading waters, while chattering teams of White-eyed Parakeets stream back to their nighttime refuges on river islands. Nearby areas can also be excellent for understory birds like Bertoni’s Antbird and White-bearded Manakin, as well as rare Black-fronted Piping Guan, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, and Riverbank Warbler.

What’s special about its wildlife?

Paraguay’s primary appeal lies in the unrivalled access it provides to two of South America’s most important and highly threatened biomes – the Gran Chaco and the Atlantic rainforest – both of which support unique and fascinating congregations of wildlife. The Chaco is wonderful as a destination for seeking avian endemics – including Black-legged Seriema, Chaco Owl and Spot-winged Falconet – while it also provides possibilities for elusive and rare mammals, from Chacoan Peccary and armadillos to Puma and even Jaguar.

In vivid contrast are the landscapes and species of the lush, mist-shrouded eastern Atlantic rainforests. These great green jungles hold a treasure trove of rare and striking creatures, from Bare-throated Bellbird to Spot-billed Toucanet and Red-and-green Macaw, as well as mammals such as Lowland Tapir and Azara’s Agouti. Paraguay offers a rich and varied experience to the travelling naturalist; with relatively few tourists, the country’s stunning landscape and even more spectacular wildlife can be experienced at a blissfully relaxed and undisturbed pace.